John Garrett explains the problems of overset text the user may experience after import into Adobe Illustrator. He shows that Illustrator provides no other warning than the box itself, unlike the Data Merge feature of InDesign. He also suggests methods of dealing with overset text after import, and suggests ways to mitigate the problem before importing.
- [Voiceover] The most common issue you'll likely deal with…when it comes to something going wrong after import…is overset text.…Overset text is what it's called when an area type object…isn't big enough to fit all the text inside of it.…When this happens,…you'll see a red plus sign on the out port…on the right side of the type object.…Normally, to fix this,…you can either increase the size of the type object…or adjust the font size, leading, et cetera,…until you get the text to fit.…Another fix is one that's less likely…in a variable data situation.…
You could click that red plus sign,…which will give you a loaded cursor.…Then click on another area type object,…or click anywhere else on the artboard…to create a new type object.…This will link the text and allow it to flow…out of the overset object into the new one,…the chances are, when you're importing variable data,…the layout is set in stone,…and there's nowhere else for the overset text to go.…It has to fit in its allotted space.…So, what can we do about this?…
Author
John Garrett
Released
4/26/2016Designer John Garrett appreciates the many different types of variables and their practical uses, including generating business cards and direct mailers. In this course, he explains how to use variable data including managing linked images, graphics, tables of data, and graphs. He covers the entire workflow, from setup to exporting dynamic batches.
- Setting up Illustrator files
- Using Appearances
- Setting up data sources
- Importing data
- Managing linked variables
- Binding and using prepend paths and presets
- Using the Variables panel
- Naming data sets
- Generating multiple versions with batch exporting
Skill Level Advanced
Duration
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Introduction
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1. Exploring Variable Data
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What Is Variable Data?1m 12s
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Different types of variables4m 16s
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2. Setting up Illustrator Files
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Naming objects4m 25s
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Using area type2m 32s
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Using point type1m 57s
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Using variable data graphics4m 50s
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3. Setting up a CSV Document
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Setting up data in Excel3m 25s
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Saving a CSV file3m 11s
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4. Importing using Variable Importer Script
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Opening Variable Importer3m 19s
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Creating and using presets1m 32s
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Testing and importing a CSV2m 22s
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5. Working with the Variables Panel
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Uploading data sets4m 8s
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Dealing with overset text3m 41s
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6. Exporting and Reviewing
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Creating a save action3m 25s
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Conclusion
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Next steps1m 12s
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Video: Dealing with overset text