John Garrett goes over the settings on the Options screen of the Variable Importer script, including the warnings sections, line-breaks, customizing your data set names, saving the generated XML file, and choosing one of the four variable binding options. He also shows how to quickly check if the binding will be successful from within this screen.
- [Voiceover] Our second screen…of the Variable Importer script…gives the Options screen…which I have chosen here at the top.…Here, we're mostly dealing with non essential settings…that can usually be left alone,…although you'd be better off…spending a little time here,…and setting these up.…Let me start from the top,…and work through these settings.…First, here's the Current Preset field…showing our default preset,…which we already know about…from the first screen.…The Warnings section lets you decide which Warnings…you want to see and which you don't.…For example, the script can warn you…that your document already has variables in it,…and that they'll be removed if you proceed.…
Or, it can warn you that your data set names…might cause a problem later on.…At some point, you'll become so familiar with the process…that the warnings will be less helpful…and become more of a nuisance,…so by double-clicking them,…you have the option to turn them off if you want.…I'll leave them all on for now.…To the right, in the Settings section,…
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: Examining Variable Importer options