Join John Garrett for an in-depth discussion in this video Solution: Hero Cards Challenge, part of Adobe Illustrator: Variable Data.
(soft, ringing tones)…- [Voiceover] So here's my solution…to the variable data import challenge.…First, I need to add the images…and graph to the spreadsheet,…so I'll switch to the Finder…and then copy the files directly…from their respective folders.…I'll make sure they're sorted alphabetically…before I do this.…Then, I'll paste those names…into the columns in Excel.…It doesn't matter which one of these columns I paste into.…As long as I add the correct header later,…it'll work fine.…Now I'll paste these graphs in.…
Next, since my spreadsheet headers…are no longer matching my objects,…I can't use auto binding at this point.…I have to solve this problem first.…To do this, I'm gonna change these headers…to match the object names in Illustrator.…If I wanted, I could do the reverse;…change the object names in Illustrator…to match the headers I have here,…except two things are wrong.…These headers have spaces in them,…so they wouldn't work.…Remember, the header in variable names…can't have any spaces or special characters in them…
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: Solution: Hero Cards Challenge