Adobe Indesign: Easy Catalog and CSV for Adobe Indesign

 

 

In Sales Layer we have two connectors for Indesign: CSV for Adobe InDesign and Easy Catalog for InDesign

Channels

CSV for Adobe Indesign

This connector provides Sales Layer content in a CSV for loading into Indesign. When the connector content is downloaded, an instruction file is included with the CSV, which explains how to load the content into Indesign. Ideal for creating simple layouts in a few easy steps:

  1. Open Indesign and start creating your catalog template with empty boxes (text boxes). You will fill these boxes with the CSV.
  2. When the template is ready, go to Window>Utilities>Data Merge>Select Data Source and select the CSV.
  3. Assign the data fields inside the text boxes.
  4. Now, go back to the data merge panel, select more options and click on "Create Merged Document".
  5. Open the ready-made catalog.

Warning: it is not advisable to put spaces in the names of the images because the connector will export them with "_" in the CSV, preventing to match the image with the product. Also, when using the CSV connector for InDesign and downloading the images, you must place them at the same level as the CSV without being in another subfolder or InDesign will not find them.

Puedes encontrar más información en este enlace: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/data-merge.html

Easy Catalog

The second connector is much more powerful. Easy Catalog is a paid plugin for Indesign that allows advanced automations. To use it you need to have knowledge of the tool. At Sales Layer we offer partners who can:

  • Take care of the whole project
  • Prepare the designs and train our customer in its use.
  • Sell Easy Catalog only

Waning: it is important to note that since this is a connection with an external tool, it is not possible to support its use from Sales Layer (neither in Easy Catalog nor in our channel). The only thing we can verify is that the data is being sent, but we have no way to train the customer or help in the integration.

In the case of opting for a partner for automation, it is highly recommended that you plan ahead so that they can advise you as soon as possible on how you need to have the data in Sales Layer to prepare the catalog.