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.

Indesign Connectors

 

CSV for Adobe Indesign

This is a simplified connector that supplies Sales Layer content in a CSV to be uploaded into Indesign. When the connector content is downloaded, an instruction file is included with the CSV, explaining how to upload the content into Indesign. This is perfect for creating simple layouts in few steps:

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

Warning: It is not advisable to use spaces in the image names because the connector will export them as _in the CSV. As a result, the image will not be linked to the product. Also keep in mind that when using the CSV connector for InDesign and downloading the images, those must be placed in the same folder as the CSV otherwise InDesign will not be able to find them. 

Additional info can be found here.

 

Easy Catalog

The second connector is called Easy Catalog and is much more powerful. Easy Catalog is a paid plugin for Indesign that allows advanced automation. A good knowledge of the tool is required. Sales Layer can suggest specialised partners offering a service at different levels:

  • Taking care of the entire project
  • Preparing the designs and train our client in their use
  • Sell Easy Catalog only

Warning: since it is a connection with an external tool, we are not able to help with its use (neither on  Easy Catalog nor in our channel). The only thing we can verify is that the data is being transferred, but we do not train our clients and cannot help with the integration.

In case of choosing a partner for automation, it is highly recommended that you plan ahead to check how you need to have the data in Sales Layer to prepare the catalog.