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DirkDenys
Participant
Apr 13, 2020 8:36 AM UTC
Answered

CSV File import in Illustrator (Var data)

I tried a lot, but I simply cannot import a simple CSV file (from Excel)0
Every time the error pops up : "The incoming variable library is invalid"

Is there anyone, who works on PC (win 10 build 1903) with Illustrator CC version 24.something
who can succesfully import a CSV file with just two columns (Name and Number for example) 
and make multiple datasets from these?

Thanks in advance!


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Test Screen NameCorrect answer
Legend
Apr 13, 2020 9:24 AM UTC

Please explain the exact steps by which you make the CSV file from Excel.  I notice it does not have commas but semi-colons, try fixing that.

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6 replies

zaid5ECD
Participant
Jul 9, 2024 8:04 AM UTC

There should be no space between words in titles. Instead of writing (num ID), write (num_Id) and the problem will be solved

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DirkDenysAuthor
Participant
Apr 13, 2020 9:29 AM UTC

Thank you very much Test_Screen_Name 🙂

You solved my issue. My seperator is set wrong in my regional settings.
I did this for a bug with another software, and now that you mentioned
the semi-colons, it came back to mind.

Thank you very much for helping me out on this one!

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Test Screen Name
Legend
Apr 13, 2020 8:38 AM UTC

How exactly, step by step, and with what exact settings in detail, do you make the CSV? Perhaps you could share a sample (with no personal data).

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DirkDenysAuthor
Participant
Apr 13, 2020 8:57 AM UTC

No probs, here is the example :

 

My illustrator file, with the variables defined (open the variables palette via window-variables)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1C5jgHsDoOoX8wzcj2GNEuUKUNZAWeF61 

And then in the palette, choose load variable library, and select the csv file

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LXjZqrlsveHq1PyYNbg1f1roMD-WFBtV 

(the csv file was made via this excel file : https://drive.google.com/open?id=14CsNESvxsHjXmafCUb9q7m7DgEigYwKS )

I also tried the Vardata script importer, and it is nice tool, but has some hickups. I simply cannot
believe that a simple var data workflow (via csv) works perfect in both photoshop and indesign, but would
be such a hassle in illustrator. And for the moment I really need the illustrator workflow)
I must be overlooking something very simple I suppose ...

Thank you for the quick answer!

 

 

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    Test Screen NameCorrect answer
    Legend
    Apr 13, 2020 9:24 AM UTC

    Please explain the exact steps by which you make the CSV file from Excel.  I notice it does not have commas but semi-colons, try fixing that.

    Translate
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