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RobR_CD
Known Participant
March 21, 2024
Answered

Data Merge w/ Content and Images

  • March 21, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 5406 views

Hey folks! I'm using InDesign v2024 on a Macbook Pro. Currently, I am designing a postcard with variable data which is both content and images. I have an Excel spreadsheet sheet with all my columns and rows together and the content is working completely fine but the images is where I am having issues. Column header is '@images to avoid Excel thinking I want to use a formula. The rows have the paths which I have tried every which way from Sunday to make work but continue to get the same error (missing image files). Please note that I am saving this spreadsheet as a CSV file format and everything is currently on my desktop (not a server). Despite reading articles and forums as well as watching many videos, nothing seems to be working.

 

Here are my questions:

  • Is there a specific file extension that is required?If so, what is it? I've done both PSD and JPGs.
  • For a Mac, is there a specific path required? I've seen all sorts of opinions on these and none of them work for me. Here are a few examples I've tried:
    • /Users/[account name]/Desktop/House Account Postcard/Links/Images/Product_JPGs/[filename].jpg
    • /Links/Images/Product_JPGs/[filename].jpg
    • ./Links/Images/Product_JPGs/[filename].jpg
  • Should I be using 2 separate files; one for data and the other for images? If so, how do I do that?

 

Any and all help is much appreciated! Thanks!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer robertg12963327

    Actually, I was able to solve it myself and get it to work on a Mac.  Here's how:

     

    • Used to be you could put the path name to the files in the spreadsheet without the FULL path so long as the .csv file was one level above the folder containing the images (example:  /links/QRCodes/QRcode1234.png)
    • I was able to fix it by putting the FULL path name in (example: /Users/<userID>/Documents/ProjectFolder/Links/QRCodes/QRCode1234.png)

     

    Hope this helps others solve their problems!

    4 replies

    robertg12963327
    robertg12963327
    Participant
    October 25, 2024

    Getting this exact same issue on my MacBook Pro, using InDesign 20.0 via Creative Cloud.  I've added image to templates via merge successfully in the past, but something has changed.  I get the same error messsage as the screenshot above.  Any ideas on how to correct?

    R
    RobR_CDAuthor
    Known Participant
    October 25, 2024

    Its a Mac issue only. You'll need a PC based computer to get it to work. That's what we had to do.

    robertg12963327
    robertg12963327Correct answer
    Participant
    October 25, 2024

    Actually, I was able to solve it myself and get it to work on a Mac.  Here's how:

     

    • Used to be you could put the path name to the files in the spreadsheet without the FULL path so long as the .csv file was one level above the folder containing the images (example:  /links/QRCodes/QRcode1234.png)
    • I was able to fix it by putting the FULL path name in (example: /Users/<userID>/Documents/ProjectFolder/Links/QRCodes/QRCode1234.png)

     

    Hope this helps others solve their problems!

      Eric Dumas
      Community Expert
      Eric DumasCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 21, 2024

      Hi,

      I have done this process several times, but on Windows only, the paths for images seem to be more stable than on Mac.

      The file format (for me) worked perfectly using jpg extension.

      I would test the path by pasting it in a browser window, Chrome might be more forgiving. If the path is correct, the jpg should display.

      I would try the opposite, Chrome window, File > Open > navigate to open a jpg. When the picture opens, copy paste the 'url' from the web address window. Then paste that in your csv and test in InDesign. I would try that on a csv file with only 2 entries to make sure it works before getting every image's path that way.

       

        J
        Community Expert
        Jeffrey_SmithCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 21, 2024

        Is the header in your spreadsheet '@images or @IMAGE? The apostrophe may cause an issue.

        You can also eliminate the need for the directory path within the data by using these steps:

        1. Consolidate all graphics into one directory
        2. In spreadsheet, include complete name of image: graphic123.jpg
        3. Save .csv / .txt file into the directory of graphics
          Eric Dumas
          Community Expert
          Eric DumasCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          March 21, 2024

          if Excel is a problem, remember a CSV file is a text file with comma delimiters. If you do not have too many fields, you can type it or at least enter the headers and a couple of rows. Then open that in Excel to keep editing, if it is quicker.

           

          header1,header2,header3,@image,header4

          text1,text2,text3,path/picture1.jpg/text4

            R
            RobR_CDAuthor
            Known Participant
            March 21, 2024

            Eric - We just confirmed that this is a Mac issue and nothing else. Got it to work on a PC which is beyond frustrating!

            R
            RobR_CDAuthor
            Known Participant
            March 21, 2024

            Please keep in mind that the suggestion by Adobe on their "Help" site also did not work.

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