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C
Countrym@n
Participating Frequently
October 9, 2023
Question

Is there a way to remove all the unused data placeholders?

  • October 9, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 2799 views

I have created a multi page indesign file that uses data merge and is a template to be used by an account coordinator. 

 

The Indesign document contains my standard data placeholders and then there some extra pages that use optional data placeholders. The reason I have combined them is to have all the pages combined into one document. 

 

The problem I am running into is that not all documents use the optional placeholders. So when they select a data source file that does not contain the optional data placeholders, they get the ”There is at least one data placeholder that cannot be found in the data source”

 

Is there a way to remove all the unused data placeholders?

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

S
Studio 223681069pbak
Participating Frequently
October 19, 2023

this could be handy.
https://corullon.com.br/scripts/product/data-merge-placeholder-checker/

C
Countrym@nAuthor
Participating Frequently
October 19, 2023

Thank you for the link @Studio 223681069pbak . This is definetly  handy. HOwever I am looking for a way to delete and placeholders in the indesgin file that are not being used. Im not sure if this is possible or not

m1b
Community Expert
m1bCommunity Expert
Community Expert
October 10, 2023

Hi @Countrym@n, is it a possible solution to add all the missing placeholders to the data source, but just leave them empty? That might be the cleanest way.

 

Otherwise, it might be solvable with a script, but I personally don't have time at the moment to look at it, unfortunately. Also, it may help for you to post a small sample document and data file set up to show the problem, to make it easiest for someone to jump in and help.

- Mark

    C
    Countrym@nAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    October 18, 2023

    @m1b Do you know anyone who can help me write a script?

     

    m1b
    Community Expert
    m1bCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 19, 2023

    Hi @Countrym@n, first I strongly suggest you set up a test document with test data files *that show the problem* and post the files here. You don't need to use real data (probably shouldn't anyway), but just a similar situation that gives the error, and explain the steps to perform to produce the error. This will be the best way to get help.

    - Mark

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    October 10, 2023

    Rather only with custom script - kind of post-processing. 

     

    Are you a PC or Mac user? 

     

    C
    Countrym@nAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    October 10, 2023

    HI Robert. I am on a Mac and it looks as if ID Tasker does not support it. Do you know anyone who can write a script like that for me?

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    October 10, 2023

    There are a few members here who are Experts in JavaScript - @m1b, @rob day, @Peter Kahrel, @FRIdNGE, @etc

     

    Or, if you have a lot of files to process and you can connect a PC to your Mac network - you could use my ID-Tasker in WatchedFolders mode. 

     

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