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Design Stream
Inspiring
September 22, 2017
Answered

Linking a database to InDesign file

  • September 22, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 17162 views

Hello everyone,

I am setting up a catalog with numerous price charts. The price grid figures change frequently. I would like to link a pricing excel database to the file and and have the client make changes there, instead of directly in the file. I have read about several ways to do this. Has anyone out there come across an easy and efficient way of achieving this?

Lisa

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer davidblatner

    While Bob's idea of linking to the excel file can work, it's limited… that is, it can work, but only in carefully controlled situations.

    There are many more third-party options that are far more powerful, including DataLinker from Teacup Software.

    Colette Perry wrote a feature article in InDesign Magazine about ways to connect InDesign to databases and spreadsheets here: https://indesignsecrets.com/issues/issue-99-automated-publishing

    4 replies

    davidblatner
    Community Expert
    davidblatnerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2017

    While Bob's idea of linking to the excel file can work, it's limited… that is, it can work, but only in carefully controlled situations.

    There are many more third-party options that are far more powerful, including DataLinker from Teacup Software.

    Colette Perry wrote a feature article in InDesign Magazine about ways to connect InDesign to databases and spreadsheets here: https://indesignsecrets.com/issues/issue-99-automated-publishing

    D
    Design StreamAuthor
    Inspiring
    September 24, 2017

    Hi David,

    Big fan since the days of QuarkXpress!

    I just re-activated my Lynda.com account yesterday in order to listen to your tutorial called "InDesign: Data Merge and Database Publishing". The conclusion I have drawn from that is that what I am trying to do has too big a learning curve for me to try on this project because of the timeline. I plan to do some research and learning before trying it again in a few months. Thanks for your reply and the link to the article!

    Lisa

    davidblatner
    Community Expert
    davidblatnerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    September 24, 2017

    Hi Lisa, thanks very much for your kind words!

    Looking forward to hearing back from you in a few months that you've successfully accomplished it! You can do it; it just takes planning, prep, and a bit of time.

    MACinTUTOR
    MACinTUTOR
    Inspiring
    September 23, 2017

    note for clarification: You are not linking an "Excel database". You are linking an Excel spreadsheet. Excel is a spreadsheet (not a database} application. I have worked with database (FileMakerPro, SQL) to InDesign integration for many years in automating catalogue production and based on the title "Linking a database to InDesign file" of your question thought I might help. Then as I looked deeper I realized you are using Excel and, hence, a spreadsheet. Bob's reply seems spot on.

    .
    Not trying to criticize you. Database files and spreadsheets are not the same thing. Only trying to help you get better answers. :-)

    .

    p.s. Trying to use Excel to make something that appears like a database has resulted in many problems for my clients over the years. You might want to consider exporting your Excel data and importing it into a database program. For example, FileMaker Pro will do an automatic conversion. All you need do is drag and drop the Excel spreadsheet on top of FileMakerPro and it will convert the spreadsheet into a relational database for you.

      D
      Design StreamAuthor
      Inspiring
      September 24, 2017

      Hi MACnTUTOR,

      Thanks for the clarification.

      Lisa

      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      September 22, 2017

      Have a word with Kris Coppieters at https://www.rorohiko.com/wordpress/custom-development/

      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      September 22, 2017

      Linking Excel files works nicely if it’s simple. First change your preferences to create a link when placing text and spreadsheet file. Place an unformatted table, apply a table/cell style.

      amaarora
      amaarora
      Inspiring
      September 22, 2017

      Hi,

      I agree with Bob on this. Turn on this preference:

      Place the excel as unformatted text... (press shift when you click on the file to place to open "Import options") and use table/cell styles in InDesign to apply to the excel sheet.

      -Aman

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