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Participant
January 18, 2017
Answered

Linking to an Excel table populated by another Excel workbook

  • January 18, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 454 views

I am working on a project that involves extracting data from a database into Excel tables. The problem is that the Excel tables are poorly formatted by the software used so we created another Excel file with nicely formatted tables which is populated by linking to the other Excel file. Each time the data is extract the new Excel is populated. The tools are old and not going to be replaced anytime soon.

I setup Indesign CS6 to handle linking to Excel but when I placed the new Excel, the table was blank, empty rows and columns.

I'm guessing that since the new Excel is linked to the old Excel, isn't populated unless it is opened (you can see data when this is done) so I am importing a empty table.

Is there a way to get the data into InDesign in order to produce the reports I need?

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Willi Adelberger

    I would suggest buying some kind of database connection plugins for InDesign and not work with the Excel workaround.

    1 reply

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Willi AdelbergerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 18, 2017

    I would suggest buying some kind of database connection plugins for InDesign and not work with the Excel workaround.

    Loic.Aigon
    Legend
    January 18, 2017

    I can't agree more. Have a look at EasyCatalog from 65bits software. Automating and updatings tables can be done from a direct connection to the database.

    If it's a money issue, you could give XML a try but you will have tough times

    Loic

    PrinjosAuthor
    Participant
    January 21, 2017

    Thank you both. I'll recommend EasyCatalog and hope for the best.