Skip to main content
K
Katz.Kristen
Participating Frequently
October 15, 2019
Question

Object Fitting doesn't stick when using data merge.

  • October 15, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 1359 views

((EDIT)) I was not remembering correctly and it never did work this way before.  It would be wonderful if it did! I'm going to keep tinkering and see what can be done to get this result.  I suspect the answer is in object styles.  Thank you all for your help. 🙂 

 

Indesign Version: 14.0.3

OSX: 10.14.6

I'm doing a data merge that links in images.  The feature I'm looking for used to just be the default setting in indesign but several versions ago it stopped working for me and my peers. 

 

I set up my template page that is the layout I want for each record. Some linked images I change the fitting on so that it's a zoomed(viewfound) in to only a portion of the linked file.  Then in my data merge panel when I hit "create merged document" the document ignores the fitting I have put on my linked images and resets all to just fit proportionally in their frames. 

 

I've tried poking at the fitting settings in the data merge panel with no success.  I've tried making an object style with fitting settings and also had no success.  

 

This used to just automatically happen and now for the life of me I can't find a repeatable method for this to just work like it used to.  Attaching a screen shot for visual reference.  Can anyone help me figure out how to make those fittings stick for the merge? 

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    John Mensinger
    Community Expert
    John MensingerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 16, 2019

    You say it used to work, but I've never gotten it to work the way you describe. When an image is placed via Data Merge, there is some form of "reaction" to its size and proportions. Are all the images you're merging the same size and aspect ratio?

    K
    Katz.KristenAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    October 17, 2019
    Yes they would all be the same. I have new info. It appears I was mis-remembering how it had been working and it in fact wasn't resizing things during the merge. Instead things were going in full size as is what we are seeing. I'm going to mark this as answered since it was my fault I was remembering it incorrectly. Thank you for your reply!
      rickt38612460
      rickt38612460
      Known Participant
      June 4, 2024

      For some reason Data Merge ignores some of the Obejct Frame Fitting options.
      But Data Merge also has its own options for Image Fitting under the options tab.

      And there is more of them which I wish were also under the Obejct Frame Fitting options?

       

        E
        Community Expert
        Eugene TysonCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        October 16, 2019

        Not really sure on this one - try resetting your preferences OR try exporting your file to an IDML and try it again.

        If not that - then have you tried putting the image frame on the master page with the settings?

         

        At least if not working - you only have to toggle the Master image frame settings

        K
        Katz.KristenAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        October 16, 2019
        Two things on this. First. Are you telling me this isn’t how your indesign reacts if doing the same process? Because everyone I work with has this same issue so it’s not a matter of my computer but of a change in the software wide spread a few versions ago.
        K
        Katz.KristenAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        October 16, 2019
        The second point: you can’t do the objects on the master pages because I design doesn’t apply data merge through master pages. It’s just not how data merge functions.
        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices