Data Merge in Illustrator: Is it possible to assign a variable to multiple objects?

[Shelilah]

I'm getting familiar with the data merge and variable functions in Illustrator and I'm trying to save some time in the long run.

For context, in my file I have 2 separate text boxes. They have different text styles but they will have the exact same information. I have multiple instances of this where information is repeated and I was wondering if it's possible to assign one variable to multiple objects. Is there a script or workaround for this? Or do I have to basically repeat the variable and the data on my spreadsheet for this to work? Is it the same problem for images as well?

Thanks in advance!

[CarlosCanto]

No, binding two text frames (or images) to the same variable is not possible.

[m1b · Accepted solution]

Hi @CarlosCanto, you are right, but doesn't Illustrator just make another variable that points to the same field in the data file if you bind it twice? I set up a simple test and I seemed to be able to do what @Shelilah needs.

1. import a data file (mine is just one field called "Letter" with text "A" to "F" on separate lines under it)

2. bind a variable to, in my case, a point text item "A"

3. bind the same variable to a different point text item (if it is already has text "A" you won't get a warning)

    At this point Illustrator adds a new variable so it isn't the same variable as you rightly say.

4. scroll through the datasets (ie the "records"—or lines—of the csv data file): for me Illustrator populates both text frames with the same field from the data file. "A" "A", then "B" "B", etc.

Am I missing something? I admit I don't know much about data merge.

- Mark

[CarlosCanto]

Mark, you are absolutely right!

I was binding each text frame to the same variable separately without success. But selecting both text frames and making them Dynamic does bind each frame to the same variable (two instances of it) as you pointed out.

👍👍

[m1b]

Oh nice! I haven't done it before so I wasn't sure. So @Shelilah can you please try to select both your text frames and click the bind button with the variable selected in the data merge panel? It should do what you need.

- Mark

[Shelilah]

So happy to hear that it's possible! I think now I'm just having trouble getting it to work on my end. Tried the method and I got an error when I loaded in the .csv file.

What I did was:

1.  Select Text box and create dynamic text in Variables window.
2.  While that variable is still highlighted in the variables window, I select the other text box and then click create dynamic text. On my end, it looks like it duplicated the variable.
3. Repeat for my other instances.
4. Load .csv file (and get an error).

I don't think it's a problem with my .csv file. I've been doing other tests where I did just duplicate everything and I was able to successfully load the info. Is there something I'm missing with the whole binding function? When I looked at the flyout menu I only ever got the option to unbind and not add/bind new objects. Or is it a problem where I should load my .csv first and then duplicate? I'm slowly understanding this feature, but compared to everything else in Illustrator this feels so finnicky. 

 

[Shelilah]

@CarlosCanto 

Ok! I did manage to make it work!

The problem was when I upload the .csv. I tried @m1b 's method of uploading the .csv file before I created any dynamic text. Basically linked up any instance I wanted to share the variable and was able to scroll through each data set without any problems. This is definitely a game changer!

[CarlosCanto]

that's what I was doing and failing, I had to load the csv first then bind the variables following Mark's advice.

good to hear it works

[mnimi mi]

Does it still work this way only?  If I create like 20+ nodes with 3-4 variables each and THEN need to reassign the values do I still need to manually pick each object I wish to assign each variable to?

Is it just me or this is kinda weird. Variables concept itself is ment to bring the ability to easily (and error free which is more important) change such a data in a few clicks.