Is it possible to make a page of different labels for a list of images, automatically?

[Linda Pradetto]

I have a small business that makes custom design art kits. Most of my time is devoted to copy and pasting images into label templates in photoshop, and was wondering if there is any way I can get it done automaticaly? I'm looking for a program that will take a list of images and automatically copy and paste onto a label template. Is Illustrator capable of doing this? I haven't needed it so far and don't want to invest in it if it won't help.

I've attached two files to hopefully show what I'm trying to do. The first is the list of symbols I want to insert into the template for the labels, second file. At this time I'm copying and pasting each and would like to automate it.

[michelew83603738]

It seems you are using a word or excel list. This is best done in InDesign using  InDesign's Data Merge feature.

[Linda Pradetto]

Thank you so much, I'll check it out. I didn't have any idea where to start looking.

[Linda Pradetto]

It seems you are using a word or excel list. This is best done in InDesign using  InDesign's Data Merge feature.

By @michelew83603738

Actually this is a list I've made up in Photoshop, from a PDF or Tiff file. 

[Monika Gause]

So it's just those texts and you want to keep the formatting?

It would be necessary youtell us exactly what you have and thenexactly what you expect to get from it.

[Linda Pradetto]

With each custom kit I make, I make up two different sets of labels. One is 1 1/2"x 1 1/2" square labels that I apply to small zip bags that hold the beads needed to put together the kit. They are the ones I'm showing, since they are more detailed. At this time I copy each of the lines in the first list, (the 1, the puple box with a 1 in it and the number 155) (2, a blue box with a 2 in and the number 156) and soforth on down the list, and paste them into the 1-1/2"x 1-2/2" labels on the second page.  Some of my kits can have 200-250 colors, or line in the list to copy and paste. It's time consuming! I spend most of my time on each kit making up these labels. I could cut production time down by at least half, maybe more if I could find some way to do these labels faster. Then I make small 1/2" round labels with the same lists. I am looking for a program that can read the list and then paste each line into a different label.  The last image I've attached is a close up of the top rows of the label template, ready to print. I do everything in Photoshop now, the list I'm showing is, in reality, on a transparent layer so when I copy and paste, I'm not transfering anything other than the symbol box and numbers.

I hope this makes sense, I'm not sure how to expain it any better.

[Linda Pradetto]

I've installed both InDesign and Illustrator and it looks like the prep work to get this to work in either one would be more time consuming then what I am already doing in Photoshop. In both I would need to convert the list to a spreadsheet, and the only way I can see to do it would be more copy and pasting, which is what I'm doing now. 

Thanks for everyone's help.

[Kurt Gold]

You may also take a deeper look at Illustrator variables (see Variables palette).

Probably you will need some assistance to understand the concept.

[Linda Pradetto]

Thanks Kurt,

I'm in the process of upgrading from the Photoshop and Acrobat plans to the All Apps plan. Once Adobe gets that straightened out, I'll need to check out both Illustrator and InDesign. I may be back with more questions if I ever get them. 

[michelew83603738]

I recommended InDesign because I think that it is easier to understand how to do than Illustrator variables.

[Linda Pradetto]

My order for the the All Apps plan went through. As soon as I finish up this latest set of labels for some orders that need to go out tomorrow, Friday at the latest, I'll pull them up and see if I can figure something out.