Automated content in InDesign

[Craig33919473ulfg]

Does InDesign have functionality to input automated content into a templated layout design? I'm looking to set up a template for a circular that will have updated content frequently. Content to update would include images, pricing, product titles and descriptions. 

[Steve Werner]

There are some workflows that can automate importing content but you'd need to provide more information about your workflow. But it would probably require using a 3rd party product (like a plug-in), and InDesign couldn't do it by itself.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Data Merge might be able to do it without added tools, but the data would have to be rigorously organized.

[Craig33919473ulfg]

After discussing it internally, this may be the way. Thanks. 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Is the layout constant - and only contents is different every time? Like a business card. 

Or it's like a newspaper - where you change layout and contents - and use smaller "templates" for articles? 

[Craig33919473ulfg]

The client wants to have a template for a cirucular ad that could be updated using a spreadsheet to automate the input of copy so the artist doesn't have to input it manually. They also want to update imagery using links from their DAM. I think Data Merge may be the way for the copy, but I'm not sure how helpful it would be with the imagery unless everything was sized accordingly beforehand. 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

In the ObjectStyle - or for each frame separately - you can set "fitting options". 

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/frames-objects.html

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Perhaps more editorial/observational than strictly technical — yeah, I've seen a lot of strenuous efforts to make things like marketing material "automatic," dispensing with the need for all that fussy, egomanaical designer time. Been asked quite a few times myself. You can see small company owners and even experienced marketing managers' eyes glitter as they stare off at a future where new collateral comes at their push of a button.

Seen something like limited, fragile success maybe one time in ten, for short durations. 😐

Made good money going in and cleaning up the mess a few times, too.