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Natasha5E12
Participating Frequently
June 26, 2022
Question

Automatic catalog population

  • June 26, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 850 views

I have a library of hundreds of 3D models.  I want to turn them into a document in a grid pattern with 1 image, the model number, and the name in alphabetical order in a grid. If I create an excel document with this information, can I import it into inDesign and it automatically populate? So I don't have to copy and paste every piece of information?

 

Thank you for your help!

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2 replies

rob day
Community Expert
rob dayCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 26, 2022

Hi @Natasha5E12 , You can try this catalog script (ZenoImageCatalog.jsx), which has a caption option—the captions can be the file name or from the file info. If the 3D models can be saved as image files with the model number and name saved in metadata this might work:

 

https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/ade2b284-c8f0-4828-5974-bdce11b7e190

 

Dialog looks like this:

 

 

The captions get a Paragraph Style, and the image frames get an Object Style, which can be easily adjusted

 

 

 

    N
    Natasha5E12Author
    Participating Frequently
    June 27, 2022

    I would prefer to use Illustrator than InDesign - will this script work in Illustrator, too?

    N
    Natasha5E12Author
    Participating Frequently
    June 27, 2022

    If you wanted to use Illustrator why did you post this here? These forums are "staffed" by volunteers. I for one don't mind saying that I don't like having my time wasted!


    Because I, apprently correctly, assumed this would only be possible in InDesign though I prefer not to use this program. Rob has been incredibly awesome with my questions, so you don't need to worry about wasting any more of your valuable time on this thread.

    brian_p_dts
    Community Expert
    brian_p_dtsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 26, 2022

    Yes. Look into DataMerge. 

    quote

    I have a library of hundreds of 3D models.  I want to turn them into a document in a grid pattern with 1 image, the model number, and the name in alphabetical order in a grid. If I create an excel document with this information, can I import it into inDesign and it automatically populate? So I don't have to copy and paste every piece of information?

     

    Thank you for your help!


    By @Natasha5E12

     

      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 26, 2022
      Yes, you can but what format are those 3D images in?
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