Data Merge - Adding a new line of data, HELP!

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
November 8, 2023
2 replies
1030 views

Hi helpers! I have a document that is utilizing Data Merge. Its a weekly document that uses Data Merge as a placeholder for weekly statistics. Whenever I have to add a new line of data I have to shift all the placeholders manually. Is there another way?

For example I have the number of flags purchased listed next to text that says "Flags Purchased." However when they want to add a line above it that shows the number of cards purchased, the numbers don't shift automatically. Its only reading the numbers since the text stays the same so then all the numbers are off by one line, the new info.

Is there any way around this? Data Merge does not seem to have a lot of options. I haven't used InCopy but maybe thats a better tool?

This topic has been closed for replies.

Colin Flashman

Community Expert

I'd like to help but I'm a little confused as to what you need to do.

What I notice is that the screenshot of the excel file has one record in the data merge, but over one hundred fields - I wouldn't usually see that many fields in a database - 30 tops. Can you please go into more depth about what has been created; what the desired outcome is; and how data merge is used to achieve this goal?

If the answer wasn't in my post, perhaps it might be on my blog at colecandoo!

superbloom421Author

Known Participant

This is a 4 page document with about 300 data points that change each week. Maybe there's a better way to do this besides data merge. What tool would you use with a document that has to change numbers each week?

Robert at ID-Tasker

Brainiac

Can you show us a screenshot of your template and from your Data Merge source file?

Because for me, you should have both informations - text to display and the value - should be in the DM source file - not "hardcoded" in the template...

superbloom421Author

Known Participant

Robert at ID-Tasker

Brainiac

That's what I was suspecting ...

You'd have 2x options:

1) put all three pieces of information in the same field - separated with "#" or something unique - then use NestedStyles to format,

2) create your template as <<107a>> <<107b>> <<107c>> and then put info in the database accordingly - then when you need to add new "columns" in the middle - you'll only have to add new fields in the template at the end.

I can send you example screenshot tomorrow - I'm on my phone right now.

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded