Data merge with different master pages/layouts

[thekindredco]

Hi there. I'm creating a fashion lookbook with wholesale/rrp prices. I have different master pages/layouts in my document and they are facing pages. Is there any way to do data merge with one record per page? I've been trying to find tutorials but have had no luck. Thanks!

[Scott Citron]

Yes, but I believe the trick is not to put the info on a master page. It's been a while, but I know this can be done. Take a look at InDesignSecrets.com. They have some good articles and video links on Data Merge.

[Blue_River_Crossing]

That is true Scott. Every year I create multiple documents using DataMerge to populate different types of Master Pages. Indeed the info cannot be in a Master Page.

[Anna Lander]

Tell please a bit more which step is not clear enough. Generally, when you create the merged doc, you can choose one record per page or multiple records. Do you try to find this option, or there is another problem which I missed?

[John Mensinger · Accepted solution]

jessicathekindredco  wrote

Is there any way to do data merge with one record per page?

Yes. If you make a single-page layout with fields for one record, the default behavior of Data Merge will create a page for each record in the source...but...

I have different master pages/layouts in my document and they are facing pages.

In that scenario, Data Merge won't apply. Essentially, Data Merge operates on a one-off, single-format basis. That is, you set up layout and formatting for one record (on a single page) and Data Merge just repeats it as many times as there are applicable records in your data source. You can control whether it's a one or multiple record-per-page result, but that's it. You can't merge your data into varied layouts in different ways, using on Master Pages or otherwise. For that you'd need a "catalog plugin."