How to Use Data Merge to Assign Fill Colors or Object Styles in InDesign

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
September 18, 2024
2 replies
2127 views

Hello!

I am using Data Merge to populate things in a text field. I also need to set the Fill Color of the text field. Just basic color coding and organization.

I added a "COLOR" column to the CSV and want to use the terms in the column to trigger different Fill Colors, Object Styles, etc. I cannot find how to assign the "COLOR" column to any of these things inside of InDesign though…

How to

Correct answer Robert at ID-Tasker

Short answer - not possible.

You could play with fancy GREP Styles and some "tagging" in the text - to use Rules in CharStyle - but you won't be able to format objects nor apply ObjectStyles.

You could use images, placed behind the text, to simulate fill color.

Otherwise - only post-processing via scripting would be the answer.

Unless you can create complete IDML file...

3

32132159n6c3

Participant

It's not the smoothest set up but this is possible. Once it is set up, it works perfectly
Changing Colors During a Data Merge | CreativePro Network

Robert at ID-TaskerCorrect answer

Legend

Short answer - not possible.

You could play with fancy GREP Styles and some "tagging" in the text - to use Rules in CharStyle - but you won't be able to format objects nor apply ObjectStyles.

You could use images, placed behind the text, to simulate fill color.

Otherwise - only post-processing via scripting would be the answer.

Unless you can create complete IDML file...

N

Nick39004185unwgAuthor

Participant

...oh no.

Well that is not good. Guess I need to jerryrig Indesign or find a different software to use. I am really starting to question what use cases indesign is meant for.

Thanks for the response Robert! Super clear and helpful.

Robert at ID-Tasker

Legend

With built-in DataMerge - you can either import long Tables - rows with different data - OR - build business cards / leaflets - based on the same template.

You can import images or generate QR codes.

And that's all.

If you need something more "dynamic" - you'll need a 3rd party tool or switch to XML.

Can you post a screenshot of your design / layout?

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