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January 7, 2022
Question

Is there a simpler example about the use of XML in InDesign?

  • January 7, 2022
  • 4 replies
  • 742 views

Is there a simpler example about the use of XML in InDesign?
I want to learn how to use XML in InDesign. I read the Adobe help document, and it is too advanced but not practical.
Is there a simpler example to share?
Do I need to build a DTD first?
For example, I now have a basic student information form info.xlsx

I want to use XML to realize the import, and in the future, users can add or delete in Excel, or modify the table.
My InDesign file is automatically updated.

I want to use XML to achieve, not variable data (or called data merging)
What should I do, can you help me?
DTD can be in any form, as you think

 

It is best to provide InDesign files
Thank you so much

 

My xlsx file is here 

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    4 replies

    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 8, 2022

    >>, and in the future, users can add or delete in Excel, or modify the table. My InDesign file is automatically updated.

     

    If this is your goal, InDesign can link to an Excel file and update a table without any need for XML.

    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    dublove
    dubloveAuthor
    Legend
    January 8, 2022

    Using and updating Excel is just one example I gave.
    Since I don't understand XML, I think it's magic.
    I want to learn and understand XML, maybe I will use it later.

    -----

    Also, I want to ask, why can't I edit the post I just made
    at community.adobe.com

     

    dublove
    dubloveAuthor
    Legend
    January 8, 2022

    Here comes the problem, I modified my XML file,
    My InDesign files won't update automatically?
    I need to reimport?

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    January 8, 2022

    Do you really want to use XML? I think you may have latched onto this even though it isn't what you need. Did you look into using the regular, pretty simple, data merge? This is based on CSV files, which can be exported from Excel in seconds.

    Kasyan Servetsky
    Kasyan Servetsky
    Legend
    January 7, 2022

    Here's a brief description of how to prepare an XML file for InDesign from Excel.

    For details, read Designer's Guide to Adobe InDesign and XML by James Maivald.

      dublove
      dubloveAuthor
      Legend
      January 8, 2022

      Thank you very much~
      I found this too, and it's pretty good.
      Unfortunately, I can't connect to youtube

      dublove
      dubloveAuthor
      Legend
      January 7, 2022

      If the table in my Excel file has 10 rows,
      For example, my ID file is like the following, how to read the table in the excel file
      My ID table has only 2 rows, will the remaining rows be added automatically?

       

      ID File

       

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