Link and update Excel table in Indesign

[Butterbrot&Kaviar]

Hey guys,

is it possible to create an excel table and to link it in indesign, so our client can change and edit the excel table and wie just have to update the data table in indesign? 

The Background:
Our client has a product catalog and he edit and update it in excel (for example prdoct prices). so we have to look for the every changes and do edit it in indesign.

so my idea is it to link the excel table with indesign so we just have to click on the button "update link".

is this possible? maybe with an addon or something else?

Thanks so much 🙂

[BobLevine]

Yes, it's possible but you need to be very careful with it. First, make sure that create links for text and spreadsheet files is enabled in the file handling section of your preferences.

Best workflow (IMO) is to fully format the table in Excel and place it as a formatted table. Second would be an unformatted table that makes full use of table / cell styles.

Finally, I would highly recommend looking into Wordflow from Em Software. It works with Excel files and takes a lot of the danger out of the workflow.

[Frans v.d. Geest · Accepted solution]

Yes. Just set your preferences in File handling to Create link when placing. Beware: you have to setup and use Table and Cell styles (and Paragraph styles) to maimtain formatting when updating.

If things are a bit more complicated in product catalogues, you are better of using XML or a  plug-in like Easy Cataloque.

[Butterbrot&Kaviar]

Thanks you both for you very nice and friendly answer 🙂

Im really really sorry that I have to ask you, but how can I link that excelfile while placing? 

Is the following right?

At first, I create an excel-file with one table and some cells like for example productname, price, articlenumber etc. and I fully format the Table. Then I place it in InDesign with Data->place-> file.xslx. But there is no option like "set link" or something else...

You dont have to describe it fully. Maybe you know a tutorial or link with a description?

Im looking for em software too (thanks for the tip :))

Its our first project with a excel catalouge. So for me its important to know how it works to create an optimal workflow to handle this project. 

So I really really grateful for your answers and tips 🙂 

[jmlevy]

Frans gave you the answer: “Just set your preferences in File handling to Create link when placing”. So go to Preferences > File handling and tick the check box

[Diane Burns]

And it is very important to use Table/Cell styles, or you'll lose your formatting every time you reimport the Excel file. I have a course on InDesign Tables on LinkedIn Learning, this lesson covers the topic in detail: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/indesign-tables/working-with-linked-word-and-excel-documents