Linked a PDF through data merge, can I then edit text in the PDF?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
December 30, 2019
3 replies
566 views

I am creating a file where I am linking different PDF coupons into indesign using datamerge. Once the PDF coupons are linked, I want to be able to edit a line of text in each PDF (the coupons need their expiration date customized for each one). I previously did this in illustrator by embeding the PDF and then the text becomes editable. In Indesign, when I embed the PDF, it becomes a flat image though.

Is there a way to embed a linked PDF and then edit text in that PDF through Indesign?

Any help greatly appreciated!

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Colin Flashman

Community Expert

To expand on Bob's comment, you won't be able to edit the PDF during the data merge.

What you can do though is in the txt/csv file that is the data merge data is create the necessary text in an additional field that relates to the expiry dates for the PDFs in question, and in the data merge indesign file, add a text frame that calls upon the newly created field. This text frame can be formatted in InDesign and placed over the top of the PDF artwork.

What volume of PDF coupons need to be edited?

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

J

justinu32257938Author

Participant

Thanks for the reply! The trick is that there are 100-200 cards with 4 coupons on each. The coupons can be any of a selection of 14 coupons and each has a different color and placement for the variable expiration date. That is a good call to have the expiration data meged in, I will just then need to manually place and color the text.

Colin Flashman

Community Expert

No worries. Data Merge is my bailiwick/wheelhouse/particular field of expertise. I've a few articles written over on InDesignSecrets.com that may also assist you in changing the colour of the type during the data merge as well: https://indesignsecrets.com/changing-colors-during-a-data-merge.php

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