Need help setting up card template that needs constant changes

[D A V A]

Hi All

Question: Let's say you had a business card imposition you want to set up but your address may change often, how do you set up template so you can enter info only once in the neccessary field quickly without having to correct each one separately.

Thanks to whoever can help me.

Can't seem to find a video or tutorial that shows this.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Use cross-references for each card layout, drawing from one master/editable one or a data entry block on a second page.

You could also create a one-card layout, exact size, and place that INDD file six or eight or however many times in another document layout, with fields for the unique information on each. Edits to the master layout would be reflected on all instances in the imposed layout.

[D A V A]

Thank you so much! I’ll do that. Was flying blindly up until now.

Sent from device. Please excuse typos.

[Scott Falkner]

Variables. Use a variable for the address. Variables can include line breaks, but you cannot alter formatting within a variable. For example, if you want the address to be a different colour or font from the city, state, provice, postal code, etc. you will need separate variables for those parts you want formatted differently.

[D A V A]

Thank you, Scott! I didn’t even know what words or terms to use when searching how to do this. Much appreciated!
Sent from device. Please excuse typos.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

I get the feeling that some of the answers aren't quite addressing the OP's question. There are two stages here, as in most business card setups—

• Placement of individual info on each card (name, email,. phone, etc.) That can be handled several different ways, from simply typing in the infom across a six or eight card layout to using Data Merge for larger or more repetitive jobs.
• Editing the card's boilerplate info, including company name, address, number, division, main email address, etc. This has to change simultaneously on all cards.

I think the OP is looking for an efficient way to do the latter. I'd just the master card layout (a 2x3.5 inch layout for one card), placed as an INDD in as many iterations as needed on a combined print layout. This gets past all the complexity and limitation of cross-refs, variables, formatting, and even nuances such as changing a key graphic element's color, and ensures 100% consistency across the print layout. All the fixed text fields can be formatted as necessary, with interim highlighting or bolding etc., without having to jump through merge/GREP/style/variable hoops. Frames on each placed layout can then be edited/merged/managed in more conventional methods.

That's my interpretation of the need and an optimum solution.

[D A V A]

Sincerest thanks to All for your help. I found that Variables is the best
solution for what I need to do right now. No need for Data Merge (yet).
What I'm working on is a fairly simple set up. However, I am still going
to explore some of the other methods given here. Thanks so much!

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@D A V A

Do you mean you already have multiple business cards placed on one sheet - or do you want to build them from scratch?

If you want - or can build them again - then how about DataMerge? 

[D A V A]

Build an imposition template from scratch that I can edit by making changes on just one card without having to cut and paste onto the rest.


Sent from device. Please excuse typos.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Build an imposition template from scratch that I can edit by making changes on just one card without having to cut and paste onto the rest.Sent from device. Please excuse typos.
By @D A V A

Then like I've suggested - DataMerge - quicker and less hassle. 

You can prepare a database with all info - that you would have to prepare anyway - then use the template that you already have - then with one click fill it with data. 

But would be great if you would post more datails about you project / workflow + some screenshots of before & after - as right now we are just guessing... 

[Mike Witherell]

One technique at small scale might be Edit > Place and Link.

If the text was linked this way, editing the first original text would update all the rest.