VDP plugin for InDesign

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 7, 2021
2 replies
5425 views

I'm looking for a variable data printing (VDP) plug-in or software that works directly and seamlessly with Adobe InDesign. Can anyone here on this Community Support page point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.

Import and export

Dov Isaacs

Legend

You should look at the uDirect products from XMPie. They were the first to produce such a plug-in that directly outputs PDF/VT-1 for high speed, high quality printing from digital presses. In fact, I personally generated the official PDF/VT-1 sample files hosted on the PDF Association's website about 7 years ago using InDesign with the XMPie uDirect plug-in for InDesign (desktop version).

It is not inexpensive, though!

- Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)

MyDTCCatalog

Participating Frequently

Hi Dov,

Thanks for sharing your Insights. I bought the DesignMerge Pro Lite version in 2021 (I have not used it yet). I plan to use it with a series of personalized periodical publications in print. My question is what is the difference between PPML and PDF/VT-1 in a use case whereby I would be outputting the finished publications to a Xeikon digital press?

K

KeanVar

Participating Frequently

I find myself in the market, too. Please share your insights about DesignMerge Pro Lite.

Brad @ Roaring Mouse

Community Expert

The only one I've ever looked at is DesignMerge. I can't speak to how well it works, tho... never used it.

Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

I used DesignMerge years ago and it was very powerful. At the time I reviewed it for Layers Magazine in 2008, it cost between $1000-$3000 US. The price is not listed on the website so it's hard to say if the cost went down or up.

https://meadowsps.com/designmerge-pro/

Some other options:

FusionPro https://fusionpro.com/creator/

XMPie https://www.xmpie.com/products/print-design-and-vdp/

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)