Data Merge - Creating separate PDF files with Multiple Pages

[Jessica5C16]

I have a 2 page document that required varibale data for 260 different doctor offices.

I just can't seem to figure out how to export this as separate PDFs with 2 pages in each PDF.

I used to use SmartStream but no longer have access to that plugin and the Indesign default data merge is just not as intiutive.

What am I missing here?

[Laubender]

Hi Jessica,

I'm not sure what you need, but if you are producing an InDesign document with 2 x 260 pages you could export one 520 pages PDF and split it with Acrobat Pro to 2 page pieces.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

[Jessica5C16]

Yeah - sorry if its unclear.

I want to create 260 different PDFs, each with 2 pages. My current indesign file has two pages, so PDF 1 (page 1 page 2) PDF 2 (page 1 page 2). Hope thats more clear.

Is creating one PDF and then splitting the only way to acheive that?

[John Mensinger]

Your objectives are not really clear.

"I have a 2 page document that required varibale data for 260 different doctor offices."

It "required" variable data. Does that past-tense mean you've already performed a data merge?

"the Indesign default data merge is just not as intiutive."

Granted InDesign's Data Merge is of limited capability. You haven't really described your workflow with the SmartStream plugin, but it's quite possible using Data Merge instead will require some re-think.

"I just can't seem to figure out how to export this as separate PDFs with 2 pages in each PDF."

Do both pages contain merged data?

If you'll kind of start over, describing the exact result you need, and the steps you've taken to get that result, and how/where those steps failed to produce the expected outcome, it will be easier to help determine whether Data Merge is capable, and if so, how you should go about it.

[Jessica5C16]

Sorry if its unclear.

I have a 2 page indesign document and I want to create 260 different PDFs as separate files, each file has two pages.

There is only variable on the front side (page 1) of the document.

Currently, when I export - no matter which settings I choose - I end up with 260 PDFs for page 1 and 260 PDFs for page 2.

[patMorita]

Hi Jessica

You have two possibilities:

Once your data merge is done (InDesign only!) you can use Colin's script to export PDFs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fwmxfo1kf686fo2/splitPDF.sequ?dl=0

If you prefer more comfortable solutions like I do 😉 and if you are on a Mac you may give MyDataMerge a try: https://mydatamerge.com 

[TᴀW]

Extract Pages (https://www.id-extras.com/products/extract-pages/) isn't free, but it should be able to split your 520-page pdf into 260 2-page pdfs easily, and you can even specify custom file name for each of the 260 pages...