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SeoulGal17245878
Participating Frequently
January 4, 2020
Question

Using InDesign to merge list of names from Excel to a Photoshop file

  • January 4, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 2552 views

I'm hoping someone can help please. I have created an invitation in Photoshop using images, colour and text in varying fonts. When creating a pdf to print however, the text is often blurry or has bits missing. I also need to be able to do a sort of mail merge where the names on the invitations are all different (I have a list in an Excel file). I'm told that In Design is the software to use for this. Does anybody know how to do this? I've tried Googling but don't know what terms to type in to find an answer. I gather one should do the design and image work in PS but all text in ID? The problem is that I'm only proficient in PS and as I add text, I often move bits of the imaging around to fit. Would I still be able to do this in ID? Also, I have an action in PS to create individual pdf files using my list of names but the resulting files are massive! If anybody is able to point me to some tutorials then that would be great. Thank you 🙂

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    3 replies

    Colin Flashman
    Community Expert
    Colin FlashmanCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 6, 2020

    Yes, Data Merge in InDesign is definitely suited to the task of invitations, direct mail or numbered stationery.

    My own site colecandoo.com features many Data Merge tricks, including links to some that have also been written for indesignsecrets.com. There is a youtube channel that I definitely recommend watching though, and that is Card at Work - he creates magic-the-gathering style playing cards using InDesign's Data Merge.

    In addition, I have a free script available on my website that will export Data Merge to single records, but only as PDF or INDD. InDesign can only do this with InDesign files, and calls the resulting files untitled-1, untitled-2... but my script uses a field/many fields in the database to determine the end filename. The script can be found here: https://colecandoo.com/scripts/ . There is an additional version of the script that will also export to more formats such as png, eps or jpg, but this is is a paid script.

    If the answer wasn't in my post, perhaps it might be on my blog at colecandoo!
      Dave Creamer of IDEAS
      Community Expert
      Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 4, 2020

      You can do this in Photoshop using Variables too. 

      https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-data-driven-graphics.html

       

      Follow Bob Levine's advice on saving as a PDF from Photoshop for text clarity. To keep the file size down, do not include layers or Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities when saving as PDF.

      David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
      S
      SeoulGal17245878Author
      Participating Frequently
      January 5, 2020

      Thank you, yes, I know how to do it all in Photoshop but the text loses quality. There are bits missing and when printing, the quality is awful. Text is no longer crisp even though it looks perfect on screen even when zoomed in. I already exclude layers and Photoshop editing capabilities when saving as a PDF. The problem I'm having is being forced to use 2 separate pieces of software to create one single item. As I edit things a lot as I go along it will mean constantly switching back and forth and having to export it each time. It's such a palaver. Photoshop is brilliant right up until I print it and text is no longer crisp. If I have to first save my psd as a pdf before exporting then I can no longer put it back into Photoshop if I need to make changes to the images. It doesn't sound to me as though it would be seemless. Or am I misunderstanding?

      Dave Creamer of IDEAS
      Community Expert
      Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 5, 2020

      Do you have effects added to the text in Photoshop? If so, some effects will still cause the text to rasterize.

      However, you shouldn't have "bits missing"--that possibly points to another problem, such as a protected or corrupt font. 

      David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
      Joely10623436
      Community Expert
      Joely10623436Community Expert
      Community Expert
      January 4, 2020

      You are looking for the Data Merge feature… 

      https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/data-merge.html

      The Photoshop File (background) needs 300ppi and RGB or CMYK Color mode. And also 3mm offset/bleed on each side.

      Then place this Image (PSD/TIFF/JPG) in your InDesign-Document with the size of your invitation.

      I'm sure there is a good class/course for Indesign/Photoshop around your corner.

      Good luck.

       

      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 4, 2020

      If there is any text in that image it needs to be saved as a PDF to retain the vector properties.

      S
      SeoulGal17245878Author
      Participating Frequently
      January 5, 2020

      Thank you, yes, I do save as a pdf. That's the problem. Bits of the text are simply missing when I do that. I've tried all types of settings too. That's when somebody recommended using ID for the text part. I'm just trying to get my head around having to use 2 pieces of software to do something I've always only done with 1. I don't want to be switching backwards and forwards all the time.

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