Episode 7: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 1)
June 20, 2009
I've been using and teaching EasyCatalog for the past four years and I'm still amazed at how powerful and easy it is to use. This amazing plug-in allows you to publish content directly from a database or a spreadsheet into InDesign and it makes it easy to keep all of your information up-to-date. You don't even need any programming or scripting skills!
This episode introduces you to EasyCatalog. I first automate the production of a product catalog and then I demonstrate how the same data can be used to automate a price list. But EasyCatalog isn't limited to producing catalogs and price lists. The plug-in can also be used to automate the production of brochures, directories, product sheets, and more.
If you've been struggling with Data Merge or InDesign's XML capabilities, I highly recommend giving EasyCatalog a try. You can download a 15 day trial from www.65bit.com.
If you would like a more in-depth demonstration or if you would like to ask specific questions about EasyCatalog, click the Ask a Question button at the top right side of this site.
Watch the Episode
Posted in Automation, Plug-ins, Video Podcasts
11 comment(s) to "Episode 7: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 1)"
#2
October 20, 2009
To play an mp4 file, you can use VLC Media Player, QuickTime Player, or iTunes. With QuickTime Player installed, you'll be able to play the videos in your web browser. Each of these applications can be run on a Mac or a PC. Good luck!
#4
January 28, 2010
I recently acquired In Design CS4 and deloaded EasyCatalog plug in. I am new to Adobe software and have been unable to open EasyCatalog. Can you help me.
#5
February 27, 2010
@parts man The best way for me to help you is over the phone. Please click the Ask a Question button at the top of this page and send me your contact information.
#6
March 15, 2010
Hello, I am asking a lot of questions about Easy catalog cause I try to use it. Actually, I tried to import pictures from file csv but it doesn't work. I watched several times your videos, but I cannot import the datas and the pictures. Can you help me please, because my file doesn't get a lot of informations as your example. Best regards.
#7
April 04, 2010
@Jessica mag There are a couple of things you have to do in order to import images with EasyCatalog. First, create an empty graphics frame and apply the appropriate field specifier to it. Next, hold down the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) key and double-click the image field name at the top of the column in the data panel. In the Field Options dialog box, click the Picture Content category at the left side. Here is where you specify the location of the images and determine how they are placed. Specify the settings as necessary and click OK. Now you can drag a record on top of the empty graphics frame to import an image. If it still doesn't work for you, click the Ask a Question button at the top of this page to send me an email. We might need to setup an online consultation session.
#8
September 08, 2010
Hi, are you able to update a template in the library after you've populated the document? Or do I need to go through and repopulate once I've designed the new product template?
#9
March 28, 2011
hello. I am trying to automate the layout of lots of images that I have. They are all the same dimensions and format and the file names of all the images go from aaa to zzz (e.g. aaa, aab, aac, aad, aae, aaf, aag...) over 17,500 in total I just want the images laid out quite simply over however many pages it takes, and want to be able to edit the master template easily... I will probably want the images laid out in 2 columns and 5-14 rows... I'm struggling to do this with easy catalogue, would really appreciate some help. thanks
#10
January 10, 2012
@Bryony There are two ways to update a library item. 1) You can delete the old one and recreate it. 2) Select the new item on the page, select the library item you want to update, and then choose Update Library Item from the Library panel menu. Once you've updated the library item you will need to reproduce the document. There isn't a method for updating a document that's already been populated.
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