Variable Data
Introduction
Variable data files can sometimes be complicated, but we have created this article to guide how to supply these files to the hub for easy understanding.
To supply merged or an unmerged file?
Our pre-press team would prefer files to be provided unmerged. There are many reasons including:
- Controlling printing sequence i.e. postcode order
- The possibility that barcodes and discreet reference numbers need to be added to ensure printing integrity and to utilise insertion technology downstream.
- More flexibility with imposition schemes and separation control.
- Pre-merged files are larger to upload and download and generally take longer to RIP.
How do I supply my files?
It's easy as, supply us with your pdf document with the field headings placed in merge areas and an XLS document of all your merge data. We have an example of what we require your merge field to look like below...
The fields name must match the column name in your Excel file, please refrain from using special characters in the column headings. If not, you will be asked to update your file to match. Each field also must be opened and closed with two greater than symbols (e.g. <<Example>>), as pictured above.
Uploading the files to your job
When uploading your files into Print IQ, ensure you upload the print-ready file into the Print Ready PDF section and the Excel document (Merge data) into the Supporting Documents section of the job.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please get in touch with your Design team or Account Manager contacts.
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