Variable Data (VDP)
An add-on module for variable data printing
vdpXpro adds variable data printing capabilities to Imposition Studio, allowing you to combine a common layout with content that changes from one record or page to another. Use it to create personalized print layouts for tickets, identity cards, labels, certificates, mailers, and other variable data jobs.
Data sources can include static text, automatically generated values such as serial numbers, page numbers, and row numbers, or information imported from a tab-delimited or comma-delimited text file. Imported files can contain one or more columns, providing separate fields for names, addresses, identification numbers, and other record-specific information.
Variable elements can display individual text fields, combine multiple fields into merged text, or generate barcodes from data values. Imported data can also specify external images and PDF files to place in the layout, allowing photographs, logos, and other artwork to change between records.
Each element can be positioned and formatted using the controls available for its selected mode. This allows fixed artwork and variable content to be combined within the same imposition layout.
Data Types ▸
Types of variable data sources:
Serial Number: Sequential page number assigned to a page.
Symbolic Page Number: Symbolic number assigned to a page in its master page.
Dynamic Page Number: The final PDF link number assigned to a page.
Signature Number: The current signature number.
Form Number: The current form number.
Random Number: A randomly generated number using given parameters.
Random Text: A randomly generated set of characters using given parameters.
PDF File Name: File name of the current linked PDF file.
PDF Page Number: Page number of the current linked PDF file.
Static Text: Non-variable user-defined text.
Variable Data From File: Read below section for details.
Variable Data From File ▸
A tab- or comma-delimited text file with one or more data columns can be imported into the layout to function as a data source. It is possible to incorporate text boxes for each data column, each with customizable text properties within a data template. The variable data generates only one data template for the entire layout. Use the linked pages list to control the appearance of data on respective pages.
Controls..: All context-sensitive controls shown here are self-explanatory and come with tooltips. Please refer to the tooltips for each control.
Variable Data Import ▸
A tab- or comma-delimited text file with one or more data columns can be imported into the layout to function as a data source. It is possible to incorporate text boxes for each data column, each with customizable text properties within a data template. The variable data generates only one data template for the entire layout. Use the linked pages list to control the appearance of data on respective pages.
Remove..: Permanently removes all imported variable data.
Update..: Updates modified data from the original data file at its original location, if available.
Import Data..: Imports variable data with one or more columns, delimited by tab or comma, from a text file.
Text Encoding: Select the correct text encoding for the variable data file. Unicode encoding is recommended unless a specific encoding is required.
Delimiter: Select the delimiter used to define data columns in the file. Tab and comma are the available options.
Imported File: Displays the original file name of the imported data file. Double-click to reveal the file on disk, if available.
Has Header Row: Enable this option to use the first row of the data as the column headings. Only the remaining data will be used as variable data.
Only Show First 1000 Rows: Enable this option to limit the display to the first 1,000 rows for large datasets that may take a long time to load.
Data Element Modes ▸
Variable data fields can be used to create variable elements such as simple text, merged text, barcodes, and imported images or PDF files from disk into the layout.
Text: Creates simple text from the variable data file and places it in the selected location. Many attributes such as size, color, alignment, and more can be edited.
Merged Text: Creates merged text from multiple data fields in the variable data file. Search and replace is also possible for some fields. Many attributes such as size, color, alignment, and more can be edited.
Images and PDF files: Imports external image files and PDF files into the layout according to the variable data file. Many attributes such as size, scaling, and more can be edited. It also supports color corrections, color mode changes, and special effects such as sepia.
Barcode: Creates different types of barcodes using data from the variable data file. Many attributes such as size, color, and more can be edited.
Tooltips for Controls ▸ All context-sensitive controls shown here are self-explanatory and come with tooltips. Please refer to the tooltips for each control.
Custom Data Row Preview ▸ Use the Data Row Selection field in the layout window to preview a particular data row.
vdpXpro Data Creator ▸ Creates regular serialized data using the specified controls such as starting number, increment, prefix, suffix, format, row count, column count, and more. Useful for serial numbers, barcodes, and similar variable data.
Note: vdpXpro is not included with Imposition Studio and is licensed separately.
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