Episode 9: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 3)

#1

September 28, 2009

Matto

Can I use different product styles in the same document when using pagination?

#2

September 30, 2009

Gabriel Powell

@Matto Great question! It's definitely possible to use more than one product style in the same document. It does require some forethought and planning though. First, create all the product styles that you need for your publication. Then add them to one library and give each of them a distinct name. Next, you need to create an additional field (column) in your database or spreadsheet that contains the name of the product style that should be used for each record. This identifies which product style is used for each record. If you've already created a data panel, you'll need to synchronize it with your updated data source to bring in the new column. Once you've done that, you can paginate your document by choosing Paginate from the Data panel menu. In the Pagination dialog box, you need to specify one last option. Select the appropriate field name (the one that determines which product style to use) from the Asset Name pop-up menu. After clicking OK, EasyCatalog will use the product style you've specified for each product. I've created templates that utilize up to 10 unique product styles, but there is no limit.

#3

October 21, 2009

PMA

Hi! Is it possible to automate the usage of two layout styles, so that I can have the product image on the outer part of every page? In your demo, all the images are on the left hand side of the description, I'd like those two elements to switch places on every other page. And another question: I have some product groups with so many items that they will span over two (or more) pages. When I try to paginate, I get an error saying that the box (set to adjust Frame Depth To Content Depth) cannot be resized to fit the text as the text is deeper than a page. Any way to work around that, so that the remaining items will get listed on the next page? Thanks :)

#4

October 23, 2009

Glicopage

@PMA Product image on the outer part of pages:
Two ways: a) In Pagination Rules, Page Orientation, is possible to assign a library to "left" and "right" pages.
b) Anchored object, relative to the spine.

If Box Cannot Be Resized error: In Pagination Rules, Fitting, instead of "Adjust Frame Depth To Content Depth", try "Grow and Flow". Best Regards

#5

October 23, 2009

srdjan

Thank you Gabe

#6

October 26, 2009

Gabriel Powell

@PMA Glicopage is correct. You can assign the "left" and "right" Page Orientation options to your product styles, but keep in mind that you will then need to create an extra column in your data source file that specifies which product style each record should use. So I would go with the second option that Glicopage mentions, which is to setup the product image as an anchored object with the Relative to Spine option selected. This way you only need one product style and the images will always be on the outer part of each page.

As for the error message that you are getting, you can try paginating with the Frame Contents method instead of the Inline method. To switch between these two methods, double-click the Insert option in the Pagination Rules panel. Basically, the Inline option preserves the original parent frame of the product style when you paginate. The Frame Contents method essentially copies the contents of the original parent frame and pastes them into the text flow.

I can give you even more accurate answers if I could see your layout. Click the Ask a Question button at the top of this page to email me your layout and I'd be happy to take a look.

I also offer one-on-one training over the internet. If you're interested in custom training that is also recorded, let me know.

#7

December 14, 2009

jcapes

Very good videos. Thanks!