Plug-ins
Episode 9: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 3)
July 14, 2009
In Episode 7, I introduced EasyCatalog. In Episode 8, I demonstrated how to use EasyCatalog to import data into InDesign and configure it. In this episode, I show you how to create a catalog template from start to finish. I start by creating the product style, which is a prototype of a typical product in the catalog. Then I test pagination by dragging data from the Data panel to the product style. This important step ensures that the product style works correctly. Once I finish testing, I finalize the template and test again by paginating multiple products at once. Along the way, I share a wealth of tips and tricks that make the template creation process faster and easier.
After watching this episode, you might want to practice creating the catalog template yourself. After becoming a member, you'll be able to download the practice files.…
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Episode 8: Automating Layouts with the EasyCatalog Plug-in for InDesign (Part 2)
July 03, 2009
In Episode 7, I introduced you to the amazing capabilities of EasyCatalog. Now I'd like to show you how to create a template that automates the production of a product catalog. Originally, this episode was going to demonstrate the entire process from start to finish, but I quickly discovered that there just wasn't enough time in one episode to teach you everything. So I've created a third part, which will be covered in Episode 9.
In this episode, I demonstrate the first two steps involved in creating the template. I start by studying the mock-up layout, which is a sample layout that represents the size, arrangement, and formatting of every element to be included in the publication. Then I show you how to use EasyCatalog to import the data for the catalog and configure it. EasyCatalog gives you complete control over the formatting and organization of your data. This episode highlights the most important features and demonstrates different ways to organize the imported data. In Episode 9, I'll show you how to finish building the template.…
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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.…
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