VARIABLE DATA
FILE SETUP
DIRECT MAIL
Preparing Your Data Source
• You can use any spreadsheet
program, such as Microsoft Excel, to
create your data source as long as it
uses standard delimited ASCII files
that support normal tab or comma
delimited files.
• Place all of the variable elements
within the spreadsheet. Each column
in the spreadsheet represents
a different variable field in the
document. Each consecutive row
contains the actual data for the
finished document.
• When using variable images you only
need to place the file name in the
data fields. You must, however, use
the exact file name of the image file
excluding the extension.
Types of Variable Data
VARIABLE TEXT
• Variable text will be triggered via the data source file
• Variable text, if relatively short in length (ie. names, phrases), can be
included in the data source record file
• Larger sections of variable text can be utilized via the use of assets
VARIABLE IMAGES
• Images will be triggered via the data source file
• Make sure all variable images that will be placed in the same position
are the exact same dimensions for optimal results, otherwise the
images will be scaled to fit.
• Image names must be added to the data source DO NOT include the
extension
• Package all variable images in a folder titled "Assets"
VARIABLE VERSIONS
• Multiple layout versions can be used as variables, triggered from the
data source
• Layouts must be common dimensions
Layout Files
INDESIGN FILES PREFERRED
• Use the "package" method under File
menu
• Be sure to include all necessary variable
elements outside the project folder
• Create a separate PDF of the "VDP
Layer" as a guide for variable layout/
positioning
• Include fonts to be used in variable text
• Include all necessary variable elements
outside the project folder
Submitting Files to Thysse
• Data Source (csv, excel)
• Layout File (InDesign package, PDF's)
• Asset Folder (variable images)
Proofing Variable Files
• A “proof” is a preview of your press-ready file, allowing you to
examine and confirm layout, text and content before your order goes
to press. We rely on your thorough inspection of the proof to detect
and correct errors. Orders will not go to press until we receive your
proof approval.
• We will provide a high resolution PDF proof file of 100 records output
from the data source (if you prefer a different quantity please let
your Project Manager know and we will accommodate)
DATA SOURCE
FINAL MERGED ART
EXAMPLES OF
VARIABLE TEXT
Variable text is pulled in directly from the data source file.
When we receive your data file we process the list according to
USPS standards, typically Columns A-H contain all fields required
by the USPS (after processing), these form the variable address
block including the Name, Address, City, State and Zip fields.
Any field in the data can be pulled into the art work
file and used as variable data.
FINAL MERGED ART
DATA SOURCE
Variable images are pulled from the Assets folder which is
linked to the data source by the image name.
Images are swapped out according to the data source record.
DATA SOURCE
FINAL MERGED ART
EXAMPLES OF
VARIABLE IMAGES
Multiple layout versions can be used as variables, pulled from the data source (must be common dimensions)
Rules based variables are setup in the layout document to show and hide the versions when output
DATA SOURCE
"BEES" MERGED VERSION
"PUPPY" MERGED VERSION
"MULTIPET" MERGED VERSION
"DOGS" MERGED VERSION
EXAMPLES OF
VARIABLE VERSIONS
thysse.com | 780 Cusick Pkwy, Oregon, WI 53575