To merge across multiple text frames, those frames must be linked together into a single story. If you’re unfamiliar with linking frames, here is Adobe’s guide on how to do that.
Let’s walk through an example: suppose you want to place two DataLinker fields into separate text frames, and then merge them with DataLinker. Here’s the recommended workflow:
Step-by-step workflow
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Create two empty text frames.
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Link the frames together so they form one continuous story.
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Place your cursor in the first frame and insert your first DataLinker field.
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Insert a column break to flow the story into the next frame:
Type > Insert Break Character > Column Break -
Insert your second DataLinker field in the second frame.
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Insert another column break. This ensures the merge will start a new page for each record.
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Select the entire story (Edit > Select All or Ctrl/Cmd-A).
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Run the merge: DataLinker > Merge.
DataLinker will now merge your records, creating a new page for each one.
Notes and Tips
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Frames don’t have to be on the same page.
For example, you can place the first frame on page 1 and the second frame on page 5. During the merge, DataLinker will duplicate all five pages for each record. -
The story must span every page you want included.
Suppose you only want to merge data on page 3 of a five-page document. You’ll still need to:-
Start with a (possibly empty) frame on page 1,
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Insert a column break,
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Link to a frame with your data fields on page 3,
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Then link to another frame on page 5.
Importantly, insert a column break at the end of every frame, including the final one.
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This workflow ensures DataLinker treats all the frames as part of one continuous story, allowing you to merge across pages seamlessly.