Core Concepts
There are two important things to understand when merging data using DataLinker:
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DataLinker merges into a single InDesign story
- You can merge across multiple text frames, but those frames must be threaded together into one continuous story. -> More details
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Images and barcodes must be inserted into the text flow
- Images and barcodes should be placed as inline graphics or anchored objects.
- For merging with DataLinker, images and barcodes should not be placed in free-floating image frames outside the text flow.
Performance Tips for Large Merges
If you're generating many pages, keep these tips in mind for better performance:
- Keep documents under 50 pages InDesign performance can suffer with large documents. Split the merge into smaller batches and follow this guide: → Merging Large Data Sets
- If you're using BarcodeMaker, adjust PatternMaker’s preferences By default, PatternMaker embeds barcodes into the InDesign file, which can slow things down. To speed things up, set PatternMaker to store patterns externally—either next to the document or in a specified folder: → Set Up PatternMaker Preferences
If you run into any trouble, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help.