Creating and Utilizing VDP (Variable Data Print) ezMerge Templates Follow

The VDP function in MyOrderDesk ezMerge templates allows you to provide end-users with a spreadsheet to fill out that will populate multiple sets of variable data in one item. If end-users are ordering business cards for 10 people, this is a function you can use in your templates. If you choose to use this route we recommend using InDesign's data merge for ease of use in production. If you are unfamiliar with this, this video link will explain how to do this.

1. The Setup.

The first step is to create your template like you normally would. If you need a guide for setting up ezMerge templates, use this video guide. Once all your fields and block are in place, navigate to the template tab in your template and click the [Choose Fields] next to the VDP Capable option. A list of your variable blocks will appear. Choose the fields that will be used in the spreadsheet to be filled out. Be sure to click Save. Once this is done, select the VDP Capable option.

Then open your Fields & Blocks tab, you will notice a new field called VDPInputFile. Open up this field and make sure the Field Type is set to VDP Input File Upload and the Field Usage is set to VDP Input File. Also, check the Field Caption which is what the end-users see. In this example, it's upload multiple records. Be sure to click Save.

2. Testing Phase.

Next, get your order form set up and add the ezMerge template and view the item. We will want to run some tests to make sure we have all the fields marked and the template will upload correctly. You will now see your template upload and download section on the product. Click the [Download Spreadsheet] option and start filling out your spreadsheet. You will notice all of the selected fields from earlier. Fill in at least two rows for the testing.

When the spreadsheet is finished, save and go back to MyOrderDesk and upload the saved file. You will notice the fields fill in with the information from the template and there is now a records dropdown below the proof. If you click Record | 2, the fields will now fill in with the information on the spreadsheet.

3. Getting those records into Production. 

MyOrderDesk will not generate an X-up production file for you to download. There are two ways to process multiple records.

1. As mentioned above we recommend using the spreadsheet and using InDesign's Data Merge. For this, you can open up the job in your history section of the site and download the CSV in the Files/Proofs tab and take it into InDesign and generate each production file there. If you are unfamiliar with this function, this video link will explain the mechanic.

2. This method is not recommended but can be done. Open the order in your history section of the site and open the item. Here you can select the records from the drop-down and click Save. Doing this will create a new production file for you to download from the files and proofs tab. You can download that file and continue the process of all records.