The integrated ODBC connector enables seamless connections to your SQL database, transforming InDesign into an integral part of your company’s data ecosystem. With real-time data updates, errors like typos are eliminated. Why? Because crucial information such as prices and product details now flow directly from your company’s database.

There are various ways to configure the setup. Whether you require a specific dataset from SQL or need to pull data from multiple tables, I tailor the data integration to fit your needs. For example, in the scenario below, data from MS SQL is used to produce extensive catalogs featuring hobby products.

Scripting offers an efficient way to streamline your graphic design workflow. By automating the steps you would typically perform manually, scripting transforms repetitive tasks into seamless, time-saving processes.

For instance, with just one click, an entire campaign can be exported for production. The script manages predefined export presets, document scaling, file formats, file naming, and multi-page exports as needed. Tasks that would normally consume significant time and effort now run in the background, allowing the designer to focus on other priorities, take a break, or step away—returning to find the export process completed.

Although not always the ideal choice, Excel sheets are frequently used to store and manage data. These sheets are often exported from internal systems such as ERP platforms or design software, and they typically contain valuable information like product data and image references. Graphic designers commonly rely on these sheets for tasks like copying and pasting content into catalogs or other graphic materials.

Integrating Excel sheets directly with InDesign can be incredibly efficient. I’ve worked with several companies to create complete catalogs, or used Excel for updating prices and product details. Additionally, connecting to Google Sheets is an option, and integration with Office Online documents is continually advancing.

PIM databases (Product Information Management) are an excellent solution for streamlining collaboration on product data. For many businesses, product data is at the core of their operations. Multiple suppliers contribute to making this data comprehensive—some manage images, others handle pricing, stock information, and more. A PIM system allows multiple providers to work together, ensuring a complete and accurate dataset.

As a graphic designer, this setup is highly beneficial because you can access and extract data directly from the centralised source. EasyCatalog seamlessly integrates with popular PIM providers like InRiver, Plytix, Akeneo, Perfion, and many others.

Leverage this data to create your catalog quickly and efficiently!

You’ve finalized your price list, investing hours or even days manually preparing it for print. Just as you’re about to finish, you’re told that all prices need to increase by 3%. Normally, this would lead to chaos and missed deadlines, especially if your document contains hundreds or thousands of prices. But there’s an easier way—use EasyCatalog to automate the process.

To make this work, you’ll need a data source, such as an Excel sheet, to link your prices to. Additionally, the structure of your InDesign document must be well-prepared. When set up correctly, EasyCatalog can quickly update all your prices. The best part? The next time prices change, it’s even simpler. Just load the updated data, refresh your document, and you’re done.

When a data source is linked to your design, it unlocks numerous benefits. For instance, price changes can be updated effortlessly. If the copywriter makes minor edits to the content, nothing will be overlooked.

EasyCatalog and InDesign offer a comprehensive overview, tracking historical changes and detailing inserted, deleted, or updated data for seamless management.

In the video example below, a price update is demonstrated. Notice how the datasource changes color from red to green, signifying that the data now matches between the datasource and the InDesign content.

Working smarter is an essential skill. Here’s a great example: creating multiple language versions of a catalog. Typically, the process involves developing a master version, getting it approved, and then duplicating it to create localized versions for each language.

With EasyCatalog, the approach is similar but significantly more efficient. The key advantage is that all content for the versions is readily available. You simply update the master content with the new language, and the task is complete.

The example below changes the content from Swedish to Danish.