same business card, different name

[amelia]

Is there a way to do this in a single file? To have different versions, or alternative views, or the like for the varible name fax #, etc. Using InDesign.

[tanstaafl]

If you are looking to keep the same format, but have different names, numbers, etc, you can set the card up as a variable data job. Go to Window > Automation.

[amelia]

It's not really an automation. I would prepress and as companies grow we make new cards from old layouts. Currently each employee gets their own file, folder (with accomp. font and logo) but everything is the same besides the name, so I'm wondering if there is an effcient way to decrease files and size by just switching out the name while keeping the old names in the file as well in case of reordering.

[jlknauff]

Actually, yes, it is. AI CS2 uses an xml file to create a seperate file for each contact. You could also set it up as multiple pages in ID.

[amelia]

Apologies, I meant that the automation option would not seem to work well in this situation. It seems that the sutomation would be best used if I had a list of names, numbers, etc to input. I only make a new card as the business obtains new employees.

[jlknauff]

Yes, that's how it works ;)

[amelia]

Thank you!

[thelob]

Just add new layers for each new employee. Create a master layer with logo/imagery etc. Then just create a new layer every time a new name is required. The complete set of cards will be saved as one file and you can click on whatever layer you require to output!

[amelia]

This is what I've resolved to, but it seems kind of silly. In Illustator there was a Variations window that seems more along the lines of what I'm trying to find. Layers just seems plastic, but it'll work for now. Thank you!

[amelia]

Just to follow up, the Layers tip is working a charm. I have my client folder with 1)fonts 2)graphics 3)Indesign Doc with 1ups that I use layers on 4)20up layout to carry whichever 1up I'm using to 5)proofs for all of the designs

Then I got a job remaking BCs for a business with 30 employees, so I used the automation trick. The best thing is that I can go in and make changes in the new doc. that InD makes from the automation without revisiting the original datafile, which saves time. (Yay!)

[budafist]

I make a new page in Indesign for each name. Layout > Pages > Duplicate spread.
Then I type the new agents name in the new page. 1 file, lots of pages.

Or with companies where we have a lot of names I do the same thing but with 10 names per page...Am I doing this a weird way??

[amelia]

That depends... does it work for you?
Do you get the jobs all at once, or just one at a time- whenever they get new employees? How are you outputting them, to press or to a standard printer?

[budafist]

I set up mine for press, so I end up have to take the names and setting them up however many up the printers want that day. No use having an existing lay really.