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MoreVariable Data - Art Requirements
The first thing that is needed are the art files, preferably Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw or Acrobat, that will be used for the final piece and an example of how you want the final pieces to look.
Variable text cannot be reduced or enlarged per entry. So set up the text using the longest variable piece of text in each place it is used. This allows us to make sure the variable text fits in the allotted area. If the text is too long to fit in the area it may be split into two lines, hypenated or dropped completely. It is entirely possible to let longer lines be split into multiple lines but there must be room in the layout to account for the extra lines. Also, variable text cannot change position, formatting or color. If there is an image variable such as a photo or the background changes that will need to be shown/called out on the art file. Letting us know the specific font(s) requested and sizing is helpful as well. If your variable data job contains a variable image, such as a background change or a photo, contact us for more detailed instructions.
The second thing needed is an Excel list saved in CSV format. The list should be set up with each variable as a column header, then the variables on down the list (see example). Set the entries in the case you would like the final pieces to be (UPPERCASE, lowercase, Title Case etc.). If you’re opting for special packaging, like in a specific order, the list needs to be in the order requested. If your variable data is consecutive numbers and/or barcodes there is no need to send a list. Give us the range of numbers you’ll need and the barcode format and we’ll set up the list. The most commonly used barcode format for variable data is Code 39.
Simple versus Complex Variable Data Example of variable data art layout Example of variable data list formatting Simple variable data is defined as variable data on only one side of a product, all text variables the same size, color, format and location, any image variables are readily defined and sized correctly and the list is properly formatted. Complex variable data could have variables on both sides of a product, or have text variables change size, color, format or location and involve special packaging, etc.
Basic pricing includes simple variable data, all others by quotation only.
