Use data-driven graphics to streamline design work
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4. Hand off the variable library to a developer.
There are many ways to automate the production process using a variable library. For example, a developer can use the variable library to link variables and data sets to a database, and write a script to render the final artwork.
We didn’t need such a sophisticated solution to generate our business cards. We simply opened the variable library (which is an XML file) in a text editor and edited the original code to define additional data. Next, we’ll import the variable library into the template, and use a batch process to render the final graphics.
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5. Import the edited variable library into the template.
Back in Illustrator, choose Load Variable Library from the Variables palette menu, and load the edited variable library.
Our template now has 22 data sets. We viewed each business card by clicking the Next Data Set button in the Variables palette. We’ll use a batch process to save each business card. But first, we have to create an action that saves the final graphics in the desired format.
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6. Create an action to save the variable designs.
Display the Actions palette, and click the New Action button. Enter a name for the action, and click Record. Save the template in the desired format, then click the Stop button in the Actions palette to stop recording.
We created an action to save the business cards in EPS format.
