In this video we're going to look at how to use CSV or comma separated values to actually populate a graphic.
So, if we look at our project here, you can see I've actually got a graphic with text and subtitle basically in episode number and in episode name.
Now, we're going to drive the episode numbers and names with CSV files.
Preparing CSV data in Excel
So, I'm going to jump over into Excel here and you'll see I've got two columns, Ep Numbers and Ep Name.
It's always important to name your columns whenever you're working with comma separated values.
Once you've named those columns, go ahead and put whatever properties you want into the subsequent areas of the column.
So, for Episode #46 the Ep Name is the arctic circle and so on and so forth.
Now, in Excel I just went here under File, Save As… and under Save As… I chose File Format CSV.
Now, inside of After Effects
Importing CSV files and setting up a master graphic
all you have to do is just import the CSV just like any other piece of footage.
Then you can go ahead and create a Master Graphic.
So, that's what we did here.
If I go to Version 1 you can see here's my Master Graphic and in here, I've already added the Master Properties for Ep Number and Ep Name.
Now, I've already added the CSV into the Timeline, so if I open up its options
Linking CSV columns to text using the pick whip
under Data there's column 1 Ep Numbers column 2 Ep Name.
So, here I'm going to make the Timeline a little bit larger here and I want this Ep Number to be driven by the first Ep Numbers 0 here.
So, I'll click on its pick whip and I'll just point it at Ep Numbers 0.
Okay?
So, there we go.
TRAVEL EPISODE #46.
I want the name to be driven by Ep Name 0.
There we go. the arctic circle Let's go to Version 2 and repeat the same thing.
Creating multiple graphic versions from CSV rows
I'll open up the options for my CSV.
I'll open up the Numbers and the Name and I'll just point the pick whip to the second option down.
Like so.
Okay?
I'll do the same thing for Version 3.
Open up the CSV, open up the Numbers and the Name and I'll just point the pick whip to the last name, point the number to the last number and there we go.
So, I know this may seem like a fair amount of work, but what's great about this is this.
Let's say, next week I have three new episodes with three new names and I already have this project linked up with each different version.
Well, now what I can do is right click on my CSV
Updating all graphics by replacing the CSV file
and say Replace Footage.
Navigate to your CSV and here I've got new episodes CSV and when I click Open it's automatically going to propagate the new information.
So, I have EPISODE #49, #50, and #51.
And I didn't have to do any re-linking because I already have this new CSV.
Now of course I had the same amount of information in the new CSV but I hope you can see once you've actually linked up a CSV with multiple graphics, swapping out for a new season is just a matter of right click and replacing that CSV.
This sample file contains Adobe Stock assets you can use to practice what you learn in this tutorial. If you want to use the sample file beyond this tutorial, you can purchase licenses on Adobe Stock. Check out the ReadMe file in the folder for the terms that apply to your use of this sample file.
What you learned: How to drive multiple versions of a graphic through linking the text layers to a CSV file
Add a CSV to an After Effects composition
Open the CSV file and make sure the columns are named.
Import the CSV file into After Effects just like any other footage.
Drag and drop the CSV into the composition where you’d like to use that information.
Use the Property Link Pick Whip to link the Source text of a layer to any field from the CSV.
Repeat linking the source text to the various fields of the CSV as needed to finish customizing the text in the animated graphics.
Tip: Once text layers are linked to a CSV, you can relink to an updated CSV to quickly update all of the text as needed.
You can control how Adobe websites use cookies and similar technologies by making choices below. But note that if you disable cookies and similar technologies entirely, Adobe websites may not function properly.
Cookies are small text files stored by your web browser when you use websites. There are also other technologies that can be used for similar purposes like HTML5 Local Storage and local shared objects, web beacons, and embedded scripts. These technologies help us do things like remembering you and your preferences when you return to our sites, measure how you use the website, conduct market research, and gather information about the ads you see and interact with.
You can make choices in the menu below about what cookies and other technologies you want us to use on Adobe sites when you visit them from this browser. You can always change those choices later by clicking on the Cookie Preferences link at the bottom of the page.
If enabled:
We can improve your experience by tailoring the site and the content to things we think might be of interest
We can better keep track of your preferences — like what language you prefer to use
We will better understand your likely interests so we can provide you more relevant Adobe ads and content on non-Adobe websites and in non-Adobe apps
It will help us improve the performance of our website and those of our partners who use the Adobe Experience Cloud
If disabled:
We won’t be able to remember you from session to session so the experience may not be tailored to your interests
You’ll still have access to the content of the site but certain features that depend on cookies may not function
You’ll still see ads, they just may not be as relevant to you
General information
You can control how Adobe websites use cookies and similar technologies by making choices below. But note that if you disable cookies and similar technologies entirely, Adobe websites may not function properly.
Cookies are small text files stored by your web browser when you use websites. There are also other technologies that can be used for similar purposes like HTML5 Local Storage, web beacons, and embedded scripts. These technologies help us do things like remembering you and your preferences when you return to our sites, measure how you use the website, conduct market research, and gather information about the ads you see and interact with.
You can make choices in the menu below about what cookies and other technologies you want us to use on Adobe sites when you visit them from this browser. You can always change those choices later by clicking on the Cookie Preferences link at the bottom of the page.
If enabled:
We can improve your experience by tailoring the site and the content to things we think might be of interest
We can better keep track of your preferences — like what language you prefer to use
We will better understand your likely interests so we can provide you more relevant Adobe ads and content on non-Adobe websites and in non-Adobe apps
It will help us improve the performance of our website and those of our partners who use the Adobe Experience Cloud
If disabled:
We won’t be able to remember you from session to session so the experience may not be tailored to your interests
We’ll still count your use of our site and services
You’ll still have access to the content of the site but certain features that depend on cookies may not function
You’ll still see ads, they just may not be as relevant to you
Operate the site and core servicesOperate site and measure engagement
Always active
These cookies are required, and they are used to enable the site and related services core functionality. Without them the site could not operate, so they cannot be disabled.
These cookies enable the site and related services’ core functionality and collect statistics about user engagement, such as counting active use to help us understand trends. These cookies cannot be disabled.
Measure performance
These cookies are used to analyze site usage to measure and improve performance. Without them Adobe cannot know what content is most valued and how often unique visitors return to the site, making it hard to improve information we offer to you.
These cookies are used to analyze site usage to measure and improve performance. Without them Adobe cannot know what content is most valued, making it hard to improve information we offer to you.
Extend functionality
These cookies are used to enhance the functionality of Adobe sites such as remembering your settings and preferences to deliver a personalized experience; for example, your username, your repeated visits, preferred language, your country, or any other saved preference.
Personalize advertising
These cookies are used to enable Adobe and our partners to serve ads more relevant to your interests. Without them you will still see ads, but they might not be as relevant to you.
Personalize advertising
These cookies are used to enable Adobe and our partners to serve ads more relevant to your interests. Without them you will still see ads, but they might not be as relevant to you.
