Project - variable data fields

[pmarc]

Hi. I am importing Photoshop jpegs into Word. These jpegs are actually a pre-designed layout, like a magazine. Actually, it's a newsletter.

This Word file, with the finished jpeg, is then sent to people who must enter their personal info. Because they in turn are sending the newsletter to their own set of customers, and the latter have to know where the newsletter is coming from.. hence the personalized data. We send these standard newsletters to about 200 people.. they in turn have about 1,000 emails each in their respective databases.

So it's a file that has both standard data - the jpegs, and fields for various users' own data.



PROBLEM: I don't know how to set the 2 fields for variable data. How's that done?

[macropod]

If the users all use Word 2007 & later, you can use content controls for their data entry. Alternatively, to support all Word versions, you could use formfields, with your document protected for forms. See:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/wo...005230270.aspx
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/wo...010030746.aspx
http://gregmaxey.com/word_tip_pages/repeating_data.html

[pmarc]

If I do as prescribed:

1. can I make these form fields like 1"x2" or 2"x6 and make sure these fields stay put in their designated location? They must be stable.

2. will the file stabilize as it's sent thru email to 200 diff people? or will the fields distort or move around?

3. I assume when the 200 users are done, they can use a converter to save as a pdf.. just like I do every day with normal Word files?

[macropod]

You cannot change the sizes of the formfields, though you can put them into table cells of fixed row height & column width to constrain their line length & count - or you could use multiple formfields (eg one per line).

An alternative, if it suits your purpose, would be to use just the table. With Section breaks either side of the table, you could leave the table's Section unprotected. The only risk with that approach is that users might use Word's table tools to resize the table.

Aside from the above re using only a table, it and any formfields you insert will stay put and the users can save as PDF. There will be no formfields in the PDF - just their content.

[pmarc]

Another thing: ..."no formfields in the PDF..just their content" That's good. Very good! Thanx I'll try it out now and see what happens, mate.

[pmarc]

1. Can't find general tab...after saving doc as a word template. Funny thing when I rt clk word... it says office 12...??

2. The newsletter has a top banner..pre-designed. It will have to be dropped into the top as a jpg, also...

Can the variable data form area, which takes up about 1/6 of the total banner space, exist inside the banner? How else would it co-exist in the overlapping area?


OR, BETTER: NO OVERLAPPING AREA ... IDEA: The pre-designed jpg banner is made only 5/6 of the page width... leaving 1/6 of the horizontal space for the variable data form. So presumably when we drop in the banner.. we adjust it to align.. and that's it.

[macropod]

Re #1: I don't know what 'general' tab you're referring to. Office 2007's version # is 12.
Re #2: So add the top banner before protecting the document
Re overlapping: Without seeing the document and what you're describing, I don't really know what you're referring to. Can you attach a document to a post with some representative data (delete anything sensitive)? You do this via the paperclip symbol on the 'Go Advanced' tab.

[pmarc]

I think I've got it al. Thanx a lot for your time.