Data merge: Merge data/layout options

[imamisterie]

I have a two page document. Each page contains four identical postcards (front on page 1; back on page 2). I found instructions on how to get more than one data record on a page. My problem is that when I choose to merge data my layout options are greyed out. I can not change records per page or set gutters.
I am very new to Pagemaker and have only the instruction book that comes with the software....not very helpful with this.

Another concern: is it possible to match the records on both pages? I have an address on one side and other data from the same record that needs be on the other side. We will then print four postcards on legal size paper.

Thanks for any help.

 

[BionicJohn]

Hi, imamisterie,

Adobe have tutorials about data merge at:

http://www.adobe.com/products/tips/pagemaker.html

I'm not sure I entirely follow what your saying, plus I@m not a frequent data merge users. Using frames is usually answer with data merge.

Lyn is more au fait with data merge than I.

Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.

 

[Eggles]

I assume you have set up four frames on each page, and into each you have added the field names? Creating four frames on a page is the way to get four identical merges - if you want differnt ones, you need to have only one frame. If you have set up four frames, and they fill the paper available, then of course you won't have any choices in records per page, or gutters, since you have already set that by setting up four records. Setting up records per page and gutters are only posible if you have created just one frame per page.

 

[BionicJohn]

Thanks Lyn!

Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.

 

[imamisterie]

I have been able to get multiple data merges on one page. We have a completely different backside (think of a postcard that will be mailed with addresses on one side and other data from the same record on the other side that much match).

When I add that second page, it does not allow me to manually format the merge.


Any tips around this problem?

 

[Eggles]

>>We have a completely different backside (think of a postcard that will be mailed with addresses on one side and other data from the same record on the other side that much match).<<

You are going to have to set this up as two separate files - one for the front and one for the back. There is no way PM could sort out the two different merges in one file.

When time to print, you may have to run the front and back through the printer in separate runs, or use the Book function (although that may not work....)

Are you printing in-house directly from the PM file?

 

[imamisterie]

Yes we are Eggles. I was afraid you would say that!

Thanks.