Variable data digital printing, is used to produce printed documents that are customized to small groups or individuals. Although only one document is designed, through use of a database, text and graphics within the document can be varied to produce many unique documents.
The variable elements are set according to your target audience. For instance, the copy and images can be tailored according to each individual recipient's demographic and purchasing pattern, or you may want to include the name and photo of the appropriate sales representative or branch office of your company.
This is personalization well beyond the traditional approach to custom printing (imprinting, names and addresses onto an otherwise finished piece). With variable data printing, any text or design element can be individually customized. Full-color pictures and other graphics can be altered. Single words or entire paragraphs can be varied using the font, format and color of your choice. Each piece will have it's own unique look according to your criteria
The look and content of your printed materials can be honed to communicate one-to-one with each intended recipient. Variable data printing is a great tool for conducting targeted marketing campaigns and tailoring your literature to appeal to individuals and small, well-focused niches.
How to Prepare a Variable Data Job
A variable data job is designed just like other print projects by using a standard graphic software package such as Adobe InDesign®. Wherever a variable element is needed, simply place one example of the possible text or graphic in the spot. When finished, print a hard copy of your file and circle all variable elements, marking each with a descriptive name.
All variable elements (pieces of text or links to a graphic file) are placed within a database (or spreadsheet). Each column represents a different variable field in the document. The first row should be used to title the columns using the same names you marked on the hard copy of your piece. Each row after the title row represents a unique finished document. The document file, hard copy, database, images and fonts are then sent to Prepress. Our professionals will link your document to the database and network both files to our digital press. Pages will be assembled on the fly as variable elements from each row are placed within the document file and printed.
Our Xerox iGen 3® is perfectly designed to deliver customized printing utilizing variable data printing technology.
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Prepress Graphic Professionals
What is Variable Data Printing?
