Variable data printing is a topic you’re starting to hear more and more about these days. Over the years, we’ve discussed it a few times in the past on the Professional Document Solutions blog, but never has it been easier to implement this technology than it is today. If you’re interested in it, you’re spoiled for choice.
As a quick reminder, variable data printing is a printing method that allows you to customize different elements of a piece (like a flyer, postcard, or anything else). Certain areas of the project, determined by you, can be populated with unique, customer-specific information, like names, QR codes, or customized offers. It makes marketing materials in particular way more personal to their recipients, and has been shown to dramatically improve response rates.
If you or your design team uses Adobe InDesign, then it’s likely Xerox has developed the best tool for the job with XMPie’s uDirect variable data printing tool. Let’s learn more about how it works:
If You Already Use InDesign, Here’s Why You Should Be Using uDirect for Variable Data Printing
uDirect is a software plugin designed specifically for Adobe InDesign. Basically, it makes it possible to implement variable data into your InDesign projects. You have a static design or template, tell it where you want variable data to be inserted (like names, images, QR codes, or just about anything else you can think of), and when you go to print, each version of the document will be customized based on your data.
Nearly all common data sources are accepted, even comma separated text files or Excel spreadhseets. You or your design time can continue to work directly in InDesign, with uDirect allowing you to insert (or replace static content with) variable content. It’s easy thanks to simple menus and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Users do not need programming skills to do “fancy” things like implementing conditional logic (like “if-then-else”).
Finally, your project can be output in whatever industry standard format you prefer, such as PDF. There are no proprietary or locked-in output formats with uDirect. Awesome!
What’s the Difference Between uDirect Classic and uDirect Studio?
If you’re just getting started with variable data printing or you’re just not doing anything terribly complex, uDirect Classic is going to be a great choice for those more straightforward projects. uDirect Classic has all the standard-but-powerful features you need, like integration with your data source, conditional logic, and more—all within your already-familiar InDesign environment.
uDirect Studio extends the feature set of the Classic version by adding advanced graphic manipulation capabilities. The two biggest additions are uImage and uChart. uImage allows designers to create personalized images and graphics directly within Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, which can then be sent over to InDesign (natively, without having to “redo” anything).
uChart allows you to create dynamic charts and graphs. This could be very useful for anyone dealing with things like financial reports, regional statistics, or other business metrics, who wants to customize them for individual recipients.
The Best Office Equipment and Personalized Assistance Are Waiting for You at Professional Document Solutions
Whether you’re looking to introduce variable data printing into your in-house marketing efforts or you just need a great printer for your home office, we’ve got you covered at Professional Document Solutions. Our team of polite experts are standing by, ready to answer your questions and provide you with the solutions to your unique goals. Please feel free to contact us today or request a free online quote.
