Editing individual pages when using merge fields

[Dunc]

So I am making a catalog of sorts. (Actually it is a Class Reunion book of
classmates)
I am merging data from a Excel database into the catalog.
Each item (Class-member) is to have its own page

I have set up a Publisher "form" where I have inserted the merge fields
where I would normally want them displayed.

My problem is some items in the database do not have all the fields filled
in. The Class-members opted to not fill them in.
Some will need more pictures inserted and text blocks will need to be moved
to accommodate that.

So, if I complete a merge and go to a page where I need to delete a merge
field (because of lack of data) all of the catalog pages drop that field
too.... not just the page I am editing.

Is there a way that after I complete a merge I can make each page separate
and editable without affecting the others?

Is there a way to "edit" individual merged text fields so I could, as an
example, wrap it about a picture without affecting other classmates pages?

Thanks!

Dunc

 

[Ed Bennett]

So, if I complete a merge and go to a page where I need to delete a merge
field (because of lack of data) all of the catalog pages drop that field
too.... not just the page I am editing.

Once you've completed the merge to a new publication, you can edit what
you want where you want and it will affect nothing else.

 

[Dunc]

Well, shucks Ed. That doesn't work for me.

I have created a page as a text box. In the text box I have inserted the
merge fields.

As an example I have first, middle, and last name fields in the document.
I have merged the document from Excel and saved it as a publisher document.

I then go into each page of the document and try to edit each person's page.
If I delete the middle name, say on Joe... all other pages have the middle
name field and information deleted as well.

In other places I have created several fields that are 255 characters long
and linked them together in a "comments section. Again, there is no way I
have found where I can insert a photo among those fields and make them, as
an example, wrap around a picture.

Any other ideas?

Do I have to put each field in a separate text box?
I am not sure that will help me with the "comments" section

Dunc

 

[Ed Bennett]

I have created a page as a text box. In the text box I have inserted the
merge fields.

As an example I have first, middle, and last name fields in the document.
I have merged the document from Excel and saved it as a publisher document.

I then go into each page of the document and try to edit each person's page.

Did you complete the merge? Or were you looking at the publication in
Preview mode? (You have to hit Next: Complete the Merge, and then Create
New Publication.) I just tested this with some test data myself, and was
able to edit each record individually without changing anything else
elsewhere.

In other places I have created several fields that are 255 characters long
and linked them together in a "comments section. Again, there is no way I
have found where I can insert a photo among those fields and make them, as
an example, wrap around a picture.

Photos must be inserted in separate Picture boxes. If you bring those to
the front, and place them on top of the Comments text box, then the text
should wrap around them just fine.

 

[Dunc]

Oh Ed..... Thanks.

You just made my life simpler!!!

Thanks again!

Dunc

 

[Ed Bennett]

Oh Ed..... Thanks.

You just made my life simpler!!!

Thanks again!

Glad to hear you got it working!