Expert: Amy - 2/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Amy,
         I use adobe illustrator cs3 & i was wondering how do i merge text? i've downloaded an extension to do this and it dose not work, I keep getting a text feilds not selected? how do I select text feilds?

ANSWER: Hi Ciaran,

What is the extension you downloaded? I would guess it would work much like it does in Microsoft applications but I've never done it. I'd be happy to help you get it to work if you tell me which extension, and if the extension has a demo.

-Amy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Amy,
         thanks for your quick reply, my computer has been getting serviced over the last few days, so sorry for the late reply. Anyway onto your question, I've used this new plugin that has been develop for illustrator users heres the link to the page below to give you a better idea of what and how its ment to work

http://ajarproductions.com/blog/2008/11/23/merge-text-extension-for-illustrator/

and heres a link to a page that explains how to install and use this new plugin but for some reason I cannot get it to work

http://kelsocartography.com/blog/?p=1169


thanks for your time

Answer
Hi Ciaran,

Unfortunately the extension you downloaded only combines text objects (text fields) that you have created in your illustrator document into one text block. It does not merge external files into an Illustrator document.

As far as I know you can't do this with Illustrator.

I believe the only Adobe Creative Suite application that has that function is InDesign, with its Data Merge.

Good luck - I know it's frustrating when there's no easy way to get something done.

-Amy