Performing a "merge" in CorelDraw typically refers to the Print Merge feature, which allows you to combine information from a data source (like a text file or spreadsheet) with your CorelDraw document to create multiple unique variations, such as personalized letters, labels, or certificates.
Print Merge is a powerful tool designed to automate the creation of personalized documents. Instead of manually typing names, addresses, or numbers onto each item, you set up a template in CorelDraw and link it to a file containing the variable data. CorelDraw then merges the data into the designated spots in your design, producing multiple copies, each with unique information.
Steps to Perform a Print Merge
Here’s a breakdown of the process to perform a print merge in CorelDraw, incorporating the steps referenced:
1. Prepare Your Data Source
Your variable data needs to be in a structured format that CorelDraw can read. Common formats include:
- Text files (.txt or .csv): Data is typically separated by commas or tabs.
- Database files: Files from applications like Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx) are also widely used.
Ensure the first row of your data file contains the field names or titles for each column (e.g., FirstName, LastName, Number, Address). These titles are crucial for linking the data to your design.
2. Set Up the Print Merge in CorelDraw
- Go to the menu bar and select File > Print Merge > Create/Load Merge Fields... This opens the Print Merge dialog box.
- Choose to load an existing data source.
- Navigate to and select your data file (e.g., your prepared text file or Excel sheet).
- As seen in the reference, once you select and open the file, the dialog will show you the detected field titles from your data source, such as "first," "last," and "number."
- Confirm these are correct and click "finish." This action completes the data source linking and then opens up the Print Merge window/dialog box.
3. Add Merge Fields to Your Design
- The Print Merge window lists your linked fields (like
, , ). - Select a field from the list and click the "Insert" button (or drag and drop) to place it as a text object in your CorelDraw document where you want that specific data to appear.
- Format the inserted merge fields (font, size, color, position) within your design like any other text object. Repeat for all necessary fields.
4. Perform the Merge
Once your template is set up with merge fields:
- In the Print Merge window, you have options to either "Print" directly or "Merge to New Document."
- Choosing Print will send the merged documents directly to your printer.
- Choosing Merge to New Document will create a new CorelDraw file containing a separate page or object for each record in your data source, with the merged data. This is useful for final review or further editing before printing.
- Execute the merge by clicking your desired option. CorelDraw will process each record from your data source and populate the merge fields in your design.
By following these steps, you can efficiently use the Print Merge feature in CorelDraw to create multiple personalized items based on your data.
