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Ability to link "Data set name" upon CSV import for Variables panel

Currently when you "load variable Library" from a CSV illustrator defaults each Data Set with "Data Set 1, Data Set 2, Data Set 3, Data Set 4... ect."

Currently the only way I know to rename that data set is to manually rename each data set by selecting that data set from the drop down menu, and selecting "rename data set" from the options panel, and then either typing or copy and pasting some text in.

I use data sets for more batch like designing, it would be really nice if we could bind the data set name to a variable the same way we do objects in illustrator. I know you can do this with XML data, but seem to lose the ability to do so when loading in CSV libraries.

This would be particularly useful because I use "data set name" with batch exporting which right now is a blocker to my workflow. since the way I want to name files is not ""Data Set 1.png, Data Set 2.png, Data Set 3.png, Data Set 4.png... ect."

ideally I'd prefer to be able to select that data variable go into options and choose "Data set name" as an option.

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Kyle Baldinger shared this idea  ·   ·  Report…  ·  Admin →
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  • Jake commented  ·   ·  Report

    We should be able to nominate a variable for the titles of the data set.

    Or, it could even pick just the first column.
    Or, it could rely on a column $title with a leading character (i.e. *, or $) just like #visibility, @links, etc.

  • Jessica commented  ·   ·  Report

    There is no reason to need a 3rd party script for something so basic!

  • GUS commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hi Alex! Could you fix it??? HELP

  • Javier commented  ·   ·  Report

    Same bug here! But I think there is no option to update the data file. The "Update Data Set" is not intended for reimporting updated CSV or XML files, but for updating the Data Set with the current data in the document.

  • Vasily Hall commented  ·   ·  Report

    I hope you have discovered and used the VI script to help with this issue!

  • Dakota commented  ·   ·  Report

    When exporting variable data with a batch save/export command, instead of being limited to File + Number, File + Data Set Name, Data Set Name, there should be an option to grab from a variable within the data. If your variable is named '$Filename', then it recognizes that column as the filename.

  • ALEX OKSENGENDLER commented  ·   ·  Report

    In Variables - "Data set " Name needs to be taking from external CSV file the same way as from XML file. Manual provides ZERO help.
    Function does not work.
    Meaning that Printing automation NOT exist and multiple output files renaming from default "DATA SET 1..2..3."manually - undermine whole "VARIABLE" function.

    Please HELP

  • ALEX OKSENGENDLER commented  ·   ·  Report

    In Variables - "Update Data set " does NOT work: NOT reacting on changing DATA from the Source File. _ The same source file. The same location of the source file. Variable name the same. Data changed BUT "Update Data set " do not react, forcing users to reattached and re-link all variables... BIG ISSUE.
    The same for CSV or for XML data types.
    Please fix ASAP

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