Data Merge - Mailing label issue IDCS4

[P***@adobeforums.com]

I created a simple template to create mailing labels using an Avery form. There are only 3 lines,
<<Name>>
<<Address1>>
<<Address2>>

I followed the instructions by connecting to the csv file and dragging the field names to the text box. I go to the "Create Merged Document" and adjusted the Multiple Record Layout so everything looks perfect. I click on the Preview Multiple Record Layout and everything is fine. No errors reported on the bottom left corner. I click the OK button to make the merged document and what is created is a mess. I get multiple pages (I only asked for one page, 30 records per page) with only one record printed per page. The alignment is all off and it looks nothing like the preview.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[R***@adobeforums.com]

For labels it's easier to do in MS Word which comes with a bunch of canned templates. Right tool for the job.

[P***@adobeforums.com]

That is what I ended up doing. Word only semi-hosed it. Sheesh, I figured, Gee, I got this gazzion dollar package and I use InDesign for other things, it ought to be able to do a simple mail merge.....

NOT

[R***@adobeforums.com]

You can search for an ID template for labels. Or make your own.

[J***@adobeforums.com]

Phil, here are some data merge tips... The document size that you are planning to do a multiple record merge should be the size of the final sheet, not the size of an individual label. Also, create a frame the size of the individual label and place behind the text frame that contains the names and addresses, this will act as a bounding area for the repeating multiple records. Also make sure that there is no other elements outside this bounding area, that will create an unwanted larger bounding area. Also, I have found the data source file really needs to be clean to work effectively, that means no extraneous clutter.

[P***@adobeforums.com]

Jeffery,
I did most of that but not all. I will try what you said and see. For the short term, I did it in word and got it out. I use InDesign for all of my company doc's and I'd like to use it for this, if I can make it work. What is most confusing is that the Preview looked perfect. When I created the document it was completely hosed. Makes one wonder just what is Preview really doing.

Richard, thanks. Yea, I made a custom label as the caned ones did not have my form. Their wizard actually makes it pretty easy once you figure out how they are really placing it on a page. Word displays it goofy too though. If I have the "Indivisible" showing everything looks right. When you click it off, the last row of records show repeating in the footer area. It prints correct but it's preview is confusing too.

Is this really that hard to do? One would think so given both programs are WYSI_NOT_WYG.