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DaveMcQueenis
DaveMcQueenis
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Linking a single Excel cell into an InDesign text block

Aug 8, 2012 7:46 AM

Tags: #update #table #excel #linking #cell

I'm hoping to embed a single Excel cell into a text box and have that value change within the text box as the linked Excel file is updated. Imagine the following:   "... this is an important number 123456 and the text continues here..."


So far I have been able to sucessfully change the preferences so that a linked Excel file is linked and can be updated, but that is a whole file, or range of cells in it's own table.

 

Can I have JUST the text in the cell appear (with no discernable denotation of its attributes) within the block of static text and be linked to allow for updating in the Links panel?

 

 

BTW why is it that sometimes only the first two columns appear in the table?

 

Thanks everyone


1330 Views   8 Replies   Latest reply: DaveMcQueenis, Aug 8, 2012 3:12 PM
 
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  • 33 Steps
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    1. 33 Steps,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:02 PM   in reply to DaveMcQueenis
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    A little experience with Excel linked un InDesign:

     

    The only way I have been able to link individual cells from excel to Indesign is by putting each cell from excel in individual text boxes in InDesign and it will have a link in the links window

    (I have not been successfully placing these cells InDesign Tables):

     

    InDesign:

    Place/Show Import (Choose the cell such as: B2) / Unformatted Tab Text

     

    I hope this has been helpful

     
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  • DaveMcQueenis
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    2. DaveMcQueenis,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:30 PM   in reply to 33 Steps
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    Thanks for the reply, that's how I've done it, and it works flawlessly.

     

    The Excel files into tables I can do with ease.

     

    Like you, I can have a seperate text box with a block of text that is linked to a cell in an Excel file, but I can't seem to get that cell content into a conventional block of text.

     

    HHHmmmm GGggrrrrr

     

    Thanks again.

     

    Does anyone else have any inspiration?

     
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  • 33 Steps
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    3. 33 Steps,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:47 PM   in reply to DaveMcQueenis
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    I have used this method:
    Pasting the individual text box into the conventional block of text.

     
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  • 33 Steps
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    4. 33 Steps,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:55 PM   in reply to 33 Steps
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    Sorry: You first have to place an empty text into the block of text and then import the cell.

     
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  • DaveMcQueenis
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    5. DaveMcQueenis,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:55 PM   in reply to 33 Steps
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    Yes the pasting method works well, but I'm trying to retain the linked aspect of this.

     

    When the Excel file gets changed I need the many references to change when the Excel file is updated.  The pasting method is too manual and prone to human error.


    Once again, thanks for the input.

     
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  • DaveMcQueenis
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    6. DaveMcQueenis,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:57 PM   in reply to 33 Steps
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    Will you please clarify the "empty text into the block of text" part of your post.

     

    You lost me there

     
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  • 33 Steps
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    7. 33 Steps,
    Aug 8, 2012 1:58 PM   in reply to 33 Steps
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    Redo:

     

    Sorry: You first have to place an empty text box into the block of text and then import the cell and make sure the text is bottom align or align as you wish copy to aligh

     
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  • DaveMcQueenis
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    8. DaveMcQueenis,
    Aug 8, 2012 3:12 PM   in reply to 33 Steps
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    That was the solution!

     

    An inline table!  I made a small text box, linked the cell, then made that an inline element within the paragraph of text. Then it's just styling it and design.

     

    Thanks very much

     
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