5 Replies Latest reply: Oct 15, 2009 10:32 AM by maf79 RSS

    importing data to Illustrator...and other question

    maf79 Community Member

      My first question is about importing chart data into Illustrator. I've tried it (converted it to .txt document) but I'm still having problems. Is there something else I need to do?

       

      Also, I will be imported the chart into InDesign. This may be a little confusing, but stick with me....

       

      Original data in Excel...that's imported into Illustrator.

      Illustrator chart is created.

      I import Illustrator chart into InDesign.

      If original data in Excel is changed/updated and document is saved, will that update in Illustrator and thus change the chart?

      If it does, does that then update the link to InDesign?

       

      This would be so fabulous is that trail that I just described really worked so please someone make my day!!!

        • 1. Re: importing data to Illustrator...and other question
          Sarah@CEL Community Member

          Although I have never tired this, this thread seemed to be quite helpful, looks like it drops the illustrator step though

           

          http://forums.adobe.com/message/1318249#1318249

           

          Hope that helps.

          • 2. Re: importing data to Illustrator...and other question
            Wade_Zimmerman Community Member

            Simple enough to test, make a chart with or without imported data.

             

            Place in in ID

             

            Save everything.

             

            Now update the data in either excel and or Illustrator.

             

            save the Illustrator file.

             

            Open the ID file does it ask i you want to update the modified link?

             

            I would assume yes.

            • 3. Re: importing data to Illustrator...and other question
              maf79 Community Member

              Sarah--that does seem to answer my question I think...unfortunately not the answer I want.

               

              Wade--I've never imported excel into Illustrator and I'm clearly doing something wrong so I can't even make it through the first step sadly. I also admit that I'm so swamped that it was quicker for me to ask than to try. (shame on me!) and also sadly, I didn't even think about testing (another shame on me!)...probably due to being swamped.

               

              What is the trick to importing? I put it into a text document like it said to do. Any ideas other than that?

              • 4. Re: importing data to Illustrator...and other question
                Wade_Zimmerman Community Member

                Tab or comma delineated?

                • 5. Re: importing data to Illustrator...and other question
                  maf79 Community Member

                  I know I did it how they said in the help section or on adobe live docs -- I think tab. The one thing I thought was quite odd is that it said not to use commas (like in 736,000...just leave as 736000) and there weren't any in the excel sheet, but there were when it was imported into Illustrator. I did then take them out in the data box. I got an error several times and I think I was able to maneuver it enough to not get an error, but it still wasn't correct. It put quotes around everything but the year (where the quotes should have been).

                   

                  I think maybe it's just easier to type it in. I don't know how the excel sheet should be formatted/data should be entered. Another person puts all the data together (she analyzes it) and I'm not at all in charge of it. I can at least copy and paste, so I guess I'll just do that. To create a new spreadsheet for every single one would take forever I think (unless I'm missing something).

                   

                  If you have a trick and know what I'm doing wrong, please let me know.