you should be able to script this using vbscript, javascript, visual basic, etc. if you know (or have someone who knows) about programming, and have downloaded and installed the scripting plugin.
get the scripting plugin, read the documentation. you should be able to get rolling in visual basic with that.
also there’s a whole sub-forum here for the scripting plugin that has lots of people who can help you with specifics.
cheers Dave,
I wasn’t 100% sure if it was possible but I’ll go scout out some advice on this scripting plugin
definately. i’m thinking something like
read data into recordsets in vb
use vb to start (or switch to) photoshop
use data as input for the text tool
execute text tool
align w/move tool
save (& print?)
loop until last record read.
sounds like the way to go – I’m using Windows XP Pro – does Visual Basic come with it or is it something I need to purchase?
I have a stack of learning to do!!! 🙂
Get a page layout program, like indesign or pagemaker.
Set up your graphics on a master page with a frame for the variable data. set up some styles for your text and your good to go. you can import a rtf from an access query
Pagemaker 7 even comes with a database input plugin. and you can get them for indesign as well. Jay
that’s probably easier than getting vb and learning to program. 🙂
You could save the cert as a jpeg and then open it in WORD. Create a text box on top of the graphic and do a mail merge into that box.
Well, even though you’ll get your wrist slapped in this forum, Microsoft Publisher will do the job nicely with it’s mail merge. That is, of course, depending on your intent of the certs.
well, you’d get your wrist slapped if you try to send a publisher file to a printer, but if it’s the best tool for the job – so be it.
Hi,
I think the best bet for me is to learn up on Visual Basic – I’ve done a bit of VB scripting for a database-driven website – using Dreamweaver and ASP. (I’ve a friend who can get Microsoft VB for me also…)
I’m using windows XP and from what I read I’ve essentially two choices – learn Visual Basic or Javascript. Javascript has the bonus of being cross-platform but doesn’t work with multiple programs, whereas Visual Basic is Microsoft only but can work with more than one program at a time – is that about right?? I got that from:
< http://partners.adobe.com/asn/photoshop/scripting/docs/Photo shopScriptingGuide.pdf >
I’m currently using Photoshop 7 but could upgrade to CS which might have better database plugin-ability.(?)
I’d also looked at importing the graphics into Illustrator which can also be connected up to a database – and use text elements from the database as the layers. But if Photoshop can handle being attached to a database then I’ll stick with that.
The certificates are printed on photo paper and use a high-resolution print, thus converting to a jpg might make it look less sharp – additionally, the name on the certificate has some text effects applied to it which is easier to do in Photoshop.
If I can get my head around Visual Basic, there are a few other projects that I could apply it to so it’s probably worth try.
Are there any tutorials on the net that give a nice gentle intro into manipulating Photoshop with VB?
Cheers,
Monty
PS is probably not the best program for making certificates for a great number of reasons. Many certificates have border designs, and these should be vector. I would skip the VB programming etc. and consider a better program to use for certificates. If you are just printing to laser printers, yes, consider even Publisher. If you have higher end needs, consider Illustrator, ID, FH, etc.
monty, you can also use vbscript if you already know it
But if Photoshop can handle being attached to a database then I’ll stick with that.
it really can’t. you’d be building the plumbing to do the connection in your program.
If you use Access a lot, then it’s really worth learning at least the rudiments of VBA (VB for Applications) if you have the time to spare. This opens up a whole new world in Access, such as creating user interfaces. It’s probably a lot easier to manipulate your data in Access and get it out using VBA than full VB or VBScript. If you go to the trouble of learning VBA, then it would be easier to use VBScript in PS than JavaScript just because of the similarities between VBA and VBScript.
It’s probably a lot easier to manipulate your data in Access and get it out using VBA than full VB or VBScript.
good point. of course you’re right mick.
I’m glad you said that Dave. I was afraid I might be putting my foot in it. I taught myself some Access VBA but I’m far from expert.
well, you’d get your wrist slapped if you try to send a publisher file to a printer, but if it’s the best tool for the job – so be it.
True, but you can always send them a PDF. Not that it’s that important of a point to make, since the OP is obviously interested in VB.
I created a system for the University of Toronto that was used to create 15000 degrees every spring (it could still be in use).
Basically, I got a file from the database that had the variable data on subsequent lines, persons name first, degree name, then signing official’s name. Each line had a style tag. One file, 45000 or so lines. (actually, it was broken up into smaller files of about 1000 diplomas each for production purposes.)
I then imported this into PageMaker, where a master page was set up with all the non-variable information, and linked text boxes for all the variable information. Poured the text into the first box, and a couple minutes later had a 1000 page file with one cert per page to be printed through the laser.
I would use InDesign to do the same thing if I were doing it today. Much easier than trying to program Photoshop to do the same.
I’m glad you said that Dave. I was afraid I might be putting my foot in it. I taught myself some Access VBA but I’m far from expert.
I did a huge vba project after only knowing VS for about a year. Turns out they’re ALMOST the same. The help for vba in access is excellent (if you installed it, it’s optional).
I would use InDesign to do the same thing if I were doing it today. Much easier than trying to program Photoshop to do the same.
I agree. This is by far the best solution (as are all the dtp solutions offered). I was going on what monty asked in his question rather than giving him the best solution. mea culpa!
Right tool for the job. No use using a screwdriver to pound nails into the wall.
Hi all – ty all for putting so much thought into this
sounds like InDesign would be best then…
I did look at ImageReady as it supposedly handles data sets – but I couldn’t get it to accept data correctly.
my only decision now is based on cost – I can get Illustrator CS, InDesign 2 and Pagemaker 7 relatively cheaply, but probably not InDesign CS just yet. Pagemaker 7 can merge data but I don’t know if Indesign 2 can do it well.
Anybody ideas of which one to go for?
I do have Quark Xpress 6 (rarely ever use it) – I can’t see any data-merge capability – possibly on one of the third party Xtensions(?). I’d rather stick with the Adobe family though.
Cheers,
Monty
umm, it’s more a question of cost – see I know this software guy….. (which is where I got Photoshop 7 from – hence no upgrade option)
I used to use Illustrator 7 but got behind on upgrades – but I’m leaning toward Illustrator CS as it looks as though it will do the job and I’ll probably find other uses for it (although graphic work is only a small part of the job I do).
Unless InDesign 2 is more capable for this particular job.
"hence no upgrade option"
….but of course.
….and the picture comes more crisply into focus…
I agree. I’m dissapointed.
The buccaneer stops here.
See? I told you he should use Publisher <grin>
