What is Variable Data Printing?
Variable Data Printing (VDP) is a printing process in which a design aspect of your piece varies based on the recipient.
The simplest example of this is a postcard mailing, where the addresses are printed directly onto each card. However, variable data can include images or design elements that differ based on any variable, such the recipient’s company or industry. You can also create a design that includes a first name or other bit of information as part of a tagline.
For businesses, variable data can do a couple of things for you. It can make a generic design more personal, which always gets more attention. You can also combine multiple mailings to take advantage of quantity discounts and simply switch out the pictures and text depending on the client.
For projects like wedding invitation packages, printing addresses directly onto envelopes saves precious time and lends a clean, polished look to your invitations.
How does it work?
After you’ve approved the layout and design for your print project, you’ll provide us with an Excel spreadsheet that includes all recipients or variables.
Sending a well-organized spreadsheet can save you time and money by streamlining the preparation and production process.
Ideally, the recipient information should be in separate columns. It’s always easier to combine them than to separate them out. This means information like first names and last names should each be in their own column.
It’s also best if you can send us a final spreadsheet rather than a working spreadsheet. If you have a master list you are sorting and filtering, please save a list with only the final recipients, rather than just hiding the rows.
If you have any questions about variable data printing projects, please contact us today! We’d love to work with you.
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