So, i am struggling with Java. Trying to learn it on the side. My knowledge is pretty basic, but in the meantime I'm asking for help.
I have found other threads about multi-page pdf placement via javascript. Thing is, no one ever explains what each bit of the java is doing, which isnt a critique, it just means I cant figure out how to rework it for my specific need which functionally is a bit different.
The threads are still helpful but they could be a bit more "teach a man to fish".
So, i have postcard mailings and in these mailings i create a blank PDF the full "with bleed" size of 8.75x5.75, place a front and back via variable and use an imposition template to add crops (which adds the crops behind the artwork FYI lol).
I am then combining many different excel sheets into one large mailing list. Each individual sheet has a three letter code corresponding to a sales person that i add as a column. Each sales agent has their own postcard. I then use that column to place the front and back artwork in addition to the addressing info and a variable line with the receivers name on the front ("Michael, dont miss out on the deals we have for you.") It's different sales people each time and turnover is high so I am constantly expanding and rewriting my rules.
So far I have to split each PDF once proofs are approved into a 1-front and 2-back pdfs set from InDesign that i then add as resources so that I can call them in two rules, one for the front and one for the back of the PC.
They are basic (Front: if REP field contains AAA, then display AAA1.pdf, if REP field contains AAB, display AAB1.pdf) and (Back: if REP field contains AAA, then display AAA2.pdf, if REP field contains AAB, display AAB2.pdf) etc.
This is a real pain, and often there are mistakes from InDesign as this is not the most elegant or efficient means of doing this (lots of unnecessary extra workflow prepress) and this client is always in a rush and I wish there was simply a place in the resources/rule functionality to simply denote page number in PDFs. Seems like a real developer/S.engineer oversight.
Nevertheless, I'm trying to make javascript that does this for each possible card and I think if I keep going at it without asking for help it'll be ages, in not never, before I ever figure it out, lol.
I think part of the curveball is the ever changing sales reps.
Help is greatly appreciated. I know people are giving their time and effort, so thank you!