How to use Variable data, text and images - Adobe Photoshop CC tutorial

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of using variable data, text, and images in Adobe Photoshop CC 2020. By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to create a document that can generate multiple versions of a design using data from a spreadsheet, saving them in various formats such as .psd, .jpeg, and .pdf.

Step 1: Set Up the Photoshop Document

1. Open Adobe Photoshop CC 2020.
2. Create a new blank document:
   • Go to File > New.
   • Choose your desired dimensions and resolution for the document.
3. Design the layout that will include variable data (text and images).

Step 2: Define the Variables

1. In your document, select the text layer or image that you want to make variable.
2. Open the Variables panel:
   • Go to Window > Variables.
3. Define the variable:
   • With the layer selected, click on the "Make Text Variable" or "Make Layer Variable" button in the Variables panel.
   • Name your variable appropriately (e.g., "Name" for text or "Image" for an image layer).

Step 3: Set Up the Spreadsheet

1. Open a spreadsheet program (e.g., Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets).
2. Create columns for each variable you defined in Photoshop:
   • Example columns: Name, Image Path.
3. Fill in the rows with the corresponding data for each variable.
4. Save the spreadsheet as a CSV file:
   • Ensure it is in a format compatible with Photoshop.

Step 4: Copy Path Images

1. If you are using images as variables, ensure that the images are saved in a specific folder.
2. Copy the file paths of the images:
   • Right-click the image files and select "Copy as path" (this may vary based on your operating system).

Step 5: Import the Data Sets

1. Return to Photoshop and open the Variables panel.
2. Click on the "Import" button in the Variables panel.
3. Select your CSV file:
   • Photoshop will read the data and populate the variables accordingly.
4. Preview the data sets:
   • Use the "Next" and "Previous" buttons in the Variables panel to scroll through the data sets.

Step 6: Save as .psd

1. Once you have confirmed that the variable data is set up correctly, save your document:
   • Go to File > Save As.
   • Choose the .psd format and select a location to save your file.

Step 7: Save as .jpeg

1. To save the variable data as a .jpeg, go to File > Export > Export As.
2. Select JPEG from the format options.
3. Adjust the quality and size settings as needed.
4. Click on “Export” and choose the destination folder.

Step 8: Save as .pdf

1. For saving your document as a .pdf, go to File > Save As.
2. Choose Adobe PDF as the format.
3. Select the appropriate PDF settings:
   • You can choose to save multiple artboards or just the current one.
4. Click "Save".

Conclusion

You have now successfully created a Photoshop document that uses variable data for text and images, and you learned how to save your work in multiple formats. This process is powerful for creating personalized materials such as business cards, invitations, or any other design that requires customization. Experiment with different data sets and layouts to maximize your workflow efficiency!