Data merge - cannot pick "records per document page"

[A***@adobeforums.com]

I am running Indesign CS (Adobe Creative Suite package) on Windows XP...

I am trying to merge a tab delimited text file into my document. When I go to "Create merge document", on the "Records" tab, I select "Records to Merge" = All records. Then I try to change the "Records per Document Page", but the drop down menu is grayed out and I can't make any changes. I want multiple records on one page, but it is stuck on "Single Record". The "Multiple Record Layout" tab is disabled because it thinks I want "Single Record" per page...

Any tips? Thanks!

[K***@adobeforums.com]

Clutching at straws here, but could your layout prohibit the placing of
multiple records? Will you actually get multiple records on a page?

k

[A***@adobeforums.com]

I was trying to get one field on one line, the other fields on the next line, then the next record.

Example:

<<Latin Name>>
<<Common Name>> <<Producer>> <<Genetic Origin>>

For some reason it doesn't allow me to do this with multiple records. I know you can in Word, but you have to put in a <<Next Record>> thing (couldn't find an InDesign counterpart).

If I bring each record in on one line it works OK.

[A***@adobeforums.com]

Actually, I spoke too soon. When I try to do this in a blank, one page InDesign document, one record per line, it will allow me to set "Multiple Record per Page" but it still brings every record in on a separate page!

In Word I know I would need to set "Next Record" - does anyone know if InDesign has an equivalent?

Thanks!

[K***@adobeforums.com]

How big is the text frame? Will you get more than one to a page?

k

[A***@adobeforums.com]

The text frame is 10 in x 7.5 in (Letter size paper with 1/2 inch margins). The text is Times New Roman, 12 point, so I should be able to fit quite a few records (I have it so the record equals 1 line now, though ideally each record would get 2 lines, see above post)

[K***@adobeforums.com]

I think that's your problem. You have defined your record as a 10 × 7.5 in
text frame, so you can't get more than one to the page.

Make the text frame big enough for the text, but no more. That gives
InDesign a fighting chance.

k

[A***@adobeforums.com]

Oh, I get it now. I thought all the records would be merged into one text frame.

[K***@adobeforums.com]

No, because you set up your placeholders and InDesign fills them with data.
Then if you have requested multiple records on a page, it duplicates your
placeholders, and fills them with the next set of data.

k