Handling Dynamic Data
Text or barcodes for name tags, promotional items, data plates and many more.
Prepare your files
- Create a CSV file with the data you want to use (e.g., names, barcodes).
- Prepare your design file that will contain dynamic data fields for text, barcodes, or other information.
Import files into Ruby®
- Open the Manage screen in Ruby®.
-
Import your CSV file (for data) and your layout file (for design).
- The CSV file will appear in the Data sources tab.
- The layout file will appear in the Designs tab.
- The design can also be created and saved directly in Ruby®
Edit data in Ruby® (Optional)
-
Go to the Data sources tab.
-
Click on the list to edit data directly within Ruby®:
-
Modify content or delete datasets as needed.
-
Save changes by overwriting the current file or creating a new CSV file.
-
Export the list as a CSV file if required.
-
Add dynamic data to your design
- Open your design file.
- Click on the "Add dynamic data" icon in the top navigation bar.
- Select the CSV file you imported.
- Choose the columns you wish to use in your design. Ruby will automatically create a text field for each selected column.
Customize your design fields
- Position the fields within your design.
- Adjust settings for each field:
- Change font, size, stretch, or fit.
- Click the adjustment widget icon on the right side for more options.
- Set output type (text or code) for each object, choosing from available code types.
- Preview adjustments to confirm layout.
- Once satisfied, save your design for future use.
Prepare for the laser
- Go to the Prepare screen.
- Position your design on the workspace.
- You can place individual designs or use the Array function for multiple copies.
Set data bindings
- Click on the variable data icon on the right side to open the data bindings dialog.
- Assign data fields to positions in your design. Use the arrows to verify placements.
- Save your data bindings by selecting "Update data bindings." To discard changes, click outside the dialog box.
Finalize and send to Laser
- Select material as you would for any laser job.
- Save the job and send it to the laser.
- Ruby will automatically generate one or more pages for processing, based on your data and plate size.
Tip: Watch the Ruby® video tutorial for a visual guide through this process.