Using a PDF as a template for variable data prints.

[conrad dsa]

Hi, 

Does any one know how one can use a PDF file as design template instead of using an InDesign file. 

The idea I have is to use the pdf file with embedded/layered variable fields, which would then be used to proof and process the file.

The plan file, data source and asset sources would already be present in their respective folders in the campaign. 

I did raise a query with XMPie support, and they said the following:
You can in fact use pdf files as assets placed on a page and then create variable text on it.

Which I assume uses Adobe InDesign to create the template which is then uploaded into XMPie.

Any insight on this would be appreciated.

[Jenifer Dexter]

You still have to use InD as your construction document I believe. The PDF is then your asset which you can either have already placed in the InD file or you can have it populate based on your recipient data. 

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[conrad dsa]

I thought as much InD would be involved, but how would I place the pdf as an asset? 

That is something which isn't exactly clear.

[ROBERT HOPFNER]

you can use a pdf just like any other graphic. Just create a graphic ADOR and have your data pull in the PDF. If you want to skip the PDF, you can import another InDesign document into a primary InDesign document but you can't have any variability on the imported Indy doc. I think you can even specify specific pages in the PDF now too whereas in older versions you needed to break up the PDF in single pages and call them individually. XMPie's strength is in leveraging the power of InDesign. It's a powerful combo.

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[couch]

If you need to use a different PDF template/background for different recipients, you can use the suggestion above where the PDF is a graphic asset.  There is information on graphic content objects here:

https://campus.xmpie.com/eLearning/ucreate-print-training/graphic-content-objects

https://campus.xmpie.com/eLearning/ucreate-print-training/working-with-pdf-graphic-assets

However, if you have only one PDF template/background for everyone, just place the PDF into InDesign - File>Place (Ctrl-D) like any other graphic. Then place the variable text/graphics over the top.