Data Merge -- UI Suggestion

[000]

I would really like for all Data Merge related stuff, including the new tool on the toolbar, in one single Studio Panel / Palette.

I know it goes against the current user interface habits, and I really LOVE the idea of collating different files and having them all ready to use in one single "Fields" palette. However, as it is now, the Data Merge feels like peppered all over the interface: To set it up and use it, I need to look for it's features in three different places (toolbar, fields panel and data merge panel and I'm not sure if I actually discovered everything yet).

Bringing it together in one place would make it much easier to learn, explore and use it.

If and when it get's powerful enough (XML, attaching tags / rows / columns to text and character styles, doing calculations, using formatted source data in the text flow ...), maybe even move it in it's own Persona?

[Murfee]

It would certainly make things easier.

I would also like the team to implement data linking that remains in the original file but updates when the data file is updated.

[PaulEC]

I do agree! I can see the logic of having all "insert fields" in the same place, but I'd much rather have the "insert fields" for data merge in the "Data Merge Manager". Personally I'd also prefer to have a Data Merge tab, rather than a pop up "Data Merge Manager" dialogue. 

[thomaso]

I'd appreciate if the DM manager would display the resulting number of total pages, for instance either in the "Source" section at the existing info (x fields, y records loaded, z pages) or in the "Output" > "All Pages" > "To:" field.