Data Merge Different Layout on Facing Pages

[Magda T]

I am trying to create a data merge file with the same data on both pages of a spread, but want the layout to be a mirror image. 
For example, I would like to have the date field left justified near the left side of the left page of the spread and I would like the date field right justified and near the right edge on the right side of the spread. When I modify a field on one page of the spread the field on the other page moves in the same way.

Another application would be to have an image and description, but have the image alternate between being on the left and on the right.

How do I do create create a document where the merge file populates these situations correctly?

Thank you in advance

[lacerto]

Hi @Magda T, and welcome to the forums!

You can achieve this by placing data fileds on the both sides of a master spread:

 

 

 

[Old Bruce]

For your Text Paragraph Style use the Justification setting Away From Spine (or is it Towards Spine(?))

[Magda T]

Thank you for the welcome and the response.

I thought I was doing that, but I think the problem was that I was using the Data Merge Layout Tool and I should not have. Also, I had an empty page before the spread.

Follow up question:
This only seems to work if there is only one page in the document. Does this mean that I have to generate the Merge pages and then either create the other pages or copy the generated pages to a document that has the rest of the pages in it?
For example, if I want to create a monthly spread, followed by weekly pages with the corresponding daily pages before the next weekly spread, etc, I would have to have three separate documents (one for monthly spreads, one for weekly spread and on for the daily spread and them move the generated pages around? Or is there a more efficient way to do this?

Thank you again.

 

[Magda T]

6 minutes ago, Old Bruce said:

For your Text Paragraph Style use the Justification setting Away From Spine (or is it Towards Spine(?))

Thanks Old Bruce. I think the issue was that I was trying to use the Data Merge Layout Tool and as I made a change on one side of the spread, it was made on the other side. I couldn't do any differentiation.

 

[lacerto]

On 2/20/2022 at 4:03 PM, Magda T said:

This only seems to work if there is only one page in the document. Does this mean that I have to generate the Merge pages and then either create the other pages or copy the generated pages to a document that has the rest of the pages in it?

There is basically no limit for the number of setup pages or spreads that can be used to define the data merge layout and fields. But the defined structure must be logically repeatable and new pages generated without causing confused recto/verso organisation of facing pages structure. So if data merge layout needs to be spread based, the document should be started on the left page and pages generated in pairs, as below.

 

[lacerto]

Here's an example of creating alternating layout with data merge, using two single pages and two Data Merge controls (it could equaally well be done with a facing pages layout starting from the left page, and two spreads):

 

With facing pages structure:

 

[Allan Connery]

On 2/20/2022 at 9:56 AM, Old Bruce said:

For your Text Paragraph Style use the Justification setting Away From Spine (or is it Towards Spine(?))

 

[Allan Connery]

On 2/20/2022 at 5:57 PM, lacerto said:

Here's an example of creating alternating layout with data merge, using two single pages and two Data Merge controls (it could equaally well be done with a facing pages layout starting from the left page, and two spreads):

 

With facing pages structure:

 

I can't see anything of the example you're providing. The comment visible to me ends "With facing pages structure: "

I'm new to this forum. What am I doing wrong?

Edited February 22, 2023 by Allan Connery
Clarification

[Dan C]

Welcome to the Affinity Forums @Allan Connery 

2 hours ago, Allan Connery said:

I'm new to this forum. What am I doing wrong?

I can confirm that you are doing nothing wrong, this attachment appears to have been removed by the user, so this is unfortunately where the post ends.

If you're having trouble with the Affinity apps, or have any further questions regarding this I'd recommend creating a new thread here.

I hope this helps!