Supported Print Merge Data Sources in CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW’s Print Merge feature enables designers to automate the production of personalized documents—such as badges, certificates, address labels, and invitations—by combining a static design layout with variable records. To successfully automate this process, CorelDRAW supports several structured data sources ranging from lightweight text files to complex enterprise databases. Below is a detailed breakdown of the data formats and connection methods you can link to a CorelDRAW document for print merging.

1. Comma-Separated Values (CSV) Files

CSV files are the most widely used and reliable data source for CorelDRAW Print Merge.

  • Compatibility: Native support via the Print Merge wizard.
  • Usage: You can export records from spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets as .csv files. Each column acts as a field variable (e.g., "First Name", "Company"), and each row represents a separate record.
  • Advantages: Lightweight, human-readable, and minimal formatting issues during import.

2. Delimited Plain Text Files (TXT)

CorelDRAW accepts standard .txt files that use specific delimiters to separate field values.

  • Delimiters: Comma-delimited or Tab-delimited formatting.
  • Usage: Ideal when generating automated data exports from command-line tools, scripts, or legacy systems without spreadsheet software.

3. Rich Text Format (RTF)

For workflows that require text data containing pre-applied font formatting, character attributes, or paragraph styles, CorelDRAW supports .rtf files.

  • Usage: Select an RTF file when the merged text needs to retain italics, bold styling, or specific character sets that plain text files cannot preserve.

4. ODBC Data Sources (Databases and Workbooks)

CorelDRAW can connect to external relational databases and specialized files using Windows Open Database Connectivity (ODBC). By configuring an ODBC System or User DSN (Data Source Name) in Windows, CorelDRAW can link directly to:

  • Microsoft Access Databases (.accdb, .mdb)
  • Microsoft Excel Workbooks (.xlsx, .xls)
  • SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL Databases
  • Advantages: Allows live linking to enterprise databases, ensuring that prints use up-to-the-minute records without requiring manual CSV exports.

5. Manually Created Data (Built-In CorelDRAW Tool)

If you do not have an external file, CorelDRAW includes an internal data creation interface within the Print Merge tool.

  • Usage: Open the Print Merge panel, select Create New Data, define your field names, and type or paste your values directly into the provided grid.
  • Export: CorelDRAW allows you to save this internal data as an external file for future use in other documents.

Supported Field Types Within Data Sources

When linking your chosen data source, CorelDRAW can interpret the incoming data into several dynamic elements:

  • Text Fields: Standard alphanumeric data for names, addresses, titles, and serial codes.
  • Numeric Fields: Numbers that can be formatted dynamically within CorelDRAW, including sequential increments and custom leading zeros.
  • QR Codes and Barcodes: Modern versions of CorelDRAW allow you to map data fields directly to barcode and QR code generators, allowing every merged item to feature a unique, scannable code.