Here’s a list of the major new features in the 2022 compared to the 2021 version of EasyCatalog:
- Storage of Formatting Rules
Formatting Rules can be stored externally in a Folder based structure within the EasyCatalog Workspace folder. - URL Image Links
Image size and modification date are now requested when “Download Latest” menu option is on, and images will only be downloaded when the size and/or date has changed. Additional advanced preferences have been added to better control the way URL Live links are checked. - Scriptability of Links
An ecLink class has been added to the scripting module to enhance the scriptability of the creation, inspection and modification of links. This represents an EasyCatalog link, either text or frame based. An ecLinks collection exists on most InDesign layout objects
More Info… - ExtendScript Support
Formatting Rules can be post processed using Extenscript or Lua. Extendscript usage requires the scripting module. Any objects created by the script become managed as part of the formatting rule.
More Info… - Enterprise Data Providers
Additional Enterprise Data providers for popular PIM/DAM systems have been added, along with the ability to better manage their installation and removal. - Performance Improvements
Data sources using a lot of interdependent fields can now be opened and updated quicker. - Enhancements to Tabular Fields
Tabular field cells can be inserted as links in a document. However when a parent field is inserted, EasyCatalog normally creates a table of individual fields for each cell. Specifying a Formatting Rule changes this behaviour. When the parent field is inserted, a single link is created containing the populated formatting rule. All links are removed, so the document contains a single link to the parent field
More Info… - Improved Replace Fields
Specific Layers can now be targeted. You can now choose All Layers (this is the previous behaviour); Current to only replace fields on the ‘current’ layer or a named layer (Locked layers will not be updated). - More Reporting Options
Additional Reporting options available from the Advanced preferences give the ability to generate reports in Excel, XML or CSV formats. - Enhancements to Pagination
For Template Document based pagination, Multiple documents can now be specified in the Template Document field – the template names should be separated by a carriage return. For Guide based pagination, library items can now be placed in the bleed area. - Bug Fixes and Enhancements
Consult the release notes for details on hundreds of other enhancements and bug fixes.
