About data-driven graphics
Data-driven graphics make it possible to produce multiple versions of artwork quickly and accurately. Let's say, for example, that you need to produce 500 different Web banners based on the same template. In the past, you had to manually populate the template with data (images, text, and so on). With data-driven graphics, you can use a script referencing a database to generate the Web banners for you. In Illustrator, you can turn any piece of artwork into a template for data-driven graphics. All you need to do is define which objects on the artboard are dynamic (changeable) using variables. You use variables to change text strings, linked images, graph data, and the visibility setting of objects in your artwork. In addition, you can create different sets of variable data in order to easily view what your template will look like when it is rendered. Templates provide a means of collaboration between designers, developers, and production staff: |