By Cyndie Shaffstall

data2date™ is an automatic calendar generator for QuarkXPress 6/7/8 and InDesign CS2/CS3/CS4. It is not an application, but rather a simple combination of solutions, including a FileMaker Pro runtime database (the source for custom date text and predefined holiday sets), a collection of templates in a variety of calendar formats, a pre-written Xdata or InData prototype for each calendar, and libraries containing mini calendars and other miscellaneous fillers.

Using the FileMaker Pro database, you can completely customize the text that appears within each date of the resulting calendar or just choose grouped, selected holidays. Using Xdata, a QuarkXPress® XTensions® modoule, or InData, an InDesign® Plug-in, you will import this text, applying style sheets on the fly. Modify style sheets, colors, master  pages, and drag and drop from libraries to completely control and customize the look of the finished calendar.

data2date includes holiday sets for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
It is compatible with QuarkXPress 6, 7, and 8 and InDesign CS2 and CS3. Once InData for CS4 is shipping, data2date will support it.

Let's get started: installing data2date

data2date is comprised of the databases, the templates, and the libraries. Whether using the demo or the full version of Xdata or InData, the installation process is the same, however, using data2date with the demo of Xdata or InData, you are limited to generating only 50 dates per import. For this reason, when you export for the demo versions, each month is exported separately. If you export for the full versions, one file for the entire year is generated.

To begin, you will need to download the components. You must subscribe to X-Ray Magazine to receive these for free.

The files you need are:

• data2date databases
• QuarkXPress or InDesign calendar templates
• Xdata demo (for QuarkXPress users)
• InData demo (for InDesign users)
• Filler libraries (optional)
• Image Source photos (optional

Note: You will only use the demo if you are not already an Xdata or InData owner.

With data2date there is no need for an installer. Simply decompress the file to your hard disk and then open the data2date folder. Locate the Databases folder, open the folder, and double click the file named data2date_2008.app. From here you will follow the prompts, but each step is explained in detail as we go forward.

Using the data2date Database

In figure 1, you see the screen that results when you launch the data2date application, you will choose the holidays that you want to use to populate your calendar.

Figure 1 When you launch the data2date application you should have a screen as is shown here.

There are several options on this screen: Find a Date, Find an Event, Use All Holiday Sets, Clear All Holiday Sets, and Clear Custom Text.

Click the Yes radio button above the title of the notable dates you wish to use. To easily use all notable dates, click the Click Here to Use All Holiday Sets button (note that this may result in the same notable date appearing more than once in a date). To remove previously chosen sets, click the Click Here to Clear All Holiday Sets button or the No button above one or more holiday sets. The date you are currently viewing is displayed at the top of the screen.

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