Intro
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This guide will explain how to import a multiple rows of values into a PowerPoint presentation using data markers. This assumes a basic understanding of data markers. |
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Basic Setup
In order to import multiple rows of data into a presentation, two conditions must be met:
1. The data source must contain multiple rows of data
2. The template must be designed to
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repeat a list entry, a table row, or an entire slide If both of these conditions are not met, then PowerPointWriter's automatic repeating behavior will not occur.
Data Sources
PowerPointTemplate has a single method for binding data to the data markers that are located in the template: PowerPointTemplate.BindData. Depending on the data source type and the number of rows in the data source, PowerPointWriter will either import a single row of data or import multiple rows by repeating sections of the presentation.
If the data source only has 1 row or the maximum number of rows to to import has been set to 1, then PowerPointWriter will not repeat any part of the presentation.
Setting up the Template
Repeating
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a list entry or table row
Template Setup
If a data marker is in a list entry (i.e. bullet point) or table cell, the list entry/table row will be copied for each row of data imported into the presentation.
| Data Marker | Output | |
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List Entry entry | |||
Table Row |
Preventing overflow
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Code
Although no additional code beyond calling BindData
is needed, PowerPointWriter will continue to repeat until all of the data in the data source has been imported. To prevent lists and tables from spilling over the edge of the slide, set DataBindingProperties.MaxRowsPerSlide. This will break the data import into "batches" of rows. You can then specify how you want each batch to be imported.
To import only 1 batch, you do not need to do anything further to your presentation. To import multiple batches of rows, you need to use one of the two options (or both):
- Continue modifier
- RepeatSlide marker
Continue modifier
The continue modifier tells PowerPointWriter where the next batch of data should go.
RepeatSlide marker
The repeat slide marker, %%RepeatSlide
, goes into the notes section on a slide. After PowerPointWriter is done importing a batch of rows, it will make a copy of the slide
Repeating an entire slide for each row of data
Repeat Slide Behavior
DataBindingProperties
Data binding properties can be used to specify the way data is imported into the presentation.
There are several ways to prevent data from flowing over the side of your presentation. See Fitting Data on to Multiple Slides for more information.
Repeating an entire slide
Template Setup
When repeating over an entire slide, the data markers do not need to be located in a list entry or table row.
In the notes section of the slide, add %%RepeatSlide. This is the repeat slide marker and it tells PowerPointWriter that you want to repeat the slide after reaching the maximum number of rows for this particular slide.
There can be additional text in the notes section, but %%RepeatSlide must be the first string of characters and must be followed immediately by a space. The marker and white space will be removed in the output file.
Code
To set the max number of rows to import onto each slide copy of the presentation use MaxRowsPerSlide. MaxRowsPerSlide will continue to import more rows of data as long as it can find a data marker with the 'continue' modifier. For more information see Fitting Data on to Multiple Slidesslide, set MaxRowsPerSlide to 1. This will force PowerPointWriter to make a copy of the slide after repeating each row of data. It will continue to make new copies of the slide until all of the data is used.
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DataBindingProperties dataProps = ppt.CreateDatabindingProperties();
dataProps.MaxRowsPerSlide = 1;
ppt.BindData(getMailMergeData(), "DataSourceName", dataProps); |