Using VariBuilder

VariBuilder is a powerful tool designed to simplify the creation of variable sheets for your Print on Demand products when used with our Chrome extension, AutoMate. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of using VariBuilder to streamline your design creation process and increase the efficiency of producing design variations.

What is a variable sheet?

A variable sheet is a specially formatted file that contains rows and columns of data used by AutoMate to create different design variations. These files have traditionally been in CSV format (.csv) for use in AutoMate.

The challenge with CSV files

While CSV files are great for storing and reading data, they can be challenging to create without the right tools. Many AutoMate users struggle with this, limiting their ability to maximize the program's potential. To address this issue, we developed VariBuilder.

Benefits of using VariBuilder

VariBuilder eliminates the need for complex software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create and format your CSV files. With VariBuilder, you can easily input your data, and it will be automatically formatted for use with AutoMate.

• Simplified Workflow: No need for complex spreadsheet software.

• Efficient Design Creation: Quickly create design variations for your Print on Demand products.

• Accessible Anytime: Your formatted sheets are securely saved on our servers and can be accessed whenever you need them.

With the Variable Sheet Builder, creating variable sheets for AutoMate is easier than ever. Say goodbye to the complexity of CSV files and hello to a streamlined design creation process!

Overview of VariBuilder

Below is a brief overview of the VariBuilder layout:

• Sheet Name: The sheet name for your VariBuilder sheet. To change the name, click on the Edit Icon and type the name you’d like to use.

• Edit Icon: Clicking this will allow you to modify the names of Variables and Sheets.

• Variable Names (Optional): The Variable names determine what you need to type in your Canva or Photopea Design in order for the text replacement to occur.

  • By default, #VAR1#, #VAR2#, and so on are used.

  • You can change these to something else if you like, but you’ll need to ensure they match within your design.

• Variable Fields: This is where you input the values that you would like to replace the variable placeholders (#VAR1#, #VAR2#, etc)

• Variable Column Selectors:  Clicking these allows you to select an entire column of variables.

• Variable Row Selectors: Clicking these allows you to select an entire row of variables.

• Filename Fields: The Filename field is what the variable row design will be saved as on your computer. It inherits your variable inputs by default.

• Active Sheet Tools: These buttons allow you to add rows and columns to the VariBuilder file, create new sheets, and save the sheet you are working on.

• Notification Tray: This area is where any issues with your sheet are detected. 

  • You can use this section as a checklist for preparing your VariBuilder sheet.

  • Providing this information to us in support tickets will allow us to effectively assist you in resolving issues you encounter when using VariBuilder.

• VariBuilder Controls: If you have an existing CSV sheet you’d like to import into the VariBuilder, you can do that by using the Import button. The edit, delete, and download buttons are tied to the saved sheets area. Clicking Edit here when a sheet is selected in the Saved Sheets will replace your existing sheet on the left, so be sure to save it first if you’d like to keep it.

• VariBuilder Sheet List: Every sheet you’ve saved will appear in this section.

Using VariBuilder

1. Input Your Data: Simply enter your data into VariBuilder. You can include text, numbers, and other elements as needed into the cells.

   • Exceptions: You cannot use the following characters:

     • Variable Name Restriction: 

       • Comma (,)

       • Semi-colon (;)

     • File Name Restrictions: 

       • Less Than Symbol (<)

       • Greater Than Symbol (>)

       • Colon (:)

       • Double Quotation Mark (“)

       • Forward Slash(/)

       • Back Slash (\)

       • Pipe (|)

       • Question Mark (?)

       • Asterisk (*)

   • Reasons for Restrictions: 

     • Variable Name: VariBuilder operates as an interpreter of a CSV file. A comma or semicolon will make the program think it is the end of the value, and attempt to create a new variable, causing an error. VariBuilder will notify you if you input a comma or semicolon in the Error Notifications area, and prevent saving the file until they are removed.

     • File Name Restrictions: These characters are restricted due to the file system built into operating systems and how they function.

2. Click “New Value” Button: This button adds a new row of variables.

3. (Multivariable sheets) Click “New Variable” Button: This button adds a new variable field to every row.

4. Click “Save”: Once you click save, and the sheet appears in the Saved Sheets section, AutoMate will automatically detect it, and it can be used in your next design.

Using CSVs as a backup

If for some reason there is an issue with AutoMate Detecting your sheets, we’ve added the ability to download the sheets you create in VariBuilder as traditional CSV files. This can also be a way to archive older sheets that you are no longer using and declutter the Variable Sheets list in the future.