Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Absolutely! CatBase will do its best to match the columns in the spreadsheet with fields in the CatBase database. When you import a spreadsheet for the first time, you can select fields to match columns, or create new fields in CatBase, if a match isn't automatically found. For more info, see this page.

Yes it does! This is how it works: When you publish your data from CatBase, this creates a tagged text file (a plain text file with special tags inserted to tell InDesign what to do with the text). That text file is then placed into your InDesign document. The content is organised and formatted as required, including the (optional) placement of pictures. For a bit more details on this topic see this page.

CatBase and EasyCatalog are both powerful tools in the arena of catalog production and data management, but they cater to slightly different needs and offer distinct advantages. CatBase excels in its highly customizable and user-friendly interface, which allows users to efficiently manage large datasets and create dynamic catalogs, price lists, and directories with minimal effort. It integrates seamlessly with multiple data sources and supports a wide range of file formats, making it a versatile choice for businesses that handle various types of content. On the other hand, EasyCatalog is known for its deep integration with Adobe InDesign, making it a preferred option for users who heavily rely on InDesign for design and layout tasks. It enables precise control over the layout and style of catalogs, utilizing data directly within the InDesign environment. In summary, if your primary focus is on flexibility, ease of use, and broad compatibility with various data sources and output options, CatBase shines as an excellent option. However, if you require tight integration with Adobe InDesign and have advanced layout and design requirements, EasyCatalog might better suit your needs. Both tools offer robust features, and the best choice ultimately depends on your specific workflow and business objectives.CatBase vs. EasyCatalog ComparisonFeatureCatBaseEasyCatalogPrimary ApproachA standalone Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) with built-in publishing tools.An Adobe InDesign plug-in that connects to external data sources.Data ManagementIncludes its own complete, customizable relational database for you to store and manage your data.Does not include a database. It works by connecting to your existing data (PIM, ERP, spreadsheet, etc.).IntegrationPublishes data to several applications, including PDF, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, PDF, or as XML/Excel/CSV files.Purely an InDesign plug-in (requires InDesign to function).Core FunctionalityYou set up Publishing Projects within CatBase which define what data to publish, how to sort it, and how to style it.It uses a data panel within InDesign to connect to data and allows you to drag/drop fields onto the page, creating templated library items.Data Source HandlingCan import from various sources (spreadsheets, text files, XML, ODBC sources) and manage it internally, or use its own RDBMS.Highly flexible connection to various sources via its core or optional modules (Text, XML, ODBC, Enterprise, Relational).Extensibility/ ModulesAll features (including RDBMS, data management, and publishing) are typically integrated within the purchased edition.Uses a Core Module and numerous Optional Modules (like Pagination, Relational, XML, ODBC, Scripting) to add functionality.Bi-Directional UpdateHas functionality to update another database (like MySQL or SQL Server) with changes.Offers bi-directional linking, allowing changes made in the InDesign document to be updated back to the source data (requires appropriate modules).Additional FeaturesCatBase also offers:- Rules: Set up Rules in your Publishing Projects to determine what data to include or omit, or how to style it, based on criteria you specify.- Automation: set up Scheduled Events to run a process at a given time or interval - Emailing: Send customised emails to contacts in your CatBase database.- Letters: Create personalised letters to send to contacts.- Memos: Notes and reminders attached to individual records.​

CatBase and Flipsnack serve different primary purposes in the realm of publication creation, although they both can be used for things like creating catalogs and price lists. CatBase is a database publishing tool built for automation and consistency in transforming data into formatted documents, often for a print-centric workflow. Flipsnack is a digital publishing platform designed for creating and distributing visually appealing, interactive, and measurable online flipbooks. Here is a comparison of their core focuses, features, and ideal use cases: Core Focus and Functionality Key Feature Comparison Ideal Use Cases

Yes indeed! For the single-user version, just choose the appropriate platfomr when you place your order. For the multi-user (network) version, the server can be either Mac or Windows, and the clients can be any combination of Mac and windows machines. You can find more specific platform details - and download a free Trial version here.

CatBase Publishing Stylesheets provide a customizable framework that allows you to define and manage the content, formatting, and design of your publications with ease. You can create any number of Publishing Stylesheets so that your data can be published in many different ways: as an illustrated catalogue, a price list, a directory, product labels ... just about any style of publication you can think of! Moreover, CatBase integrates seamlessly with a variety of software tools commonly used in publishing, such as Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, and PDF.

CatBase is a data publishing solution that simplifies, speeds up, and automates the task of transforming database or spreadsheet data into beautiful publications such as catalogues, price lists, and directories. You can see lots of examples of different publications created with CatBase here. See a short demonstration here!

Database Publishing (or Data Publishing) is all about turning unformatted data, such as spreadsheet or database data, into a human-friendly format. Typical uses include catalogs, price lists, directories, and classified ads. CatBase is the most flexible database publishing solution available!

Prices are in UK£ sterling. CatBase Enterprise Edition, Single-user: £595 CatBase Data Chameleon Edition, Single-user: £895 CatBase Enterprise Edition, Multi-user (network) version: From £2,495 CatBase Data Chameleon Edition, Multi-user (network) version: from £2,995 . All prices are shown on our Shop page. If you have any questions about our pricing, please contact us!

xTags is a plugin for QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign which enables the automatic creation and filling of picture and text boxes in your publication. xTags is published by Em Software. You can download a trial version from their website.

The Data Chameleon Edition provides options for interacting directly with other ODBC-compliant databases, such as MySql and MicrosoftSql. This enables you to both upload and download data to/from other databases. See more detailed info here. The Enterprise Edition offers all functions except the ODBC connection option.

Due to the nature of software installations, we cannot offer returns: we would have no way of ensuring that you deleted the software from your computer(s). An exception to this would be if you found bugs that made it unusable, and we were not able to fix within a period of two weeks. We suggest that you take advantage of our free trial, and free live demos, so that you can see for yourself how CatBase will work for your project prior to purchasing a licence. We also offer a "Proof of Concept" service. In this case, you would pay an upfront fee for us to set up a customised database for you, using your sample data, to show you exactly how it will work for you. If you choose to go ahead with the purchase, and purchase one of our Project Setup Package Deals, the cost of the POC will be credited towards your initial invoice. The cost of the POC depends on the complexity of the project. Get a free Trial Version Book a Live Demo Contact Us with your questions! Find out about our Project Setup Package Deals

You can set up a workflow in CatBase and then automate it. The steps are: Import the Excel data into CatBase Set up one or more Publishing Stylesheets Set up a Publishing Project Click the Publish Now button in a Publishing Project to create your catalog! With CatBase you can create your catalog as: A PDF document, complete with cover page, introductory pages, and an index A Microsoft Word document, complete with cover page, introductory pages, and an index An InDesign tagged file A QuarkXPress tagged file An XML file An Excel file An ODBC-compliant database, such as MySql or SqlServer For a detailed explanation of the process, see this "How to" page.