Delay in catalog design often begins in compiling product information before page layout. Photos in different files, inconsistent product names and subsequently changed specifications cause approved pages to be opened again. The first delivery file may therefore be a regular product list, not a design sample.
Define common fields for each product
Use the same columns for product code, name, brief description, specifications, and image file. Leave missing fields blank and make them visible; Don't expect the designer to guess product information. Consistency of units and terms used in similar products makes comparison easier.
Try the page structure with the product family
While one product may have a single image, another may have many technical drawings. The sample page prepared with the easiest product does not represent the entire catalogue. Try several low- and high-ingredient product families together. This stage makes the page count and cost estimate more realistic.
Separate the needs of print and digital use
For printing, the manufacturer's size and file conditions must be obtained. For digital PDF, readability, navigation, and file size should be evaluated separately. Sending a large print-quality file directly to the customer does not always provide a good reading experience. Also allow room for text length differences in multilingual versions.
At the final check, product codes and technical content must be verified by the relevant team. Design approval and product information approval are separate responsibilities. Determining which data will be updated by whom after catalog delivery prevents the next edition from turning into a file collection effort from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
What fields should be in the product table before catalog production?
Matching product code, name, category, specification and image file is the basic start. Determine additional fields according to your project; Do not fill in missing information with guesswork during design.
Why is it important to match product images to the filename?
Photos of similar products may be confused. Using the unique product code together in the image and table of contents makes checking easier and helps prevent the wrong photo from matching the correct product information.
