Generating an Automated Catalog: Uploading Your CSV File and Static Pages

Generating an Automated Catalog: Uploading Your CSV File and Static Pages

What is Catalog Automation?

Catalog Automation is a powerful feature that allows you to build and update digital catalogs using a simple CSV file—no design experience required. Once configured, you can refresh your product data or content at any time, saving hours of manual work and streamlining your entire workflow.

This guide walks you through how to import your data into DCatalog, upload your static pages (such as inner, chapter, and back pages), and generate a new catalog edition using an existing layout.

Pro tip Before you start, make sure you have:

  • A clean CSV file that follows the correct structure agreed over the implementation process.

  • Static pages (such as the intro, back cover, or chapter dividers) as individual single-page PDF files.

You can follow the steps below if you already have a layout set up for you.

Choosing your automated layout.



From "Catalog Automation" at your dashboard follow the steps below:
  1. Select the Design Template where we're storing your automation layout. 

  2. Add the edition title. (Optional - Check "Remember edition" to reuse this title next time)

  3. Select the layout we created for you during the implementation process from "My library"

  4. Press "Next"

 Pro tip - Since we’ve already configured the layout size for you, there’s no need to worry about that part!

Uploading your CSV Data file. 

  1. Under UPLOAD CSV DATA FILE, click the upload icon next to CSV File.
  2. Upload a CSV file that follows exactly the same structure agreed upon during the implementation phase. If needed, you can use Download CSV to retrieve the last uploaded version for reference.
  3. Select "Generate and Save" to generate a new edition!

Important: Make sure your CSV contains values only (no formulas or conditional logic), as this ensures the automation runs smoothly.

Updating Your Static and Chapter Pages.

As an optional next step, you could update your Static and Chapter Pages. These pages help define the structure and visual flow of your catalog, such as covers, inner pages, and chapter dividers. From the Generate Edition screen, switch to UPLOAD YOUR STATIC AND CHAPTER PAGES tab and follow the steps below:

  1. Upload Cover pages
    1. Upload a single-page PDF.
    2. This page will appear at the beginning of the catalog.
  2. Upload Inner pages
    1. Use the Inner Pages field to upload static pages—such as introduction or informational content—that should appear at the beginning of your catalog, in PDF format.
  3. Upload Back pages
    1. Upload a single-page PDF.
    2. This page will appear at the end of the catalog.
  4. Upload Chapter Pages - Chapter Pages are used to visually separate sections of your catalog. Each chapter is automatically placed based on the Category values defined in the CSV file you uploaded earlier, helping organize the catalog and improve navigation.
    1. Enable Show Chapter Pages to include them.
    2. Upload a single-page PDF for each Chapter Page.
Pro tip: Chapter pages are optional but recommended for larger catalogs.

CSV Validation Check

Before generating a new edition, once the CSV file is uploaded, the platform will run a quick validation to ensure the data matches the structure defined in the agreed layout


  • If all fields match, click Next to proceed.
  • If something doesn’t match, revise the CSV file and re-upload it.


Pro tip: Most issues at this stage are related to the CSV headers not matching the exact order or format used during the implementation phase. If you’re unsure what structure was used, you can always download the previously uploaded CSV file (as explained in the previous section) and compare it against your new file to identify what needs to be adjusted.


Once you click "Generate & Save", the platform will create a new edition, which you’ll be able to view from the main page of your dashboard.





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