Variable data printing
Personalise every folder in a single print run.
Variable data printing (VDP) lets you personalise every folder in a single print run — names, contact details, regional information, unique codes, even individual images. We offer VDP on every presentation folder we produce, so whether you're sending 50 personalised pitch folders or 5,000 branded sales packs, each one can be unique.
What is variable data printing?
Variable data printing — also called VDP, personalised printing, or mail-merge printing — is a digital print process that merges unique data from a spreadsheet with a static artwork template. Each printed item pulls from a single row of data, making every copy unique without slowing down production.
Unlike traditional offset printing, where every copy is identical, VDP allows the text, images, codes, or contact details on each folder to change from one print to the next.
Common applications
VDP on presentation folders is particularly useful for businesses sending personalised pitches, franchises with multiple branches, and events with individual attendee packs.
Sales pitch folders
Personalise with the recipient's name, company, or project details. High-impact materials for one-to-one pitches.
Branch-specific folders
Local addresses, contact details, and staff photos — different content per branch from one print run.
Conference & event folders
Personalised per attendee or delegate — names, sessions, ID details or seating allocations.
Estate agent folders
Property-specific details, agent contact info or branch addresses on every folder in a run.
Educational folders
Schools, universities and training providers — student names, course details, certificates per delegate.
Discount codes & QR codes
Unique vouchers, activation tokens or scannable QR codes linked to personalised landing pages.
Sequential numbering
Auto-incremented serials for limited runs, certificates, raffle tickets or audit trails.
Regional targeting
Different imagery, language or messaging tailored to specific markets, territories or demographics.
Got a use case we haven't listed? Get in touch — we've almost certainly done it before.
Three steps to personalised print
Design once, supply your data, let the press handle every variation.
Static artwork template
Build your folder artwork as you would for any print job. The elements that stay the same on every copy — logos, colours, layout, brand imagery — sit in a single template.
Data file
Supply a CSV spreadsheet with one row per folder and one column per variable field — names, addresses, codes, image filenames, and so on.
We merge and print
Our digital printing software merges template and data at print time, producing each folder with its unique elements already in place.
What you'll need to send us
Setting up a VDP run is straightforward. Anything missing? The team will follow up before anything hits the press.
Static artwork file
All the design elements that stay the same across every folder — logos, colours, layout, brand imagery.
CSV data spreadsheet
One row per folder, one column per variable field — names, addresses, codes, image filenames, and so on.
Image folder (optional)
If you're using variable images, send a folder of image files alongside your artwork and CSV — see specs below.
We accept artwork in PDF, AI, INDD, or PSD format. If you're working in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator, placeholder text and graphics on a separate layer make the setup process even faster on our end.
A different image on every folder
No problem. Add the filename of each image in your CSV alongside the rest of the row data, then send us a ZIP archive containing your static artwork file, your CSV, and a folder with all the image files.
300 DPI at the size they'll appear on the folder.
CMYK colour mode (RGB images shift colour at print time).
Named consistently — no spaces, special characters, or duplicate filenames.
Specifying placement
Two ways to mark up where each variable element should appear on the design.
Placeholder layer in your artwork
The fastest method. Add placeholder text or graphics on a separate layer of your artwork file — gives us a clear visual reference for where each variable field should sit.
Notes at checkout
Leave a note with your order describing where each field should appear and how it should be formatted (font size, alignment, colour).
Either way, you'll receive a digital proof showing exactly where the VDP elements will print and how they'll look on the final folder. Adjustments at proof stage are no problem — just let us know.
Pricing & turnaround
VDP runs typically take the same time as standard print runs once your data is approved.
Smaller runs are perfect for personalised pitches.
Working days, from artwork and data approval.
One-off setup fee covers data prep and proofing.
For a tailored quote, send us your folder spec, quantity, and a sample of your data file. We come back within one working day.
Make every folder
one of a kind
Send us your folder spec and quantity and we'll come back to you with a quote within one working day.
Or speak to our team on 023 8087 8030 or email Sales@PrintedFolders.co.uk.