Edit and save your data source file in .csv, .txt, or semicolon-delimited format using your spreadsheet or database application.
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Update, remove, or replace data source files
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to update, remove, or replace data source files in Adobe InDesign.
After linking a data source file to your target document, you may need to update it with new records, remove the connection entirely, or switch to a different data source. These operations are essential when your source data changes or when you want to reuse a target document design with different recipient lists.
Data source updates preserve your existing field placements and formatting in the target document. When replacing a data source, InDesign attempts to match field names from the new file to existing placeholders.
Update an existing data source
Select Window > Utilities > Data Merge to open the Data Merge panel.
Select Update Data Source from the Data Merge panel menu.
Remove a data source connection
Select Window > Utilities > Data Merge.
Select Remove Data Source from the Data Merge panel menu.
Replace with a different data source
Select Window > Utilities > Data Merge.
Select the Data Merge panel menu and select the Select Data Source option.
Select the new data source file and select Open.
Delete and reinsert placeholder fields if InDesign does not recognize some of the fields.
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