Variable data printing (VDP) combines a set of static elements that are common across copies of a document with a set of variable elements that change from copy to copy.

VDP uses digital printing technology that links databases containing the content for printed documents to a digital printer. Variable data files include rules that allow you to specify and select content from the database, and design the placement of that content in the document.

You can create personalized communications, such as a brochure that greets customers by name and includes other personal information obtained from a database. Background elements, illustrations, and text blocks that do not change across copies of the brochure are static elements. The customer's name, address, barcodes, and other customer-specific images and text are variable elements.

A mail merge with a personalized address block is a simple form of VDP. However, you can also dynamically assemble images, charts, text, and other objects to create highly customized documents.