Data Linking allows properties in a Layout to dynamically pull values from a Data Source instead of using static values.

This makes it possible to generate multiple cards or items using the same Layout but with different data automatically filled in.

Each property in a Layer that supports data linking has a link button on the right-hand side of its field, visible while the Layer is selected and shown in the Property Editor.

• Clicking this button opens a small menu where you can choose how that property is connected to data.

How Data Sources and Layouts work together #

A Data Source is a table made up of:

• Rows:
  • Each row represents a single card or record.
• Columns:
  • Each column represents a data property (e.g., “Name”, “Price”, “ImagePath”).

Each row in the Data Source generates a card using the Layout defined as:

• “Default Front Layout”, and
• “Default Back Layout” (if applicable).

When properties in the Layout are linked to columns from the Data Source, those values are automatically substituted for each row when generating cards.

Example:
If a Text Layer’s “Text” property is linked to the column “Name”, then each card will display the name value from its corresponding row.

Link Options #

When you click the data link button beside a property, you’ll see a context menu with three options:

None #

• The property uses its own static value set in the Property Editor.
• No connection is made to the Data Source.
• This is the default mode for all properties.

Example: A Rectangle Layer’s “Fill” remains a manually selected color and doesn’t change between cards.

Direct #

• Links this property directly to a column in the Data Source.
• For each row in the Data Source, that cell’s value is applied to this property.
• The system will automatically convert values when possible (for example, converting text like “42” to a number).
• Any changes made in the Data Source will automatically update the linked property across all generated cards.

Example: Linking a Text Layer’s “Text” property to the “Description” column means every card displays the row’s Description text.

Colors can be set with Direct Linking with a defined set of usable codes.

Mapping #

• Works the same way as Direct, linking the property to a column in the Data Source.
• However, this mode allows row-by-row overrides.
  • You can manually adjust or replace the value for specific rows.
  • By default, each row still uses the value from its corresponding cell in the linked column.
• Any overrides you define will replace that linked value for the selected row only.

Example:
If the “Image Path” property is mapped to a column called “Image”, all cards will normally use the image listed in that column.

But with a Mapping link, you can override specific rows. For instance, replace one card’s image with a different file or a placeholder without affecting the rest of the dataset.

• The Data Link is set to the “Id” column, meaning that rows with the given Id value will be able to override the value of their cell.
• The “Column” column contains a drop-down with all of the available options from Data Sources that use the Layout as either the Default Front / Back Layout.
  • WARNING: Mapping the same value in “Column” twice will disable all Mappings of that value. Only define each value once.
• The “-” symbol is a button to remove the row from the Mapping.
• The “Add” button inserts a new row at the bottom of the Mapping list.

Grouping and Shared Names #

When properties are linked to columns or names that match across multiple Layers, they are grouped under the same link name.

This helps ensure consistent data mapping and simplifies linking across similar properties (for example, multiple Text Layers using the same “Title” link).