Illustrator CS6 Data Variables XML Parser Error?

Question

So I have to generate flyers for 10 different laptops (and more in the future). I decided to set up variables. I've created an XML Map for MS-Excel which allows me to save the 'XML Data' type file. I have to make small amendments to the XML File, e.g. rename 'v_sampleDataSets' to 'v:sampleDataSets' for the file to be valid in Illustrator. Once that's done, I use the Variables menu from Illustrator to load the variables.It was working fine... I loaded, changed and reloaded the variables file (generated from MS-Excel) several times without any problems. Then I started to update the Illustrator layout. I had to move some images, re-size some text boxes and reduce some font sizes. At some point during these changes, the variables got an error:> The filter cannot complete because of an unknown error.At that point, only 1 image file link wasn't being dynamically changed, however all of the text was still changing according to the variables.I've taken these steps to try to resolve the issue: 1. Deleted the images, deleted image variable, replaced the image, relinked to a new variable, reset variable name to same as XML structure had previously. Reloaded the variables file. (Same error) 2. Unlinked ALL variables. Deleted all variables. Started over. (Same error) 3. Delete Illustrator CS6 Settings folder (preferences folder). Tried to load again... (Same error)Nothing I tried worked; in fact now the problem is worse because the text is not updating.What should I do now? I don't think reinstalling Illustrator would do any good since I've already cleared the settings file and had the same problem.If there is no solution, is there an alternative solution to dynamically created these files? I have to get them done by tomorrow morning :/

Answer 1

Yeah, I ran into this same problem when using Illustrator CS6 with data variables and XML. It was working fine at first, but after I made some layout changes like resizing text boxes and moving images around, I got the same “The filter cannot complete because of an unknown error” message.

Here's what helped me:

1. Check your XML file. Illustrator is super picky about the format. I had to manually change v_sampleDataSets to v:sampleDataSets and make sure all image paths were absolute, like file:///C:/Users/YourName/Desktop/image.jpg. No relative paths, and make sure the file starts with <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>.

2. Unlink variables before making changes. If you resize or move things that are linked to variables, it can break stuff. I found it's best to unlink everything, make the changes, then set up the variables again.

3. Try using CSV instead of XML. I ended up switching to CSV and it was way smoother for text. Images take a bit more work, but you can manually assign the first one and Illustrator will apply the rest.

If nothing works and you're on a deadline, InDesign’s data merge is way more reliable for this kind of thing.