Bingo Database for Adobe InDesign

**Carrie81** · 02-01-2011, 02:38 PM

Hello - I am working on a bingo game for our upcoming convention. We would like to design our own bingo cards – adding high res graphics and images. Adobe InDesign will allow us to import an Excel database however the data needs to run horizontally.

The import file for Adobe I created (attached) has 25 cells running across the row. Columns A, F, K, P, U represent the numbers for the letter "B" in Bingo. Columns B, G, L, Q, V represent the numbers for the letter "I" in Bingo and so on. The first tab is randomly generated. The second tab is a locked down file to show my problem. I am getting repeated values (see the yellow highlighted cells in rows 4 & 5 on the second tab). This is not acceptable in Bingo and would take us too long to manually proofread and correct 800 cards.

I used the formulas:
For the letter B =RAND()*(16-0)+0
For the letter I =RAND()*(31-15)+15
For the letter N =RAND()*(46-30)+30
For the letter G =RAND()*(61-45)+45
For the letter O =RAND()*(76-60)+60

I would like to know how to manipulate the formula to not have numbers repeated in a given ROW. Does anyone know how to accomplish this?

**JBeaucaire** · 02-01-2011, 02:49 PM

I would use a table of numbers and the RAND() function adjacent to these fixed numbers. Then you display the 5 letters that have the highest RAND() in each group.

This insures there are no duplicates and it is truly random since any of the letters can be anywhere in the RAND() listing each time you recalculate.

I don't see an attachment. ZIP it up if necessary.

**Carrie81** · 02-01-2011, 02:57 PM

Ok - a zip file should be attached now

**shg** · 02-01-2011, 04:20 PM

The attachment generates random cards with no repeats in each column (which are shown for compactness as rows). Drag the formulas down to make more. It uses a short vba function.

You can do Ctrl+Alt+F9 to generate a different set of cards.

**Carrie81** · 02-02-2011, 04:18 PM

This is perfect - thank you!

**danpenton** · 09-26-2011, 01:05 PM

Thanks! This is extremely helpful!!!

Dan

**sanjayodedra** · 07-17-2018, 12:17 PM

Hi everyone. I know this thread is incredibly old but I was hoping somebody might be able to tell me how to actually apply this data and use it in an InDesign file. I've been trying for a while now with no luck.

**AliGW** · 07-17-2018, 12:26 PM

Unfortunately your post does not comply with Rule 2 of our Forum RULES. Do not post a question in the thread of another member -- start your own thread.

If you feel an existing thread is particularly relevant to your need, provide a link to the other thread in your new thread.

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