Sample data lets you preview how your dynamic ad looks when it's connected to a data feed. Google Web Designer automatically provides a set of sample data when you use a dynamic template or select a data schema, but you can edit this data or add your own data sets.
Preview sample data on the stage
Each set of sample data is listed in the Dynamicpanel, on the Sample Datatab.
- Select a sample data set in the panel to use that data for any dynamic elements on the stage. You can switch between different sets of sample data at any time.
- Select No sample data to stop viewing sample data on the stage.
You can also choose from these sample data sets when you preview the ad in your browser .
Add sample data
There are multiple ways to add a sample data set, depending on the source of the data.
- If you have a sample data feed file, you can import it into Google Web Designer.
- You can create a new sample data set within the Google Web Designer interface.
- If you've previously used a sample data set for another document and added it to your sample data library , you can add it from the library to your current document.
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Click the Import sample databutton at the bottom of the panel.
- Select the data feed file you want to import. It should be in JSON format.
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Click the Create new sample databutton at the bottom of the panel. A new listing appears in the panel.
- Double-click the listing to open the Edit sample datadialog. The dialog provides blank fields for each attribute in the data schema, so you can enter data.
- To add more items to the feed, click the Add another itembutton. A new set of fields appears.
- Click Save.
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Click the Sample data librarybutton at the bottom of the panel. The Sample data librarydialog opens.
- Select the sample data sets you want to import.
- Click Add. The sample data sets are now listed in the Dynamic panel.
Edit sample data
You can make changes either by editing sample data on the stage with standard authoring tools or by opening a dialog that lets you directly view and edit the complete set of sample data.
Edit sample data on the stage- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Select the sample data set you want to change. Any dynamic elements on the stage populate with the selected data.
- Make your changes to the dynamic elements. For example, you could use the Text tool to edit text content, or the Swap imagecommand to change an image's source.
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Open the Edit sample datadialog using one of the following methods:
- Double-click the sample data set you want to change.
- Right-click the sample data set you want to change and select Editfrom the pop-up menu.
- The fields follow the data schema you selected. You can make the following types of changes:
- Edit the values in the fields.
- Add a new item to the data set by clicking the Add another itembutton.
- Copy an item by right-clicking the Optionsbutton and selecting Duplicatefrom the pop-up menu.
- Delete an item by right-clicking the Optionsbutton and selecting Deletefrom the pop-up menu.
- Click Savewhen you're done.
Rename a sample data set
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Right-click the sample data set and select Renamefrom the pop-up menu.
- Type the new name and press Enter.
Copy a sample data set
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Right-click the sample data set and select Duplicatefrom the pop-up menu.
The new sample data set has a number added to the end of its name.
Delete a sample data set
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Remove the sample data set by one of the following methods:
- Select the sample data set and click the Deletebutton.
- Right-click the sample data set and select Deletefrom the pop-up menu.
Save a sample data set to use in other documents
Your sample data library lets you access sample data sets that you've used before. If one of your current sample data sets might be useful for previewing other dynamic ads, you should add it to the sample data library.
- Open the Dynamicpanel and select the Sample Datatab.
- Right-click the sample data set you want to add and select Add to libraryfrom the pop-up menu.
Sample feed file location
Sample feed files are saved in the feeds
subfolder of your Google Web Designer project. You can add additional sample feed files to this folder, or modify the files directly.
If you make changes to your sample data using a tool other than Google Web Designer, click the Refreshbutton for Web Designer to reflect those changes.