CSV numbering tool for printing items

Use this tool to generate a CSV file for numbering items such as raffle tickets, invoices, or lots on generic print, without using spreadsheets. The tool automatically calculates consecutive column numbering for cut-stack imposition. For instructions and examples see below.

Note: If you find any bugs or have feature requests, feel free to contact me or submit an issue on GitHub!

Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty. Users are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy of the generated sequence and layout before printing or production.

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Start Number:

Items Quantity:

Items Per Sheet (numerators):

Items Per Block (set 1 if no blocks of items are needed):

Make Placeholder (e.g., N1, N2, ...) Add Leading Zeros (e.g., 0001, 0002)

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How to use the tool

Step 1: Create a Basic Item Layout

Start by designing your ticket/item layout using Word, Writer, or a more professional tool like Adobe InDesign. Make sure to include all the necessary information.

Step 2: Prepare a Printable Template

Duplicate the ticket/item layout across the printing sheet, if needed. Now you have a template ready, just add the numbers.

Step 3: Generate Numbers

Use this online tool to generate sequential ticket/item numbers. Insert the required details and download the resulting CSV file.

Step 4: Import the CSV and Populate the Template

Import the CSV file into your design software and use placeholders to insert the numbers into the appropriate positions. For raffle tickets, for example, you’ll likely need the numbers on both the counterfoil and the main ticket.

Step 5: Merge and Create a Printable Document

Run the Data Merge (or equivalent process: Mail Merge, Variable Print, ecc...) to generate a single big printable document. The final document will include all tickets/items, each with a unique number.

For more information on how the numbering is generated, refer to the example below.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• To check the numbering, open the CSV file with spreadsheet software like Calc or Excel, ensure you set the comma as columns separator or open it with a simple text editor.
• The items quantity and sheets to print are adjusted based on the items per sheet (numerators) and sheets per block data. The tool will inform you accordingly.
• It has been tested with Adobe InDesign, Writer, and Word.

Practical Example

Scenario: I was required to number the raffle tickets for a town festival, ranging from 1 to 1300. Each A3 sheet fits 6 tickets (6 numerators). For ease of sale/distribution, the customer demands to group the tickets into blocks of 25. Here's the data I will enter:

Parameters to enter:

• Starting Number: 1
• Total Quantity: 1300
• Items Per Sheet: 6
• Items Per Block: 25

Click 'Download CSV'.

Outcome: The tool calculates that 1,350 tickets (225 total A3 sheets) are required to complete full blocks of 25. 50 extra tickets are automatically padded.

I download the file and import it into Adobe InDesign. I place the six numerators fields on the six raffle tickets on the A3 sheet, using the numerators placeholders (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6). I place the same placeholder twice on the same ticket, as the client requires numbers on both the counterfoil and the main ticket. Finally, I generate all the records, which correspond to the 225 printing sheets.

The numbering is consecutive across all sheets, arranged in columns, so the printer only needs to print and cut the lottery tickets, without having to manually order them after cutting. This simplifies the creation of blocks. The following table shows how the numbering is done.

SHEETS	TICKETS ON SHEET
SHEET 1	Ticket 1, Ticket 226, Ticket 451, Ticket 676, Ticket 901, Ticket 1126
SHEET 2	Ticket 2, Ticket 227, Ticket 452, Ticket 677, Ticket 902, Ticket 1127
SHEET 3	Ticket 3, Ticket 228, Ticket 453, Ticket 678, Ticket 903, Ticket 1128
...	...
SHEET 225	Ticket 225, Ticket 450, Ticket 675, Ticket 900, Ticket 1125, Ticket 1350