Sample data for dynamic ads

Authoring Dynamic Sample Data

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 Dynamic panel, on the Sample Data tab.

• 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.

Import a sample data feed file

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Click the Import sample data button at the bottom of the panel.
3. Select the data feed file you want to import. It should be in JSON format.

Create a new sample data set

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Click the Create new sample data  button at the bottom of the panel. A new listing appears in the panel.
3. Double-click the listing to open the Edit sample data dialog. 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 item button. A new set of fields appears.
4. Click Save.

Add a sample data set from your library to your project

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Click the Sample data library button at the bottom of the panel. The Sample data library dialog opens.
3. Select the sample data sets you want to import.
4. 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

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Select the sample data set you want to change. Any dynamic elements on the stage populate with the selected data.
3. Make your changes to the dynamic elements. For example, you could use the Text tool to edit text content, or the Swap image command to change an image's source.

Edit sample data directly

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Open the Edit sample data dialog 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 Edit from the pop-up menu.
3. 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 item button.
   • Copy an item by right-clicking the Options button and selecting Duplicate from the pop-up menu.
   • Delete an item by right-clicking the Options button and selecting Delete from the pop-up menu.
4. Click Save when you're done.

Rename a sample data set

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Right-click the sample data set and select Rename from the pop-up menu.
3. Type the new name and press Enter.

Copy a sample data set

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Right-click the sample data set and select Duplicate from the pop-up menu.

The new sample data set has a number added to the end of its name.

Delete a sample data set

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Remove the sample data set by one of the following methods:
   • Select the sample data set and click the Delete button.
   • Right-click the sample data set and select Delete from 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.

1. Open the Dynamic panel and select the Sample Data tab.
2. Right-click the sample data set you want to add and select Add to library from 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 Refresh  button for Web Designer to reflect those changes.