How I Create a Product Catalog in PDF?

Product catalogs have been used since the 1400s. They are a simple and elegant way to display products. But like the products themselves catalogs have evolved with the times. You don’t have to use a printed catalog anymore. You can create everything from a simple product catalog to a robust digital product catalogue. 

Below we detail how to make a product catalog PDF as well as a digital format.

How Do I Create a Product Catalog?

Here are the steps to creating a product catalog: 

1.Determine the structure of your product catalog. 

Does it make the most sense to organize your products by type? For example, a plumbing fixture brand could showcase all kitchen faucets in one section and bathroom faucets in another section. Alternatively, brands may opt to structure their product catalogs based on collections or customer needs. That same plumbing fixture brand could organize their product catalog to display all water-efficient products in one section and all ADA compliant products in another section.

2. Gather all product assets.

Identify all available product materials, such as images, renderings, measurements, videos, product descriptions, and any other related information. This exercise will help you and your team figure out what assets are missing and may need to be created.

3. Organize all of the product information.

Ideally, you will be able to organize all product data in a Product Information Management (PIM) system. This will make it easier to develop a digital product catalog. Many of today’s apps can easily connect to a PIM solution. However, if you run into issues you can always use old school spreadsheets.

4. Decide how customers will access the product catalog.

Determining your delivery method, whether PDF or digital, will dictate the next steps necessary for creating your product catalog.

How I Create a Product Catalog in PDF?

If you decide to deliver a product catalog PDF to your customers, partners, or dealers, your next step is designing the layout.

1. Determine what your product catalog will look like and the information you want to include in it. Do you have enough products to create several catalogs or just one? 
2. Gather all product information and related assets. This includes photos, product descriptions, measurements, and any other relevant information.
3. Add all of your product information and related assets to a Product Information Management solution (ideally). If you don’t  have a PIM system you’ll need to use an Excel spreadsheet.
4. Determine your delivery method of the product catalog: PDF or some other digital version. The steps for creating your product catalog will vary based on your chosen method. For instance, if you’re doing a PDF catalog you may use Adobe InDesign.  
5. Distribute your catalog. You can do this via a link on your webpage, an email, or through text messaging. 

What Is the Best Software to Make a Catalog?

There are many catalog design software solutions to choose from. You can even use Adobe InDesign or Canva. 

There are a few drawbacks to using Canva or InDesign though. 

• Cost: Adobe InDesign uses a subscription model. You’ll have to pay $20.99 a month or $251.88 a year to use it. Canva’s pricing is a little better at $119.99 a year. It has a free version but you won’t get to use all the features. 
• PIM: Adobe can integrate with a PIM, but Canva can’t.
• Format: Adobe and Canva appear limited in what catalog formats they can do. If you’re looking for a catalog that’s more interactive you’ll have to look elsewhere.

The good news is that there are other product catalog makers. Many have product catalog templates, too. One catalog maker we can’t recommend enough is Lumavate. 

Lumavate is a digital experience platform (DXP) that offers a product information management solution within its suite of functionality. When you connect a DXP to a PIM system you can easily update your catalog fast.

Suppose your power tool manufacturing company uses Lumavate to make a product catalog for retail partners. It outlines your complete product line along with pricing information. As supply chain costs creep up your team needs to adjust the minimum advertised price (MAP) listed throughout your product catalog.

Luckily for you, your product catalog is built using Lumavate and all of your product information is stored in Lumavate’s PIM. This means when you adjust the MAP data field for each product it will automatically update in the retail partner product catalog.   

Your team won’t need to redistribute a PDF or reprint new copies of the product catalog. Your retail partners will always have direct access to reliable product information.

Lumavate also can:

• Update product information in real time. 
• Show customers related products and accessories to increase cart value.
• Include product manuals and how-to videos so people can get the most out of your products.
• Highlight key features interested customers want to know about.
• Create an informative product guide. 

How Much Does it Cost to Make a Product Catalog?

The exact cost of making a product catalog depends on the type you make. Printed catalogs cost the most since you have to factor in paper, printing, and shipping costs. If your catalog is eight pages or less and your paper is not too fancy the price could be around $50. But if you need more pages and a glossy page you could be spending $1,000 or more. 

Create Your Product Catalog Today

Lumavate knows that the key to showing of your products is having the right software. We have the right tools and templates to help you create your perfect product catalog. Book a live demo to see exactly what we can do for you.