variables and data sets - blank fields in .csv files

[simo]

I know it's slightly off scripting topic, but I'm posting here as the forum is such a good place for expertise regarding automation in Photoshop:

I've created a template document, and am using .csv led Data Sets to populate the template with new images. I've defined some pixel replacement Layers using the Image > Variables > Define command, and in the .csv file I've got a list of different files for replacement. All working as expected.

What if I don't want any image to show in one or more of the data sets ?

I've tried leaving the cell blank in Excel, but it throws an error when I import the .csv to Photoshop. Seems like if you've defined a Layer as a variable for pixel replacement, you have to enter something into the field in the Data Set, likewise for text string replacement.

So far I've got a workaround where I point the data cell in excel to a empty transparent .psd file instead, which seems to work, but I wonder if there's an alternative that might work better, and preferably leaves the excel field blank ...

Thanks in advance

[simo]

Think I've solved it. Using an * in the excel data cell gets photoshop to change the image replacement variable to DO NOT REPLACE when the csv is imported and applied. Seems a shame that it's undocumented as for me at least, it allows the data driven graphics a lot more flexibility. Anyone found any other undocumented characters please remark. Thanks