Layout description with design mark-up language

The layout adapts to the data, enabling 100% automation

• Layout configuration, templates and design rules are mapped in an XML mark-up language.
• Easy combination of fixed (templates, pagination, column titles) and dynamic (automatic positioning, flexible image and text dimensions, grouping) layout elements.
• The data contain no layout information; the page layout is generated through the combination of data contents and layout description.
• Even complex design rules can be translated autonomously by the operator after a short training period; no additional script or system programming is required.
• If required, complicated or frequent layout structures may be encapsulated into macros to support simple and comprehensible layout descriptions..

Grid Layout

• The document elements include illustrations, texts, symbols and tables.
• Each element occupies a specific section of grid fields.
• The coordinates can be specified or automatically searched for.
• Simultaneous generation of several pages..

Flexible page composition

• Object positioning in the typesetting grid allows an easy combination of image and text elements, automatic positioning and effective space utilization.
• Pages may be pre-structured into fixed areas, e.g. for multi-column setting, front pages etc. Connection between frame and flow chains.
• Objects with irregular outlines (cropped images, freely positionable dimension or price information, freeform text layouts) can be positioned 100% automatically, flexibly, and without overlaps.
• Explicit representation of cropping paths and other paths (center line, marking of interesting areas; insertion points for captions) in images, enabling intelligent positioning / alignment.
• Pages can be filled in any sequence and inspected / modified at any time, for example to position eye-catchers retrospectively, optimize space utilization etc.
• Each page may feature as many levels as required, e.g. for backgrounds which can be switched off, different design versions, clearing of language versions, pre-press (image separation)..

Layout optimization

• Incremental/modular grouping of contents: Realization of the maximum number of versions under application of a minimum number of rules. “Virtual” grouping for automatic testing/comparing and dynamic generating of layout versions. Grouping as horizontal or vertical structures with subsequent multi-line/multi-column distribution of contents on the page
• Automation of column and page breaks: Grouping of contents, automatic repetition of headings, adaptation of layout in front of/behind break points, exception rules to avoid awkward breaks, automatic positioning of eye-catchers or other optional contents to fill break gaps.
• Optimized space utilization: Balance through insertion of empty spaces or optional contents; maximization/minimization of space required
  • through image scaling
  • modification of text parameters (font size, compress, kerning)
  • through adaptive overprinting of semi-transparent images
  • through context-sensitive selection of layout versions
• Optimization of double spreads: double spread-oriented positioning of eye-catchers, compilation of contents (detailed images, tables) for a double spread, allocation of “ growing” areas on double spreads for specific contents.
• Symmetry/adjustment on double spreads/multi-column display: vertical positioning of subheadings and illustrations, mirror symmetry, vertical synchronization of text layout/tables on double spreads.
• Optimization of page sections: layout modifications to fill a predefined number of pages. Predefinition of the page on which a content is to be featured. Sheet-oriented optimization..