Templates
Everything about templates (creation and configuration)
A template is a master for the design of a product. It specifies the changes a customer can make to the product.
printformer templates usually consist of an IDML file and a background PDF (static elements). A PDF file is sufficient for templates that are not to be customised.
PDF files must be converted to PNGs for viewing in the editor. In order not to impair performance, the resolution is kept low (this can lead to blurring). The original PDF file is then used again for the generated print data.
The IDML format is a special design language created by Adobe for Adobe InDesign. The acronym IDML stands for InDesign Markup Language, based on XML syntax (specially developed to represent InDesign content).
When using IDML files as printformer templates, an additional Background PDF (for template configuration in printformer) is required. This PDF can contain elements that should not be edited (e.g. background elements, cutting dies). At the same time, the background PDF specifies the parameters with which the print data is generated in printformer.
The background PDF must have the same format as the IDML file, including bleed. No marks or info areas may be activated during export. If these are needed later in the print files, a corresponding panel template with marks/info area must be created.
If the background PDF contains spot colours, a further setting is required.
Different Template Types can be configured in the printformer:
Customizable: master copy with editable sections
Customizable Bundle: "Empty master" that can be filled with page templates (e.g. for leaflets)
Free format: empty master, fully editable (incl. format)
Group: several existing templates can be set for a group (e.g. format or colour variants), which can then be selected by editing in the editor. (The attribute "content-identifier" in the IDML can be used to set so that contents filled in one of the templates are transferred to the others).
A distinction is also made between Article, Page and Avail templates:
The Article Template is a master for a single article or product.
The Page template is a master for e.g. a catalogue page (which can be filled with Article templates).
The Avail template is a master for print optimization. It allows one to produce the required object with minimum waste.