In our previous article, we introduced the Next-Gen Imposition Editor in Gelato Connect and covered the basics of accessing templates. Now, let's dive deeper into creating and customizing your own imposition templates.
Understanding Template Structure
Think of an imposition template as a series of building blocks called "steps." Each step performs a specific function in your template, from adding pages to applying imposition layouts to defining cut marks.
Working with a Sample Template
Let's examine a ready-to-use template provided by Gelato for flat products with two-sided printing using cut and stack imposition.
This template includes:
A batch sheet (front and back)
Multiple print jobs (labeled as "Item A" and "Item B")
Pages for each item
Two-sided printing configuration
The Building Blocks: Steps
At the bottom of the editor interface, you'll see various steps that define how your imposition will be constructed. These steps are the core of your template creation process.
The Default Step: Duplicate Jobs by Amount
By default, every template starts with the "Duplicate Jobs by Amount" step, which represents your actual print job. This step determines how your customer's design file will be duplicated based on the quantity ordered.
When you click on this step, you'll see the basic representation of your print job content, showing items like:
Item A, Page 1
Item A, Page 2
Repeated according to quantity specified
Adding Information Pages
A common requirement is to add information pages to your impositions. These can include:
Info Page: Usually positioned at the top of the stack, containing job details
Back of Info Page: For two-sided printing, ensures proper layout on reverse side
Batch Sheet: Summary information for the entire batch
Additional Step Types
The Imposition Editor offers numerous step types to build your perfect template:
Page Manipulation
Add Page: Creates a new page in the template
Edit Page: Modifies an existing page
Duplicate Page: Creates a copy of an existing page
Blank Page: Adds an empty page at a specified position
Imposition Methods
Impose Cut and Stack: Arranges pages for cutting and stacking
N-Up Imposition: Arranges multiple pages on a single sheet
Perfect Binding: Specialized arrangement for bound products
Production Markings
Add Cut Marks: Automatically adds intelligent cut marks
Add Registration Marks: Adds alignment indicators to your sheets
Adjust Page Margins: Modifies margins based on press configuration
Customizing Imposition Steps
Each step type offers specific customization options. For example, with the "Impose Cut and Stack" step:
Stacking Mode: Choose between "Depth First" (maximum space utilization) or "Breadth First" (keeps print jobs separate)
Max Stack Count: Limit the number of stacks regardless of efficiency
Sheet Dimensions: Set the dimensions for your output sheet
For "Add Cut Marks":
Offset: Distance from content to cut mark
Thickness: Width of the cut mark line
Length: How long the cut mark extends
For "Add Registration Marks":
Position: Where registration marks appear on the sheet
Type: Different styles of registration marks
Size and Appearance: Customization of mark dimensions
Creating Effective Layouts
Understanding layout fundamentals is crucial for creating effective templates. The Imposition Editor uses two primary layout components:
HBox and VBox: The Foundation of Layouts
HBox (Horizontal Box): Arranges elements side by side, from left to right
VBox (Vertical Box): Arranges elements from top to bottom
Building Complex Layouts
To create sophisticated layouts:
Start with a container box (HBox or VBox)
Add elements or nested boxes within the container
Set width and height as percentages rather than absolute values to ensure flexibility
Configure alignment properties (top, center, bottom for VBox; left, center, right for HBox)
Layout Elements
The editor provides numerous elements you can add to your layouts:
Text: Client names, job information, instructions
Barcodes and QR Codes: For scanning and tracking
Shapes: Rectangles, circles for visual indicators
Images: Logos or other graphics
Frames: Borders around content
Content Placeholders: Areas reserved for variable content
Best Practices for Layout Design
Use percentage values for width and height instead of absolute values
Always contain elements inside VBox or HBox containers
Set proper alignment for a professional appearance
Keep layouts consistent across similar templates
Test with various input files to ensure flexibility
Saving and Testing Your Template
Once you've configured your steps and layouts, click "Save" to store your template. The editor provides a real-time preview of your imposed output, allowing you to verify that everything appears as expected.
Remember that any changes you make to elements like text, barcodes, or layout properties will be immediately reflected in the preview, making it easy to iteratively improve your template.
Want to learn more?
Now that you understand how to create and customize imposition templates, you're ready to learn how to implement them in your production workflows. In our final article of this series, [Imposition Engine - GCW] Implementing Imposition Templates in Production Workflows, we'll explore how to work with variables and integrate your templates with the Workflow Builder for seamless production.
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