InDesign Print Engine

crossbase supports every step of the process: from page sequence planning through production and language change to proofreading. Since InDesign’s native data model is fully integrated into crossbase, all changes related to layout and content—such as images, text, tables, and languages—can be tracked and visually displayed to the user via status lights. All functions for the production of documents, tables, and books are available, including automatic pagination, cross-reference resolution, left/right layout, table of contents, index, price update, and PDF creation for print or screen.

Layout Templates

The layout editor is used to create layout templates that link content to placement rules. Layout templates can be applied to pages with similar structures. The layout editor is designed to work similarly to Adobe InDesign, so scripting is not required.

Table Production

In the table editor, tables are defined in terms of content and then automatically generated based on InDesign table templates. Tables can contain features, product images, text, references, and prices. To minimize the number of table templates, rules can be applied. These include, for example, dynamic column widths, cell merging, matrix rules, sorting rules, and grouping rules.

Page Production

Page sequences are created chapter by chapter within the publication structure. Content can be assigned either indirectly by linking products or directly by linking images, text, and tables. During page production, the documents are automatically generated using InDesign. The page layout can be adjusted later and saved.

Book Functions

Once all pages of a publication have been created, they are compiled into an InDesign book, and the following functions are performed automatically:

• Pagination and resolution of cross-references
• Item index, content table, and key word index
• Left/right layout, columns, and guide bar
• price update
• language change
• print preparation
• Browseable catalogs

Review Process (“Traffic Light”)

A PIM fundamentally changes the review process. Corrections to text, features, and images do not need to be compiled into PDF files but can be made directly in the PIM—this significantly reduces the effort required for proofreading. Changes are continuously logged, and their impact on existing pages is visually indicated by status lights. This allows the layouter to see at a glance which pages need to be reviewed and updated.