Collating Marks

Note: This node works with PDF files (version 1.3 or later).

The Collating Marks Node is used to apply the Collating Title and Collating Mark values to a PDF file. This node must be used in a workflow that contains an Imposition Node. That node should precede the Collating Marks Node in the workflow. For Collating Marks Node to work as expected, set Imposition Settings > Imposition Type to Booklet in the Imposition Node. In the Collating Marks Node, set the metadata key value to postpress:type in Line Settings > Print Type.

Once the Collating Marks are applied to a PDF file, the job is moved to the next node in the workflow.

The image below shows four volumes that are collected together as a series. On the spines of each volume, a title appears at the top. Just below the title is a numeric value. On the lower portion of each spine is a series of ascending bands of color.

The title indicates the name of the series. The number indicates the sequential order of the volumes (Volume Number). The bands provide a graphic representation of the same relational value as the numbers, specifically, the lowest mark is the first in the series and each successive ascending mark provides a visual of the order in which the volumes should be read.

Collating Mark Settings are specified using the X Coordinate, Y Coordinate, and Length of line segment values. These are specified in the Collating Marks Node UI, under the Line Settings section. The method of setting these values changes based on whether the Use Metadata checkbox is selected.

Once Line Settings are specified, the Collating Mark Settings may be entered. There are two setting options:

• Collating Title (includes numeric values or Volume Numbers)
• Collating Marks

The Line Settings values determine the limitations that apply to the Collating Mark Settings. The Collating Title (the upper title section of the spine notations) can occupy a maximum of 40% of the spine area. The Collating Mark (the lower section of the spine notations) can occupy a maximum of 60% of the spine area.

Using the Collating Marks Node

Add the Collating Marks Node to the workflow by dragging the node’s icon onto the Workflow Builder canvas, and then double-clicking on the icon to open the Collating Marks Node’s window:

Use this window to specify the Collating Marks Node’s settings.

• Select the Enabled checkbox so that the process will run. When unchecked, this process is ignored. Documents pass through as if the node were not present (i.e., continue along the default or positive path). Note that a disabled node will not check for logic or error conditions.

• In the Node Name field, enter a meaningful name for the Collating Marks Node.

• In the Description field, enter a description for the Collating Marks Node. This is not required, but can be helpful with multiple collection points. If the description is long, hover the mouse over the field to read its entire contents.

• In the Measurement Unit panel, select a measurement unit radio button. Three types of measurement units are available: mm, inch, and point.

• Click the Save button to save the changes. If Cancel is selected and the window is closed, the changes are not saved.

• Click the Help button to access online help.

Collating Marks: Operational Overview

The figure below illustrates the maximum size allowance for each section of the Collating Marks. It also shows how the Collating Title and Collating Marks are arranged on the spine area:

• The Line Settings values determine the limitations that apply to the Collating Mark Settings. The Collating Title (the upper title section of the spine notations) can occupy a maximum of 40% of the spine area (and includes the Volume Number). The Collating Mark (the lower section of the spine notations) can occupy a maximum of 60% of the spine area.
• Volume Number refers to the numeric ID that appears just below the title.
• When the Collating Title and Collating Mark settings exceed the maximum area, the input file will be routed to an ERROR folder and a message will be added to the node’s Activity log.
• When the Font Size does not fit in the Collating Title area, the title string is truncated.
• A 5-mm gap is inserted at the top and the bottom of the Collating Title area and a 10-mm gap is inserted in-between the Volume Number and the Collating Title.
• In the Collating Marks area, a 5-mm gap is inserted at the top and the bottom of the area. As a rule, 60% of the spine space is set aside for the Collating Marks. However, when the Triple Line Pattern is selected, the 60% is further sub-divided: 33% of the area is set for the horizontal line and 67% is set for the Collating Marks. For all other pattern options, all 60% of the designated space is used by the Collating Marks.
• The Collating Title Font, Length, Width, Font Color, and Font Size are used for the both the Collating Title and the Volume Number.
• For the Triple line pattern, a 2-mm gap is inserted between support lines.

Line Settings

Specify Line Settings using either metadata key values or by manually entering values. To use the metadata key values, select the Use Metadata checkbox.

Configuring the Line Settings Using Metadata

Note: These settings only work if the workflow also contains an Imposition Node. That node should precede the Collating Marks Node in the workflow. For the Collating Marks Node to work as expected, set Imposition Settings > Imposition Type to Booklet in the Imposition Node then follow the setting directions in this sub-section.

When the Use Metadata checkbox is selected, the following UI displays:

There are six setting values: Print Type, Paper Turning, X Coordinate, Y Coordinate, Length, and Pages. For each, click the Select metadata key button to launch a Metadata Browser window. From the window, select a metadata value. Note the following about each of the setting options:

• Print Type: Set the metadata key value to postpress:type.

• Paper Turning: Use to select a metadata key value for the method the paper should be turned to process the Binding settings. The following options are supported:

  • TopBottom: Select to apply Top to Bottom Binding.
  • LeftRight: Select to apply Left to Right Binding.
  • RightLeft: Select to apply Right to Left Binding.

The images below note how the metadata values will be applied for the Paper Turning values:

Example of LeftRight/RightLeft Paper Turning:

Example of Top Bottom Paper Turning:

Note: The Red lines in the example above are for emphasis only and will not appear in the output.

• X Coordinate: Use to select a metadata key value for the line’s X Coordinate. The metadata value is expressed in postscript points, e.g., 72.The metadata key value imposition:collatingmarkstartx must be selected.

• Y Coordinate: Use to select a metadata key value for the line’s Y Coordinate. The metadata value is expressed in postscript points, e.g., 72.The metadata key value imposition:collatingmarkstarty must be selected.

• Length: Use to select a metadata key value for the line’s Length. The metadata value is expressed in postscript points, e.g., 72.The metadata key value imposition:collatingmarkslength must be selected.

• Pages: Use to enter the location where the spines are in the PDF file. It is on these pages that the Collating Marks will be placed. Use this to select a numeric value. For example, if a new volume begins every 25 pages, that is the value that should be entered here.The metadata key value imposition:collatingmarkspages must to be selected.

Configuring the Line Settings Using Manual Input

When the Use Metadata checkbox is not selected, the following Line Setting’s UI displays:

• Line Direction: Select a radio button to specify the direction of the line segment. Options are Horizontal and Vertical.

The images below note how the metadata values are applied for the Line Direction values:

Example of a Vertical Line Segment:

Example of a Horizontal Line Segment:

Note: The Red Lines in the example above are for emphasis only and will not appear in the output.

• Line Segment: Add a new Line Segment by clicking the [+] button. When saved, the new value appears in the table. Once a value appears in the table, click on it to select it. Use the Edit icon to modify the setting or Delete the icon to remove the setting from the table.

  • Add or Edit a Line Segment: When Add or Edit a Line Segment is selected, the following window opens:

  

  Specify the following values:

• X Coordinate: Enter a value.

• Y Coordinate: Enter a value.

• Length: Enter a value.

Click OK to save and apply the values or Cancel to cancel the requested changes.:

Note: The maximum of 4 line segments is supported

• Repeat Pages: Use these fields to specify the location where the spines are in the PDF file. For example, if a new volume begins every 25 pages, the From value should be 1 and the Repeat value should be 25. The Collating Marks will be added on every 25th page of the PDF file.

Setting the Collating Title Values

Use this setting option to enter the Title and Volume Number values used in the Collating field.

Note: The Collating Title Font, Length, Width, Font Color, and Font Size are used for the both the Collating Title and the Volume Number.

• Enable Collating Title: Select the checkbox to activate the setting’s panel.
• Title: Enter the text value here.
• Length: Enter the Length value here.
• Width: Enter the Width value here.
• Font Color: Click to open a color selection option, and then select a color value.
• Font Name: Select a value from the drop-down. All system installed fonts are listed.
• Font Size: Select a font size value here.

Setting the Collating Marks Values

Use this setting option to enter the Collating Marks values used in the Collating field.

Note: A 5-mm gap is inserted at the top and the bottom of the Collating Marks area.

• Enable Collating Marks: Select the checkbox to activate the Collating Mark setting.
• Patterns per section: Specify the number of marks to be added in one vertical line.
• Skip Point: If pages are to be skipped, specify the Skip Point here. This setting will be applied regardless of the pattern selected.

Example of Skip Point Implementation

• Length: Specify the Length of the Collating Mark.

• Width: Specify the Width of the Collating Mark.

• Pattern Type: Select the Pattern Type of the Collating Marks. Supported Pattern Types are: V-Pattern, Double Line Pattern, and Triple Line Pattern.

  • Support line Length: This option is only available when the Triple Line Pattern is selected as the Pattern Type. Use this option to specify the Line Length.
  • Support line Width: This option is only available when the Triple Line Pattern is selected as the Pattern Type. Use option to specify the Line Width.

  Note: As noted earlier, 60% of the spine space is set aside for the Collating Marks. When the Triple Line Pattern is selected, the 60% is further sub-divided: 33% of the area is set for the horizontal line and 67% is set for the Collating Marks. For all other pattern options, all 60% of the designated space is used by the Collating Marks.

Limitations

The following limitations exist:

1. If the Collating Title text contains anything other than English characters, then it (and the Volume Number) will be drawn as vertical text.

   For example:

   If the text contains only English characters, the output will be as follows. If the text contains Non-English characters, the output will be as follows.

   

   If the text contains both English & other Non-English characters, the output will be as follows