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Template Background per Queue
Graphic/Ad
document info
Graphic/Ad
Placement
Optional
watermark
layer, additional
to PDF security
Queues:
To create queues, simply
enter a name in the Queue name field and click the
Plus button.
To remove a queue, select the queue from the list and click the Minus button.
To make a queue active (as long as all settings are correct and directories present) click its check box.
To edit a Queues settings select the queue in the list and the settings window will be relating to this queue.
To remove a queue, select the queue from the list and click the Minus button.
To make a queue active (as long as all settings are correct and directories present) click its check box.
To edit a Queues settings select the queue in the list and the settings window will be relating to this queue.
Store and discard Option [✎]
[✂]
To store your
input files have the 'store button' show
like so: [✎],
to remove files as they are processed have the 'store button' show:
[✂]. Fail and Success folders
will be created as needed.
EPS files can be very large so often it is more space effective to switch to another format or remove source files when Final Output has completed.
EPS files can be very large so often it is more space effective to switch to another format or remove source files when Final Output has completed.
Document Size:
The document size is the
final output size for the document we want to create from this
queue.
You must enter a size for the output document for the queue to be activated.
Note: Consider a 'client proof' should probably be an A4 size if most of your clients only have an A4 printer.
You must enter a size for the output document for the queue to be activated.
Note: Consider a 'client proof' should probably be an A4 size if most of your clients only have an A4 printer.
Input file area:
These measurements will be
used to place the graphic file on the new document. This is the
area for which we can scale our graphic file into at "100% or less"
or "Scale to fit", also the area our optional watermark layer will
appear within.
Input file location (watched folder):
The input file location will
be watched for acceptable graphic files. This watched folder is
queue specific and only one queue per location is allowed.
(supported graphic files: ".eps", ".ps", ".pdf", ".jpg", ".jpeg",
".tif", ".tiff", ".gif", ".ai")
Graphics (and text file if applicable) dropped into the watched folder will trigger the creation of our output document as either EPS or PDF as required for this queue.
Drag & Drop the folder from the finder for easy setup of queue locations.
* To ensure PDFs used by Construct Server are placed into the InDesign document as desired, Administrators should first import/place a PDF and select 'Show import options' and choose 'crop box' or whichever PDF bounds are desired. This will set InDesign up to work as you require for Construct Server in future.
Exporting manually with all settings as required is also good practice to ensure Construct Server follows settings as you require during exports.
Graphics (and text file if applicable) dropped into the watched folder will trigger the creation of our output document as either EPS or PDF as required for this queue.
Drag & Drop the folder from the finder for easy setup of queue locations.
* To ensure PDFs used by Construct Server are placed into the InDesign document as desired, Administrators should first import/place a PDF and select 'Show import options' and choose 'crop box' or whichever PDF bounds are desired. This will set InDesign up to work as you require for Construct Server in future.
Exporting manually with all settings as required is also good practice to ensure Construct Server follows settings as you require during exports.
Output Location:
The Output location is where
the final document as either PDF or EPS will be
saved/created.
Drag and drop for easy location setup. Ensure these locations are always available or queue will be unable to be active.
Each queue must have an output directory setup, one, some or all queues can have the same output location.
Drag and drop for easy location setup. Ensure these locations are always available or queue will be unable to be active.
Each queue must have an output directory setup, one, some or all queues can have the same output location.
Background Template file:
This file will be scaled to
the page size you have assigned for it's queue. To avoid scale and
speed issues create this file as the correct size PDF. Consider the
contents as this is the main template for your output
document.
example: shown below, the contents of our final output should include our header and footer etc... and also information panels for our text-information to be positioned underneath. Also decorative frames and borders should be within our template document.
example: shown below, the contents of our final output should include our header and footer etc... and also information panels for our text-information to be positioned underneath. Also decorative frames and borders should be within our template document.
Watermark Layer file (optional):
This layer is optional. The
file you designate for the watermark should suit your needs.
Because it will be placed above all layers in the final output
consider making it a transparent PDF or PNG. You may need Pitstop
or another application to check if output is right for you.
Generally a transparent text based PDF is acceptable.
The file will be stretched to fit the input area setup for the queue in question.
As it is an optional feature, simply leave this field blank if you wish not to include a watermark.
The file will be stretched to fit the input area setup for the queue in question.
As it is an optional feature, simply leave this field blank if you wish not to include a watermark.
Input file rules (scale options):
This option allows for the
input file to either be scaled proportionately to always fit
the
input file area or to only scale down when
it is too large to fit the
input file area (scale file 100% or
less).
Consider the final output size of your documents and this option when setting up your queue.
example: a client proof should probably be an A4 size if most of your clients only have an A4 printer, A3 graphics will then be scaled down to fit the input file area. A small ad at 10x10cm may not need to be scaled up to A4 either...
Consider the final output size of your documents and this option when setting up your queue.
example: a client proof should probably be an A4 size if most of your clients only have an A4 printer, A3 graphics will then be scaled down to fit the input file area. A small ad at 10x10cm may not need to be scaled up to A4 either...
Output file rules (export type):
If you choose to export
an
EPS for
this queue then tick the
EPS output only check box.
To change the EPS export from MONO to CMYK click the button to the right of the EPS output only check box.
If you choose to export a PDF for this queue then un-tick the EPS output only check box.
Select an Adobe PDF preset (which can be set up within InDesign) from the popup list.
These settings will be applied to final output for the queue.
EPS export settings will always have font embedding set to subset and bleed set to 0. For all other settings the last export via the InDesign application involved will be the example by which Construct Server follows.
* To ensure PDFs used by Construct Server are placed into the InDesign document as desired, Administrators should first import/place a PDF and select 'Show import options' and choose 'crop box' or whichever PDF bounds are desired. This will set InDesign up to work as you require for Construct Server in future.
Exporting manually with all settings as required is also good practice to ensure Construct Server follows settings as you require during exports
To change the EPS export from MONO to CMYK click the button to the right of the EPS output only check box.
If you choose to export a PDF for this queue then un-tick the EPS output only check box.
Select an Adobe PDF preset (which can be set up within InDesign) from the popup list.
These settings will be applied to final output for the queue.
EPS export settings will always have font embedding set to subset and bleed set to 0. For all other settings the last export via the InDesign application involved will be the example by which Construct Server follows.
* To ensure PDFs used by Construct Server are placed into the InDesign document as desired, Administrators should first import/place a PDF and select 'Show import options' and choose 'crop box' or whichever PDF bounds are desired. This will set InDesign up to work as you require for Construct Server in future.
Exporting manually with all settings as required is also good practice to ensure Construct Server follows settings as you require during exports
PDF Security:
If you choose to use PDF
security (only available if your export is of type PDF) the
security settings will be applied to your Final output PDFs for
that queue. These security's are followed by most Adobe products
and Mac software, however some third party software can bypass
these settings. Always check to see if the security passes your own
requirements.
We do not recommend relying on the security settings available in Construct Server for highly sensitive data, these settings are simply a way of increasing data security.
We do not recommend relying on the security settings available in Construct Server for highly sensitive data, these settings are simply a way of increasing data security.
Document Variable-Text information and Tabs:
If you choose to Turn
on
Document Variable-Text Information then the queue will require
that along with your graphic a text file of the same name is
delivered to the
input file location.
example: file: "graphic_123.eps" needs to be accompanied by
file: "graphic_123.txt" with the tab delimited data for the graphic.
The area for the text is set out by Top, Left, Bottom, Right mm measurements.
The Tab Locations indicate where the tabs start from the left of the Document Variable-Text Information area.
There can be up to six tabs per line of text and multiple lines will follow these six tabs.
Lucida Grande is installed with Mac OSX and is used as the text information font for Final output at the size you set.
example: file: "graphic_123.eps" needs to be accompanied by
file: "graphic_123.txt" with the tab delimited data for the graphic.
The area for the text is set out by Top, Left, Bottom, Right mm measurements.
The Tab Locations indicate where the tabs start from the left of the Document Variable-Text Information area.
There can be up to six tabs per line of text and multiple lines will follow these six tabs.
Lucida Grande is installed with Mac OSX and is used as the text information font for Final output at the size you set.
Some Possible Errors:
Tips and other information:
• Make sure to enter all
data fields required in preferences [↓]
to avoid a fail for your publications.
• Text files should be in '.txt' format and must have the same name as the input (graphic) file, this will match the two when creating the final output.
• Avoid having two graphic files with the same name especially with a variable text file involved. (ie "pic.pdf" + "pic.eps" + "pic.txt".) This may cause a fail for one or more of the graphics involved.
• To store your input files have the 'store button' show like so: [✎], to remove files as they are processed have the 'store button' show: [✂]. Fail and Success folders will be created as needed.
• InDesign Will be 'devoted' to this task, run in the background by creating a separate 'fast switching' user account (accounts in OSX preferences). This way you can work with your own account while 'Construct Server' works with InDesign in the background.
(fast user switching OSX 10.3.3 or later will enable you to quickly access your server account)
• Text files should be in '.txt' format and must have the same name as the input (graphic) file, this will match the two when creating the final output.
• Avoid having two graphic files with the same name especially with a variable text file involved. (ie "pic.pdf" + "pic.eps" + "pic.txt".) This may cause a fail for one or more of the graphics involved.
• To store your input files have the 'store button' show like so: [✎], to remove files as they are processed have the 'store button' show: [✂]. Fail and Success folders will be created as needed.
• InDesign Will be 'devoted' to this task, run in the background by creating a separate 'fast switching' user account (accounts in OSX preferences). This way you can work with your own account while 'Construct Server' works with InDesign in the background.
(fast user switching OSX 10.3.3 or later will enable you to quickly access your server account)
Installation:
To Install Construct Server©
simply drag and drop the Construct Server© application from the DMG
to your applications folder or desktop. The application can be
launched from anywhere you have Access Privileges, however we
suggest your Applications folder is the best location to install
and run Construct Server©.
Construct Server© v3.2 requires Adobe® InDesign® CS or later. To 'bind' Construct Server© to a version of InDesign simply ensure the version of InDesign you wish to bind to is the only version launched.
You can change the 'bind' any time you relaunch Construct Server©.
System Requirements:
Construct Server© requires Mac OSX 10.4 or later
Construct Server© requires Adobe® InDesign® CS or later
Construct Server© v3.2 requires Adobe® InDesign® CS or later. To 'bind' Construct Server© to a version of InDesign simply ensure the version of InDesign you wish to bind to is the only version launched.
You can change the 'bind' any time you relaunch Construct Server©.
System Requirements:
Construct Server© requires Mac OSX 10.4 or later
Construct Server© requires Adobe® InDesign® CS or later
Errors can occur within
InDesign, Construct Server or the file system.
Construct Server endeavors to resolve any issues but it is impossible to trap all errors.
• File system errors - If the files are based on a network share it is possible that the files can be read before copy/write is complete when file-lock is PC based or network connectivity fluctuates. Due to this and possible network disconnections it is recommended watched folders be located on the Mac hard drive running Construct Server.
While network operation should pose no issue we cannot support every setup.
• Image file errors - can occur due to trying to import non supported file types. Postscript, PDF or EPS files without embedded fonts. Also if the file is on a network share it is possible that the file can be read before copy/write is complete when file-lock is PC based or network connectivity fluctuates.
To check if graphic files are not corrupt and are supported, try importing them into InDesign and exporting the document this will usually highlight any errors with the files in question.
• Watermark Image file errors - can occur due to trying to import non supported file types. Postscript, PDF or EPS files without embed fonts and similar issues as with other image file errors above. Try building InDesign documents with your files and export to check all elements are compatible.
• Text file errors - can occur when a queue is waiting on both text-file and graphic-file to complete the document. You can turn off document Variable text information within the queue settings. check that txt files are delivered to the queues with the same name as their graphic-file pair.
Check for special characters within txt files, it may pay to check if InDesign can import certain special characters if used.
• InDesign errors - can occur if InDesign was to freeze or a dialog prompt has not been dismissed before Construct Server begins to process a queue. Ensure InDesign is in an Idle state for Construct Server to interact with.
• Reports of errors/bugs - are always welcome through the contact section of myMacMac.com, unfortunately we may not be able to reply to all reports.
Construct Server endeavors to resolve any issues but it is impossible to trap all errors.
• File system errors - If the files are based on a network share it is possible that the files can be read before copy/write is complete when file-lock is PC based or network connectivity fluctuates. Due to this and possible network disconnections it is recommended watched folders be located on the Mac hard drive running Construct Server.
While network operation should pose no issue we cannot support every setup.
• Image file errors - can occur due to trying to import non supported file types. Postscript, PDF or EPS files without embedded fonts. Also if the file is on a network share it is possible that the file can be read before copy/write is complete when file-lock is PC based or network connectivity fluctuates.
To check if graphic files are not corrupt and are supported, try importing them into InDesign and exporting the document this will usually highlight any errors with the files in question.
• Watermark Image file errors - can occur due to trying to import non supported file types. Postscript, PDF or EPS files without embed fonts and similar issues as with other image file errors above. Try building InDesign documents with your files and export to check all elements are compatible.
• Text file errors - can occur when a queue is waiting on both text-file and graphic-file to complete the document. You can turn off document Variable text information within the queue settings. check that txt files are delivered to the queues with the same name as their graphic-file pair.
Check for special characters within txt files, it may pay to check if InDesign can import certain special characters if used.
• InDesign errors - can occur if InDesign was to freeze or a dialog prompt has not been dismissed before Construct Server begins to process a queue. Ensure InDesign is in an Idle state for Construct Server to interact with.
• Reports of errors/bugs - are always welcome through the contact section of myMacMac.com, unfortunately we may not be able to reply to all reports.
Construct Server is designed
to create PDF or EPS output via InDesign from your graphic files
and information.
We like to call this template based output.
Basically Construct Server watches folders you assign for incoming graphic and text files. Each Queue you create has it's own watched folder, document size, template (background) and optional watermark file assigned. When a graphic file is dropped into a queue's watched folder a new document is created according to the queue's settings. If a text file with the same name as the graphic-file accompanies the graphic-file then information is laid out onto the new document as specified. The new document is then exported from Adobe® InDesign® according to the Queue's settings and you end up with your client proof or repurposed document as EPS or PDF.
We like to call this template based output.
Basically Construct Server watches folders you assign for incoming graphic and text files. Each Queue you create has it's own watched folder, document size, template (background) and optional watermark file assigned. When a graphic file is dropped into a queue's watched folder a new document is created according to the queue's settings. If a text file with the same name as the graphic-file accompanies the graphic-file then information is laid out onto the new document as specified. The new document is then exported from Adobe® InDesign® according to the Queue's settings and you end up with your client proof or repurposed document as EPS or PDF.
Help
Mac and the Mac
logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries.
Adobe® InDesign® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Adobe® InDesign® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
This software is
provided "as is" and any express or implied warranties, including,
but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantibility and
fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed. In no event shall
the copyright owner or contributors be liable for any direct,
indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages
(including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or
services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption)
however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract,
strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise)
arising in any way out of the use of this software, even if advised
of the possibility of such damage.
Construct Server©
InExport© is
free
If you use InDesign and need a way to create the text file required
by Construct Server, consider InExport© which can export the
graphic file along with this text file containing information
relating to the InDesign document.
InExport© is free from www.myMacMac.com
InExport© is free from www.myMacMac.com