Metadata-Based N-Up

The Metadata-based N-Up action task works in conjunction with the PlanetPress Design tool's N-Up functionality. It allows to specify how many virtual pages will appear on each physical page of the PlanetPress Design template to be used with the current data file. The task rearranges the Metadata accordingly, which greatly facilitates the set up of the N-Up functionality in the design tool, especially when the solution includes duplex printing with variable data on both sides.

The PlanetPress Design document needs to be properly set up with the N-Up object and proper virtual pages in order to correctly use this task:

  • All PlanetPress Design document templates must use the N-Up object on both the front and the back pages of the duplex document.
  • Each instance of the N-Up object must have the “change data page with each repeat” option checked.
  • The total number of repeats on each page (vertical X horizontal) must correspond to the number specified in the Number of virtual pages per physical page option..
  • The Alignment setting of each n-up object must be set according to the device’s duplicating capabilities (long-edge or short edge binding).

Tip: To print a Connect template with an N-Up print layout you need an Output Creation Preset with the correct production options. See OL Connect print jobs. Also see Output Creation Preset and Print Presets in the Connect online Help.

Input

Any data file with accompanying Metadata.

Processing

The Metadata is re-arranged and/or duplicated in order to correspond to the options set forth in this task's properties.

Output

The original data file is output, along with the modified Metadata.

Task properties

General Tab

  • Number of virtual pages that appear on each physical page: This is equivalent to the N in N-Up. This number should be equal to the total number of virtual pages in your PlanetPress Design document. For example, a 2 horizontal x 3 vertical is 6-up, so this number should be 6.
  • Number of data pages that make up a single duplex virtual document: Either 1 if your document is duplex (has a front and back), whether the back has variable data or not, or 2 if your document is simplex or the data is already properly duplicated so the front and back already match.

On Error Tab

For a description of the options on the On Error tab see Using the On Error tab.

Miscellaneous Tab

The Miscellaneous tab is common to all tasks.

It contains a text area (Task comments) that lets you write comments about the task. These comments are saved when the dialog is closed with the OK button and are displayed in The Task Comments Pane.

Check the option Use as step description to display the text next to the icon of the plugin in the Process area.

The tab also provides an option to highlight the task in The Process area with the default color, set in the Preferences (see Colors), or the color selected or defined under Highlight color on this tab.
To revert the selected highlight color to the default color, open this tab, turn the Highlight option off and close the dialog with the OK button; then turn highlighting back on.
Highlighting can also be turned on and off via the task's contextual menu and with the Highlight button on the View ribbon.