Multi-PDF output same TOC
Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2019 6:23 pm
Hi guys,
I'm a writer for a boat manufacturer. I produce a set of manuals that are generated from a single TOC with multiple conditions. Currently my only output is to PDF which is configured to be a balance between number of printed pages (currently around 300) and readability. Manuals are printed on a plastic paper for durability at sea, as well as supplied on a memory stick for viewing on computer. I recently discovered that I can upload the PDF manual to the boat's chartplotter(s), making for easy access and reference direct from all helm positions.
However, the current format for print doesn't work well on screen. The print fonts are too small and the layout doesn't scale well on the screens which can vary from 10" to 24". With electronic delivery having no page count restriction I'm free to change the formatting to optimise the online experience. However, Flare ties page layouts to the TOC and I can't see a way to output to a different set of page layouts without duplicating the TOC, and in so doing increase difficulties in maintenance and keeping the copies in sync. Currently the only way I see to manage a dual PDF output is to script a solution that before each build copies the TOC, changes page layout references in the TOC entries and builds the document. All of which I'm comfortable doing as I already script a lot of manual construction from multiple sources. Is there an easier way to do this in Flare that I'm blind to?
For example, my print version uses a landscape 3 col format. My online version I'd keep in landscape but switch to bigger fonts (easy with a stylesheet media) and two columns, with a static menu bar down the left side for easy navigation on the screen.
Any ideas?
Cheers,
Rob
I'm a writer for a boat manufacturer. I produce a set of manuals that are generated from a single TOC with multiple conditions. Currently my only output is to PDF which is configured to be a balance between number of printed pages (currently around 300) and readability. Manuals are printed on a plastic paper for durability at sea, as well as supplied on a memory stick for viewing on computer. I recently discovered that I can upload the PDF manual to the boat's chartplotter(s), making for easy access and reference direct from all helm positions.
However, the current format for print doesn't work well on screen. The print fonts are too small and the layout doesn't scale well on the screens which can vary from 10" to 24". With electronic delivery having no page count restriction I'm free to change the formatting to optimise the online experience. However, Flare ties page layouts to the TOC and I can't see a way to output to a different set of page layouts without duplicating the TOC, and in so doing increase difficulties in maintenance and keeping the copies in sync. Currently the only way I see to manage a dual PDF output is to script a solution that before each build copies the TOC, changes page layout references in the TOC entries and builds the document. All of which I'm comfortable doing as I already script a lot of manual construction from multiple sources. Is there an easier way to do this in Flare that I'm blind to?
For example, my print version uses a landscape 3 col format. My online version I'd keep in landscape but switch to bigger fonts (easy with a stylesheet media) and two columns, with a static menu bar down the left side for easy navigation on the screen.
Any ideas?
Cheers,
Rob