Introduction

INposition Lite

INposition® Lite is an XTension® to QuarkXPress® for Windows and Macintosh that enables you to quickly impose the pages of the active QuarkXPress document into most of the common small press signature layouts. Imposing your publications (magazines, catalogs, booklets) yourself dramatically reduces prepress costs and makes producing a newsletter with your laser printer easy.

INposition Lite’s features are accessed by choosing the INposition Lite command from the File menu. Like INposition - the DK&A XTension that imposes other formats besides native Quark files - INposition Lite is easy to use and works seamlessly within QuarkXPress.

What is imposition?

Imposition is the arrangement of the pages of a document into groupings of a specific layout and orientation, in preparation for production of press plates (one group of pages per plate). The plates are then used to imprint both sides of large sheets of paper.

The specific arrangement of individual pages on the plates (i.e., the imposition order) is such that when the sheets are folded and trimmed, each page appears in the correct reading order and the publication is ready for binding.

Using INposition Lite

INposition Lite is easy to use – simply select “INposition Lite...” command from the Quark File menu while a Quark document is open, set up the options appropriately for your publication and then click the Print button to initiate signature printing. If you save the document following printing, the settings in the dialog box are also saved.

INposition Lite Basic Panel

The upper portion of the dialog box contains options common to most Print dialog boxes.

Plate Layout Area

This area displays the plate layouts for the front and back of a press sheet, as defined by the current INposition Lite settings (i.e., Layout selection, Sheets selection, page orientation, and page imposition order). The numbers on the page representations in the plate layouts define the current imposition order, or the relative page ordering for a single signature of a print job, and thus are unrelated to document page numbers. To see the actual layout of pages for a complete print job, click on Preview. These numbers are not individually editable (except in the special case when Binding is set to None, as described in the section “Binding Style”).

In the Plate Layout Area, a warning in red may occur under three circumstances:

1) Missing Pages Warning - This error will occur if you have chosen a signature style which requires more pages than are in the Quark document in order to be complete.

2) Invalid Output Size Warning - This occurs if the Paper Width and Paper Height in the Page Setup Tab are not sufficient to contain the entire plate.

Note: This will be reflected in the Preview Dialog; the entire plate may not be able to appear due to an insufficient paper size.

3) Duplicate Pages Warning - This only occurs when Binding is set to None, and the same page number is entered more than once on a signature. In some cases, such a setup may be desirable. At those times, you may ignore the warning and print as desired.

Imposition order is critical to the production of a publication with correctly positioned pages. The imposition order specifies the sequence of page placement on the plates. Successive pages from the QuarkXPress document are arranged on the plates as defined by the imposition order.

INposition Lite provides automatic page ordering – all you have to do is specify the position of the first page in the imposition order. To do so, simply click where you want the first page of the Quark document to be placed.

The numbering displayed is for a single signature. If there is more than one sheet in the signature then you may view the ordering of each sheet by clicking on the “previous” and “next” buttons in the Plate Layout Area.

Note: The location of the spine of the publication affects imposition order and creep compensation. When there are four pages per plate (4-Up is chosen from the Layout pop-up menu), the default is a horizontal spine between the columns of pages. To specify a vertical spine between the rows of pages, click where you would like the spine to be. The spine is represented by a double blue line between the pages.

Layout

This pop-up menu defines the number of pages on a plate and their layout; choose 1-up, 2-Up (Printer’s Spreads), 2-Down (Calendar), 3-up, or 4-Up (default) on the Macintosh. For the Windows version, an 8-up is available. The Plate Layout Area displays the layout for two plates (the front and back of a sheet) with the chosen number of pages per plate.

Sheets

This pop-up menu defines the number of sheets per signature; choose 1, 2, 3, or 4 sheets.

Signatures are the basic unit of publication production. A signature can be defined as one or more sheets of printed pages that are folded as a single unit prior to binding and trimming. Folded signatures are then stacked (for perfect binding), or nested (for saddle stitching). The number of signatures created by INposition Lite depends on the number of pages in the QuarkXPress document – as many signatures as necessary are created to place all the pages.

If there are not enough pages in the QuarkXPress document to fill the created signature(s), the signature(s) will be filled with blank pages. A warning will be displayed in red in the Plate Layout area when pages are missing.

For example, suppose you define a 4-up, four-sheet signature (i.e., 32 pages per signature) and there are 40 pages in the QuarkXPress document. Two signatures will be created to accommodate the document, and the final 24 pages of the imposed booklet will be blank. In this situation, it would be better to define a 4-up, one-sheet signature; five signatures would be created and no blank pages would be required.

Binding Style

From this pop-up menu specify how the booklet will be bound – choose Saddle Stitch, Perfect, or None. This choice affects actual page numbers in each signature, as well as the compensation for creep (see the following section, “Creep,” for more information).

Perfect Binding: This binding is used when the sheet is folded in half and layered on top of the previous sheet. The spine is then ground down and glued together.

When Perfect Binding is selected, clicking on a page position in the signature preview will make it the first position.

Saddle Stitch: This binding is used when the sheets are folded and bound together with a staple in the spine.

When Saddle Stitch is selected, clicking on a page position in the signature preview will make it the first position.

None: There is no binding and pages can be ordered as desired by the user. This allows for “work and turn” and “work and tumble” in addition to step-and-repeat jobs or unusual imposition orders that cannot be calculated by INposition Lite’s numbering algorithm. Note that the numbers you enter must be the actual document page numbers from the QuarkXPress document, as displayed in the Document Layout palette.

When None is selected, all positions in the signature preview are editable.

If your signature style has multiple sheets, you must number each sheet individually. If you would like a blank page in your signature definition, number the page with a zero (“0”).

Gap Settings

The gap between rows and the gap between columns of pages on the plates can be set individually – change either value in the appropriate field (value must be between zero and 2 inches; like all values in QuarkXPress, this can be specified in any unit of measurement).

Entering a new gap value will affect all gaps. Clicking on the gap will allow you to enter a new gap value for the signature. To select more than one gap, hold the shift key down while clicking.

Vertical Gripper

A gripper is the mechanism that pulls a sheet of paper into the printing press. If the sheet that has been created will be pulled from the left or right side, click the Vertical Gripper box. Selecting vertical gripper also affects how the pages on the back of the sheet are ordered if a binding of Saddle Stitch or Perfect is used.

The selection of the gripper reflects the direction that the sheet will be turned during the printing process. With the default of horizontal gripper (Vertical gripper unchecked), the press sheet will be turned over from left to right or vice versa. Therefore, the automatic numbering on the back of the sheet reflects this direction.

If Vertical gripper is checked, then the press sheet will be turned from top to bottom (or vertically) and the automatic numbering on the back of the sheet reflects this.

Page Orientation

Each row of pages on the plate can be oriented with the tops, or “heads,” of the pages pointing either up or down. Click on the corner “leaf” to change orientation of an entire row of pages. The pages can only be oriented up or down; they cannot be oriented left or right. To change the orientation of a single page (and its mirrored “back” page), hold the Shift key down while clicking.

Note: If all of the pages on a plate need to be rotated to a landscape orientation, then simply rotate the whole plate at the time of output.

Save/Load Styles

If you have a particular group of settings which you find yourself using often, you can save these styles by clicking on “Save.” You will be prompted for a file name and where you want to store these settings. You may load them again in the future by clicking “Load.” These styles are cross-platform and can be loaded into INposition Lite on either the Windows or Macintosh version.

Plate Preview

Click this button to open the Plate Preview dialog box in which you can view the actual layout of the plates, and their positioning on the print sheets, as defined by current settings in the Print Signatures, INposition Lite Preferences and the Page Setup dialog boxes.

Note: If an insufficient Paper Width and Paper Height are entered in the Page Setup Tab, the preview will reflect this setup, and may not show the entire plate. A warning in red will also occur in the Basic Panel’s Plate Layout Area when the output size is invalid for the size of the plate you have chosen.

Margins

The Vertical and Horizontal Margins are the spaces around the vertical and horizontal edges of your plate. The maximum amount for these fields is 2”. Remember that adding a 1” margin on either vertical or horizontal edges of your plate adds a total of 2” to the size of the plate in that dimension.

Bleed

The Bleed value determines the bleed (excess image) printed around the trim (non-spine) edges of each page. If Binding is set to None then this value determines the bleed around all four sides. The maximum value for Bleed is 2”.

Crossover

The Crossover value determines the bleed on the edge of each page next to a spine. The maximum value for Crossover is 2”.

Creep

Creep is the apparent movement, on folded signatures, of the printed pages away from the spine in Saddle-Stitched publications. This is caused by the accumulation of the thickness of the folded paper at the spine, and the effect is particularly noticeable in saddle-stitched publications in which each successive signature is folded and placed inside the previously folded signature.

In the Creep field, you may input the paper thickness for your signature, and INposition Lite will make adjustments based on that thickness for each sheet on each plate.

INposition Lite compensates for this movement by “creeping” the page images toward the spine. The creep compensation is applied automatically if a binding of Saddle Stitch is selected and an amount greater than 0” is put in the creep field.

INposition Lite's application of creep compensation can be calculated by multiplying the number of folded spreads (ignoring the outside of the publication, which will not have any creep) by the amount entered in the creep field. For example, In a 32-page document imposed as a 2up with the creep set at .003”, the total creep accumulated for the center spread (pages 16 and 17) would be .045”.

Perfect bound publications and small saddle-stitched booklets usually do not require any compensation for creep. In these situations any value you put in the Creep field will not be applied.

Overlap

The Overlap value is the maximum amount of creep allowed.

Marks

General Configurations

The Marks are placed with the following configuration. The Plate information tag (which lists Job name, plate, color separations, etc.) will be placed .02" from the appropriate dimension (either bleed value or offset value). The Plate tag is 12 point courier, and measures .125" in height. The Color bars (if selected) will be placed .02" above this, and will occupy a height of .125".

Trim & Fold

Trim marks are found on the corners of the plate, and fold marks are centered in-between pages on the plate. The length and offset values can be specified for these marks. The offset value specifies how far from the edge of a plate to place the trim and fold marks.

Overprint

If Overprint is checked, then marks will be placed at the amount set by the value in Offset - even if it is in the bleed area.

If this option is not checked, then the marks will be placed starting at the lesser of two values - the amount of the bleed or Offset. Therefore, if the bleed extends to the edge of the plate margin and overprint is unchecked, then there would be no space to place the marks and they would not be printed.

Sheet Tags

Sheet tags print in the upper left corner of a plate. Information provided includes the sheet number, document name, and date and time of printing. If separations are printed from INposition Lite, clicking on Sheet tags will ensure that the separation color will be listed as well.

Color Bars

The Color bars pop-up menu allows you to choose where to place the color bars on your final output. For example, selecting Top or Bottom will place as many bars as can fit along the top or bottom of the plate. Selecting Left or Right will place as many bars as can fit along the selected side of the plate. If you prefer to have no color bars, select None in the pop-up menu. You cannot have Color bars and Gray bars run along the same sides of the plate.

Gray Bars

Like the Color bars, the Gray bars menu allows you to choose where to place the grayscale bars on your final output. For example, selecting Top or Bottom will place as many bars as can fit along the top or bottom of the plate. Selecting Left or Right will place as many bars as can fit along the selected side of the plate. If you prefer to have no gray bars, select None in the pop-up menu. You cannot have Color bars and Gray bars run along the same sides of the plate.

Registration Marks

Clicking on Registration marks will place a registration “target” along the outside edge of the plate, centered on each page on the plate.

Center Output on Plate

If this option is enabled, the sheet will be centered on the output device. The center of the output device is determined using the PPD or PDF file of the current printer.

Custom offset values may also be entered in the From Left and From Top fields if Centered on Paper is not checked. Entering values in these fields will allow you to adjust where the plate is printed on the sheet of film or paper.

Glossary

This section defines a number of printing and prepress terms as they are used in this manual.

Binding Fastening the pages of a publication together into a booklet. There are two primary methods: saddle stitching and adhesive or “perfect” binding.

Bleed Page elements that extend beyond any of the four trim edges are said to bleed off the page. This ensures that when the pages are cut, there is no gap between the edge of the printed element and the edge of the page.

Creep The apparent movement of pages on folded signatures away from the spine, caused by the thickness of the folded paper. Creep is of particular concern with saddle-stitched publications, where each successive signature is folded and placed inside the previously folded signature. To compensate, pages are printed slightly closer to the spine on successive signatures.

Crop marks Lines that indicate the outer trim edges of a block of pages on a sheet; generally two perpendicular lines just outside the four corners of the trim area.

Flat The front or back of a printed sheet. Also, the unit of imposed pages used to produce a plate to print one side of a sheet.

Fold Repeatedly bringing the opposing edges of a printed sheet together and flattening the resulting crease. In this way correctly imposed pages are brought into sequential order and proper alignment, and the sheet(s) can be combined, trimmed and bound.

Imposition Imposition is the arrangement of the individual pages of a book into a multi-page layout for production of a press plate. This layout is set up such that when the sheets are printed, folded and trimmed, the pages are in the correct order and the book is ready for binding.

Imposition order Traditionally, the sequence and positioning of pages on the signatures that results in the pages being correctly positioned when the sheets are folded and bound. In INposition Lite, the imposition order is determined automatically, based on plate layout, number of sheets per signature, the orientation of the booklet’s spine, and the position on the plate you specify as page one. This imposition order is such that the last page of the signature is adjacent to the first, and successive pages “back” each other (e.g., page 2 is always on the back of page 1).

Layout The arrangement of pages in printing sequence on a plate.

Margins The spaces between the printed area and the trim edges of a page. Also, the spaces between the block of printed page on a plate and the edges of the plate.

Page

(a) One side, usually printed, of a single leaf of a trimmed and bound publication.

(b) The text-and-graphics “image unit” acquired from QuarkXPress for printing on (a).

(c) The generic signature location in which (b) appears, as specified by the sequence or imposition order.

Perfect binding A method of binding in which the signatures are folded, stacked, and trimmed, and then glue is applied to the spine edges. This produces a flat-spined book that opens completely to the back of each page.

Plate In printing, a plate is a metal, polyester, or paper master that, when inked, is used to press an image onto paper. In INposition Lite, plate often refers to the unit of imposed pages and press marks that will be used to produce one printing plate.

Press marks The fold lines, trim lines, center marks, color bars, gray-scale bars, plate tags, and registration marks printed on the sheets for information and guidance.

Saddle stitch A method of binding in which each signature is folded and placed inside the previously folded signature; when all the signatures are folded and inserted, they are sewn or stapled together through the center folds.

Sheet A large piece of paper passing through a press for imprinting by a plate or plates. (On a web press, a roll of paper is used in place of multiple sheets.)

Signature One or more sheets of printed pages brought together in the proper alignment and order for trimming and binding by a single folding operation. (A signature can consist of multiple sheets if the sheets are stacked, and then folded in one operation.)

Spine The edge of a folded signature that is bound to the spine edges of other folded signatures, forming the back of the booklet.

Vertical Gripper A gripper is the mechanism that pulls a sheet of paper into the printing press. Imposed signatures can be pulled into the printing press from any edge. Typically, press operators suggest that color bars be placed on the side of the plate where the gripper edge lies, in case on-the-fly changes need to be made to to printing inks.

The software described in this manual is distributed under license from DK&A Prepress, Inc. The license agreement specifies the permitted and prohibited use of this software. Any unauthorized duplication or use of INposition Lite in whole or in part, in print, or in any other storage or retrieval system is prohibited. This software is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, regarding the software package, its merchantability, or its fitness for any particular purpose.

Software Requirements

INposition Lite requires QuarkXPress or Quark Passport for Macintosh, Windows 95, or Windows 98 version 4.03 or greater. Additionally, INposition Lite requires a PostScript-compatible output device, and monitor resolution of at least 1024x768. Windows 95 and Windows 98 require bit depth to be set at 24-bit True Color.

No additional memory allocation is required.

Installing INposition Lite for the Macintosh

To install INposition Lite on the Macintosh, insert the INposition Lite CD into the CD drive. Please look over the ReadMe file included on the CD before continuing with the installation.

Double-click the INposition Lite Installer icon. You will be asked to select the hard drive where your QuarkXPress application exists. The installer will locate a valid QuarkXPress XTension folders. If more than one valid XTension folder exists, you must choose one from the Select Folder dialog before proceeding.

After the installation has completed, you can launch Quark and access INposition Lite by simply selecting the “INposition Lite...” command from the Quark File menu.

Installing INposition Lite for Windows 95 and Windows 98

To install INposition Lite for Windows 95 or Windows 98, insert the INposition Lite CD into the CD drive. Please look over the ReadMe file included on the CD before continuing with the installation.

Double-click the Setup installer icon. The Windows Install Wizard will give you a default directory of C:\Program Files\QuarkXPress\XTension.. If you have renamed your Quark folder, you will need to use the Browse command to seek out the valid Quark XTension folder for installation.

After the installation has completed, you can launch Quark and access INposition Lite by simply selecting the “INposition Lite...” command from the Quark File menu.

Registering INposition Lite

When you first launch QuarkXPress, you will be prompted for a code and company name. To receive your validation code, you must have two items: the serial number from the INposition Lite CD-ROM, and the configuration number that will be given to you in this Activation Panel.

You must then contact DK&A Sales with this information. A sales associate will give you an Activation Code.

Once you have received your code, you may enter it and your company name into the Activation Panel.

Until INposition Lite receives the proper activation codes, a demo message will be printed on each plate output from INposition Lite.

Copyright Notice

©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 DK&A Prepress, Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this manual may be copied without the express written consent of DK&A Prepress, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America.

Trademarks

DK&A, DK&A Prepress, the DK&A logo, INposition, and the INposition logo are registered trademarks of DK&A Prepress, Inc. INposition Lite is a trademark of DK&A Prepress, Inc. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. XTensions and QuarkXPress are registered trademarks of Quark, Inc. Windows, Windows 95 and Windows 98 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Quark Disclaimer

This program contains an XTension which enables it to be used with QuarkXPress or Quark Passport version 4.03 and higher for Windows and Macintosh.

QuarkXPress is a registered trademark of Quark, Inc. Only valid, registered copies of QuarkXPress may be used with this program.

Quark, Inc. makes no warranties either express or implied, regarding the enclosed computer software package, its merchantability, or its fitness for any particular purpose. Quark, Inc. disclaims all warranties including, but not limited to the warranties of the distributor, retailers, and developers of the enclosed software. Without limiting the foregoing, in no event shall Quark, Inc. be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage in any way relating to the use or arising out of the use of the enclosed software. Quark, Inc’s. liability shall in no event exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).

The exclusion of implied warranties and/or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages is not allowed in some areas, so these exclusions and limitations may not apply to you.