A Software Module for Multi-Column Editions Design

Zoryana Selmenska 1[0000-0002-9514-7923], Svitlana Komar 1[0000-0003-3848-0161]

Oleksandr Sorochynskyi 1[0000-0003-0964-2598], Oleh Sidiki 1[0000-0003-2586-7607]

Peter Veselý 2[0000-0002-7857-6355]

1Ukrainian
Academy of Printing, Lviv, Ukraine
2Comenius
University in Bratislava, Odbojárov 10, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
{ zorselm, komarsvit, somsoroka, sidikioleg }@gmail.com
[email protected]

Abstract. The problems in the area of automation of computer publishing

processes have been studied. Methods of standardization technique for forming
the optimal process of prepress preparation of a multi-column printed edition
have been described. The basic stages of prepress preparation, which can be
optimized by means of automation, have been identified. An algorithm for a
software module has been developed that will allow the automated layout of
printed editions to be performed quickly and technically correctly. The designed
software module is focused on multi-column editions with a small content of
illustrations (up to 5%), a large and medium volume and a text of the first and
second complexity level. The software module automatically selects the
optimum parameters of the text content, the edition page and the edition as a
whole. This automatic selection of parameters is based exclusively on DSTU,
the layout standards and rules, which are embedded in the basis of the
construction algorithm. The basic principles of the operation of the software
module in general, as well as individual submodules have been described in
detail. It is specified according to what standards and rules the automatic layout
will be carried out. The presented algorithm of the conventional technology of
the editorial and technical process for the prepress preparation of a multi-
column edition shows what steps will be performed automatically when using
the software module. The use of the software module will significantly reduce
time costs, lower the complexity and optimize the process of prepress
preparation of multi-column editions.

Keywords: Design, Layout, Multi-column Edition, Software Module.

1 Introduction
Nowadays, the introduction of the latest technologies, materials and equipment is
constantly expanding and improving in Ukraine. The development of printing tech-
nology is characterized by the continuation and acceleration of the introduction pro-
cess of digital methods and text processing tools in publishing and printing processes
[1, 2, 3].

Copyright © 2019 for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
2019 DCSMart Workshop.
 To increase the dynamics of the production process of printing products at the
stage of prepress preparation of editions, computer publishing systems (CPS) are
designed, which allow: to reduce the time to prepare the edition for publication
significantly [4], to control the materials at all stages of their processing [5], to
expand the range of editions without increasing the number of employees [6], to store
and protect the information, to allow the remote work with the system, to support
software of multiple heterogeneous editions and choose Mac and PC platforms.
At the present stage of prepress preparation, many different kinds of software are
used for the organization of the automated production system in editorial offices and
publishing houses [7]. The area of the automation of layout processes is intensively
developing. Such automation is performed by software and technological means [1,
2]. Modern software tools for the layout process [5] automation are divided into three
levels. Depending on the project complexity and the quality of the text information it
consists of, the following tools are used for automatic processing: script libraries
(macros); database export software and converters and software complexes for
automatic layout.
The effective use of macros (a sequence of commands written in the internal lan-
guage of the software) requires the additional documentation and professional pro-
gramming skills, but in most cases standard sequences of macros can be written using
standard software interfaces. Script libraries are written by professional programmers,
so their main features are completeness and multi-functionality, but after the macros
are applied, the project requires considerable manual improvement.
Database export software allows one to use specific templates to create formatted
text that, when exported to a layout program, stores formatting attributes and is writ-
ten in the internal database languages for a specific project by professional pro-
grammers. Preferably, the input information is stored directly in the database when
there are text files exported from the source database in a specific format, a converter
can be written that analyses the file structure and adds formatting symbols using a
template or a set of rules [4].

2 Investigation of the automatic layout software complexes

An automatic layout software complex or package layout software is an intricate
multifunctional complex, which requires considerable cost for implementation, but
provides maximum automation of the layout process [1, 2]. The layout engineer can
modify templates that store styles and modular page grids, combine templates and
modify links between templates, as well as the project structure. The result of such a
software is the strips laid out in accordance with the strip template, which can be
transmitted to the output device after the structural verification.
One of the technological methods to increase the layout process automation and to
provide visual communication between heterogeneous elements is page make-up. The
purpose of the page makeup is to connect all the elements with each other visually, to
make them compatible and proportionate, and to arrange the material on the strip
visually [8].
On the page of the forthcoming edition, text and graphic information is subject to
certain rules [9, 10]. The formation of text information on a page, a paper sheet, is
carried out in a certain way by organizing into a system of individual components. In
this case, the composition strip, the page spread, and the editions generally act as a
system of interdependent elements and form a single unit. Structuring of the text, its
integrity is achieved by means of its "significance" organization.
The features of the text material are related to the internal structure-forming
factors, because they are integral factors in the condition of the formation of the
edition text pages. The text material is usually the basis of the edition design [11].
In addition to the internal factors, the text part of the edition is influenced by the
external structure-forming factors that are associated with the destination of the
printed matter. The edition must always meet consumer requirements. The formation
of a text message on a page depends on the reader’s categories, it should be related to
the age, psychological and other characteristics of the consumer, meet his education-
al background. In addition, external structure-forming factors are related to the con-
ditions in which the edition is used, aesthetic ideals, the economic possibilities of the
reader, etc.
The structural construction and harmonious unity of the text material in the edition
is achieved by certain principles of composition. They are implemented by the
repetition of the whole in parts, the subordination and ordering of elements and their
groups, the proportionality, the established uniform measure, the equilibrium, unity
and integrity of pages, parts of the text [11].
Proportions express the qualitative interconnection of parts in the whole. Propor-
tions are the most important when determining the format of a book page, a folding
page surrounded by margins. Proportional rules are at the heart of the system of letter
size, the size and location of text blocks. Any element of the text information must be
consistent with the page format. In particular, the attention is paid to the size and
proportions of the alphabetic characters on the page, the line length, the column
height, the tables proportions [12]. It can be noted that proportionality is one of the
most important principles of the composition art. The proportions of the letters, which
are determined by the ratio of the main and additional strokes, notches, contrasts, are
inseparable with the concept of proportionality. Proportionality influences the size of
inter-word spaces, paragraph indents, font sizes, interlining.
In the broad sense, based on the above, we can talk about the systematic approach
that is necessary for the design of the edition text material [12]. The structure and
properties of the composition elements make it possible to see it on the page as a
whole. Moreover, the properties are characterized by a set of parameters, some of
which may have a quantitative measure (size, page format, etc.), while others are
expressed only qualitatively (aesthetic characteristics, composite solutions) [8].
The introduction of automation systems for prepress processes [2, 4] requires more
than it is acceptable in conventional technologies to use typical techniques and design
elements for printed pages and the editions in general.
Based on such principles, a standardization methodology is designed. It uses tech-
niques such as:
- simplification – reducing the number of solutions (for example, formats) in
the manufacturing process to a number sufficient to meet the needs of the
consumer;
- unification – a combination of conditions that results in the use of a limited
number of individual elements in manufacturing (for example, fonts);
 - typization – developing typical layouts or process technologies based on
common characteristics for a range of features.
The essence of typization lies in the development and use of technological
processes, not for individual editions, but for types of editions, comprehensively
addressing the technology issues common to a particular type. Typization is based on
the establishment of typical representatives (models), which have the highest number
of features characteristic of this type of editions.
Publishing books, brochures, promotional materials, etc., is based on the use of
standardized and typical methods and it allows not only to apply a limited amount of
equipment and software products, but also to develop the optimal (for specific
conditions) process of editions publishing while simultaneously implementing the
whole complex of typical solutions for a future book, magazine, brochure.
The main purpose of automation in the publishing and printing environment, the
unification of standards between the prepress, printing and postpress stages is to en-
sure the optimum workflow, which minimizes, and ideally prevents, the impact of the
human factor on errors in all its stages [2]. Therefore, the gradual introduction of
automation is recommended to start with the editorial staff, making coordinated
demands to printing houses, namely that in the first stages this approach requires less
money and is more efficient in terms of establishing an industry standard for
processing the text and illustration information [9] and manufacturing printing matter
[2].
Taking into account the advantages and limitations outlined, publishers who are
clearly aware of the need for automated publishing systems must consider the high
level of complexity of certain products and choose experienced system integrators for
implementation authorized by the developers and guaranteeing the required training
and the certification quality.

3 Software development for multi-column edition design

Having studied the market of periodicals in Ukraine, for January 1, 2019, according to
the State Statistics Service, 2617 journals and 6590 publishers were registered.
Having analyzed the methods of editorial-technical preparation and the technology of
periodicals manufacturing [6, 10], nowadays there is a task to create a software
module for the automatic layout of large multi-column editions in order to reduce the
complexity and time costs in publishing houses.
Layout software is used for the layout of printing editions, the most competitive on
the market is Adobe InDesign of different versions. InDesign layout software is a
powerful software tool for the layout of printing editions. However, the feature of the
layout of multi-column editions requires additional capabilities. There are additional
plugins on the market to create a modular grid for a future edition. However, they
only perform mathematical calculations and divide the composition strip into a given
number of modules, without taking into account the inter-column distance or with a
fixed one.
Despite the advantages of this software (the focus on all printing products and not
only, obtaining high quality text and graphic material, etc.), it has several disad-
vantages:
 - high cost, $ 436 per year for using a licensed version of Adobe InDesign CC
for a period of 1 year [2];
- high PC requirements – Recommended 8GB RAM, minimum free hard disk
space – 2.6GB;
- a wide range of tools that are not applicable for multi-column layout with a
small volume of illustrations;
- the inability to use the free trial version in commercial entities;
- the working complexity for a beginner;
- it requires the active involvement of a designer, all parameters are set
manually, only the strip division into the specified number of columns is
done automatically.
Using the developed software module will allow to carry out the layout process
with the use of automatic selection of optimal parameters for a page and an edition as
a whole. In-depth analysis of the text and graphic material, its volume and the
subsequent calculation and the automatic parameter selection will also be carried out.
The software module has several advantages:
- low cost;
- PC requirements – 2GB of RAM is recommended, it does not require a lot of
hard disk space to install – up to 500Mb;
- a logical and understandable interface of the software;
- an automatic layout process with the involvement of a designer for the input
of data, graphic material, the implementation of quality control of the
completed material.

Table 1. A comparison of the software module with the most competitive software.

Loss function’s Automatic Construction Automatic PC Free Cost,

type parameter of modular layout Require- trial per
selection grid control ments year
Adobe
InDesign CC - manually - high 7 days 436$
Grid Calculator
Pro Edition - automatic - high - 165$
Software
module + automatic + low 1 month 100$

The market requires the rapid implementation of high-quality layout of large volume
material for printing products, including multi-column ones. The software module
provides the ability to perform the procedure promptly, automatically, qualitatively, in
compliance with all standards of composition and layout.
In the layout process of multi-column editions, especially large ones, there are
many technical issues based exclusively on the rules of technical documentation, such
as determining the optimal font parameters of the text information, the edition page,
and the edition as a whole. The selection of these parameters is simple but time-
consuming. If you select certain properties and parameters of the text material after
the layout, if the material does not correspond to the selected area of the strip for it,
that is, it occupies a larger or smaller area, you need to change the parameters and
make the material layout again. The same situation arises in the proportionality of the
main and additional text, as well as the headings and subheadings of different levels.
Using the developed module will allow one to create an edition modular grid quickly
and technically correctly, based only on the technical standards and rules that are
embedded in the base of the construction algorithm. Also one can carry out the layout
process using the automatic selection of optimal text parameters, based exclusively on
DSTU, standards and rules of layout.
In the process of designing the module, the main goals are:
- the need to develop a software module for the automatic layout of multi-
column editions;
- the adaptation and cross-platforming of the module with all layout software;
- the autonomy of the module work;
- the approbation in institutions of higher education in the disciplines studying
the layout software;
- the approbation of the module in publishing houses;
- obtaining a copyright for a computer software.

4 The basic principles of the software module operation

The fundamental novelty of the software module is an automatic formation of a
"smart" flexible modular grid, the construction of which takes into account the
technical and technological features of the edition. The module allows implementing
an automatic layout process, changing the default options of the layout process.
Compared to layout software, the software module has a much lower cost and more
functionality for multi-column editions, and a larger range of settings and the ability
to work with large databases compared to specialized plugins.
The algorithm of design and selection of technical properties is based only on the
data of regulatory documents, and provides aesthetically attractive and technically
competent layout.
Fundamentally new features are the creation of:
- an automatic software module;
- an algorithm that will select the text parameters accurately;
- a sub-module for automatic text filling;
- a sub-module for the edition layout control.
The software module will significantly reduce the layout time of large and
medium-sized editions with a small content of illustrative material, which will greatly
reduce and optimize the time of prepress preparation.
The technical advantages of the software module are:
- an automatic selection of optimal parameters of text material, a page and an
edition as a whole;
- maintaining the proportionality between the main text, the additional text and
the headings of different levels and sublevels within the layout rules;
- an automatic construction of a modular grid as a layout template in
accordance with GSTU;
- an automatic layout process in accordance with the standards and rules of
layout;
- use of both as an autonomous unit and in a plugin mode;
- cross-platforming.
 The disadvantage is the lack of automatic graphic content filling. You need to
involve a designer to work with it who also performs the final quality control.
The created software module provides an automatic layout of multi-column
editions with a small volume of illustrations (up to 5%), large and medium volume
and the text of the first and second complexity level.
The module uses cloud-based storage facilities with remote access, which contain a
database of regulatory and technical parameters. The use of this technology makes it
possible to operate the module fully, even on computers which are not sufficiently
powerful with connection to not ultrafast Internet.
The software module works both as an autonomous unit and in a plugin mode, and
the technical adaptability and cross-platforming of the module allows the
collaboration with various layout programs.
The software module interface is simple, concise, functional and intuitive, allowing
any users to work with the module.
The module contains submodules with their control intermediate points, if all the
specifications are satisfied, the algorithm goes to the next sub-module, if not, an au-
tomatic selection of characteristics is done. The next move will not be completed until
the previous sub-module process is finished.
The sub-modules organize the work in the following stages:
- the construction of an edition modular grid;
- the selection of optimal technical parameters;
- the text content filling;
- the implementation of the layout control.
When creating a new document, the user selects a template from the database or
manually enters the parameters of a future multi-column edition:
- a format;
- a number of columns;
- a layout;
- a font type.
Based on these parameters, a modular grid is constructed, and the optimal inter-
column distance is automatically determined to the column format. The layout of the
future edition is displayed, with vertical lines dividing the composition strip into
vertical modules, the number of which corresponds to the columnarity of the edition.
At the stage of selection of the optimal technical parameters, the algorithm per-
forms the analysis of the composition strip of the column, and on the basis of the
reference data determines the optimal font size, thus providing good readability and
aesthetic appeal. According to the size of the font and the format of the default
composition strip, the algorithm determines the optimal interlining, and in accordance
with it, divides the composition strip into horizontal modules whose height
corresponds to the interlining. The result is an intersection of horizontal and vertical
lines that form a modular grid that will ensure the layout.
Although the software module does not automatically fill the layout with graphic
content, but the designed modular grid gives a clear understanding of where to place
the illustration (it corresponds to the multiplicity of modules in height and width of
the composition strip), and strictly determines the size (the height should be multiple
to the size of the interlining, and the width must clearly correspond to the width of the
vertical module or several modules).
 The text material is added to the layout via the text import option. Doing this, the
module nullifies all the properties of the text and assigns the parameter to the font
size, which was calculated as the optimal one before. The designer can adjust it
manually, however, it should be remembered that the algorithm is clearly based on the
technical documentation: DSTU 3772: 2013 Originals for printing reproduction.
General technical requirements; GSTU 29.1-97. Journals. Printing implementation.
General technical requirements (amended on March, 15, 2000), etc.
The sub-module of the text content filling also controls the automatic
proportionality between the main and additional text, as well as between headings and
sub-headings of different levels. The filling algorithm is based on the rules of
composition and layout of the text, taking into account the features of the edition.
The sub-module of the layout control monitors the following parameters: the con-
formity of the font, the size and font type, homogeneity of paragraph indents
throughout the text, the proportionality between the text and headings, kirking and
trekking indicators, the presence of "corridors", the length of end-of-line paragraphs,
the number of transfers in the paragraph, the transitions from odd to even pages,
incomplete finite lines at the beginning of the strip, incomplete paragraph lines at the
end of the strip.

Fig. 1. The algorithm of conventional technology of the editorial and technical process of the
prepress preparation of a multi-column edition.
 Also the same type of headings of the same degree of rubrication with the same
number of lines is monitored.
The designer receives an automatically completed text, with assigned optimal pa-
rameters and inserts the illustrative material. According to the algorithm, the text
material layout is made again, with the exception of the modules where the illustra-
tions are placed. But the layout is controlled once again.
At the end of the process, the designer evaluates the aesthetic appearance of the
strip composition, the page spread and the edition as a whole.
The software module allows one to print the completed material, post it on the In-
ternet, or send it directly to the specified e-mail.
In Figure 1, the algorithm of conventional technology of the editorial and technical
process of the prepress preparation of a multi-column edition is presented, and Figure
2 shows the optimized technology using a software module.

Fig.2. The optimized technology with using a software module

The separated area in Figure 1 presents those operations, which under conventional
technology are carried out manually, and when using the designed software module
will be performed automatically. Therefore, it is obvious that using the module reduc-
es time costs, lowers the complexity and optimizes the process of prepress
preparation.
5 Conclusion
Using the developed module will allow to correct the automatic layout of multi-
column editions quickly and technically correctly, based only on the requirements of
regulatory documents and rules of layout.
The developed software module will effectively enter the market due to low cost,
the users with different training level will be able to evaluate the reliability, consisten-
cy and logic of work with the module. The obtained in the output quality material in
the short term will be the best indicator for the application of the developed module.
Pretesting in schools and publishing houses will eliminate the shortcomings and op-
timize the process, making it more user-friendly.

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