DocScape

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
DocScape

DocScapeLogo.png
Basic data

developer 4R Innovation, Stephan Lehmke
Publishing year 2005
Current  version 4.3.1
(April 11, 2018)
category data based publishing
License MIT license
https://www.docscape.de

DocScape is a rule-based tool for the fully automatic generation of documents of any complexity ( database publishing ). Input data in XML format are converted into ready-to-use PDF files. DocScape was originally developed by QuinScape GmbH and has been further developed and marketed by 4R Innovation since 2018. Originally proprietary (perpetual license), DocScape has been free and open source software (MIT license) since 2018.

application areas

DocScape is used wherever corresponding output data is available (e.g. PIM system, CMS or other content databases) and high-quality print documents are to be generated automatically without any processing effort. Typical applications are product catalogs, data sheets, price lists or technical documentation. Another area of ​​application is the personalization of documents or other aspects (branding, client versions or free compilation of content) that lead to a large number of document versions (keyword “edition 1”).

functionality

Data from various data sources are selected, processed into an XML input file (compressed or aggregated) and mapped onto layout structures in the PDF document. A rule-based approach is used to map data to layout structures : Design rules assign their layout to data nodes in the input XML.

Compared to other tools that are based on XSL-FO or Print-CSS and essentially generate a stream of objects that are then processed by a formatter, DocScape pursues the concept of automating the way a designer works . The document generation process is more like an automated DTP system. The expressive page model, which can be queried and manipulated directly by design rules, allows layouts of almost any complexity to be formalized.

The DocScape core is based on TeX . DocScape was developed entirely as a TeX macro package. The main enhancements compared to the TeX basic system compared to other macro packages such as LaTeX consist of the complete XML basis (data and design rules), the completely newly developed page model with an explicitly modeled design grid and the newly developed table model (analogous to the HTML table model).

DocScape was developed specifically for the fully automatic, print-ready generation of any print document. To do this, it has a number of indispensable features:

  • Consistent XML and Unicode- based; Support of all languages ​​and scripts.
  • Extensive typographic and micro- typographic functions (mostly inherited from TeX): Knuth-Plass algorithm for pattern-based hyphenation, HZ algorithm , optical margin adjustment , break control, register accuracy and much more.
  • Powerful table model (based on HTML tables).
  • Explicitly addressable design grid .
  • Virtual pages of any size as well as the test creation and discarding of entire page sections allow you to try out many layout variants in the set of rules and only adopt the best variants in the document according to the given criteria.
  • Responsive print design: Analogous to responsive web design , the rule-based layout adapts dynamically to the existing content and the conditions on the page (geometry, free space in the design grid, combinability with other content).
  • Integration and placement of cut-out images ; Flow around any shape with text.
  • Optimization of pages and double pages, page spreads, column and page breaks.
  • Image synchronization for black changes .

history

Before DocScape was created, QuinScape developed individual software called ERCOTeX on behalf of ERCO in 2002. This should make the corporate design developed by Otl Aicher for ERCO, whose main feature is the eye-catching design grid, realizable with TeX . In 2003 the ERCO main catalog could be produced fully automatically in 16 languages ​​with black change.

In 2005, QuinScape developed a universal standard software based on ERCOTeX, with which any complex layout can be implemented. This has since been marketed under the name DocScape .

DocScape has been further developed and marketed as free, open source software by 4R Innovation since 2018.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Contact details | DocScape | 4R innovation in Castrop-Rauxel. Retrieved August 24, 2019 .
  2. ↑ license | Our services | DocScape. Retrieved August 24, 2019 .
  3. ↑ Easily publish documents and catalogs | DocScape | 4R innovation. Accessed August 31, 2019 .
  4. ↑ 99% is not 100%. August 12, 2019, accessed August 31, 2019 .
  5. ↑ DocScape is responsive design for print. August 20, 2019, accessed August 24, 2019 .
  6. ^ TUG: Conference Program TUG 2003. In: TUG 2003 Proceedings. TeX Users Group, 2003, accessed August 24, 2019 .
  7. ↑ Digital Production: ERCO opts for the Pixelboxx media asset management system. In: DIGITAL PRODUCTION. March 11, 2008, accessed on August 30, 2019 (German).
  8. ↑ Typolexikon: Otl Aicher | Communication designer, typographer and teacher (biography). In: Typolexikon. August 20, 2018, accessed on August 30, 2019 (German).
  9. ↑ Nadine Schreiner: From Appearance to "Corporate Design" . August 24, 2005 ( uni-wuppertal.de [accessed August 30, 2019] University of Wuppertal, Faculty of Design and Art »Communication Design» Dissertations).
  10. ↑ Basics of raster typography | print24 blog. Retrieved August 30, 2019 .
  11. ↑ Anja Schnake: High-quality catalogs in one edition. In: Direct Marketing PRACTICE. October 2006, accessed August 30, 2019 .
  12. ↑ PresseBox (c) 2002–2019: Explode fully automatically with DocScape, QuinScape GmbH, press release - PresseBox. July 13, 2006, accessed on August 30, 2019 (German).
  13. ↑ TUG: EuroTeX 2007 abstracts. In: EuroBachoTeX 2007 Proceedings. TUG, 2007, accessed on August 24, 2019 .
  14. ↑ Just 17 and grown up. August 3, 2019, accessed August 24, 2019 .

Web links