Sorry it’s been so long since my last report of articles, blog posts, videos, and other cool things InDesign users should be aware of. My only excuse is that we’ve been going nuts adding other stuff to the site, such as forums and free membership options.
Here’s some fun links that you probably want to take a look at:
ePUB
There has been a slew of information about ePUB and electronic documents coming out, including our own videocast and blog posts on the topic.
- If you’re really into ePUB, you must check out the last issue of InDesign Magazine, in which Gabriel Powell lays it all out for you, including some ePUB editing tricks that have never been published before, as far as we know. If you’re not a subscriber already, you should subscribe immediately so that you get that issue!
- Gabriel has also followed up on his article with some great video tutorials on epub docs on his Instant InDesign web site.
- If you’re thinking ebook, you’re probably excited about the B&N Nook. Here’s some info about making docs for the Nook.
- If you’re interested in the Kindle instead, check out these good suggestions for getting ID files ready for Kindle.
- And if that wasn’t enough, even Colin Fleming at Adobe is doing excellent videos on making epub and Kindle on Adobe TV. Here’s the introduction video. And here’s Part 2 and Part 3 (where the meat is).
(Colin was filling in for Rufus Deuchler on the CSInsider series. Unfortunately, we just learned that Rufus is no longer with Adobe… not by his own decision. We’re very upset by this, as Rufus has been an incredible contributor to the worldwide creative community. For example, his Adobe blog posts — such as this one on creating interactive pdf/swf files — are always chock full of great info. Our hearts and minds go out to him, and we look forward to seeing where he pops up next. Of course, we’re already trying to get him back as a contributor here at ID Secrets.)
More Cool Videos
- Okay, if you like type, you have to watch this wonderful video called Typophile Film Festival 5 Opening Titles.
- Also, Adam Jury, who has been contributing in various ways in blog post comments and on the forum, has also been making some InDesign video podcasts. I’m not sure how the name of his site relates to InDesign, but he’s definitely offering some good words on InDesign.
Scripts and Plug-ins
- Everyone wants to get into the right-to-left act. One of our sponsors, In-Tools, still offers a great plug-in solution called World Tools. And now we’ve gotten notice that Winsoft is offering a plug-in called ScribeDOOR for making the International English (or US) version of InDesign CS4 handle a wide variety of languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Tamil, Hebrew, and more.
- Peter Kahrel continues to amaze. Here’s a cool GREP editor that you’ve got to see if you’re into GREP.
- Kris Coppieters did a brain dump on the subject of the Script Label feature that is worth reading and contains some interesting script examples that could be helpful.
- Zevrix just released a new tool called File Courier, which, (from their web site) “delivers files and folders to FTP and local destinations, sends automatic e-mail delivery notifications, creates low resolution PDF previews and offers other advanced professional features.” I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks cool and Zevrix is known for their good products. Introductory price of only $29! Cool.
- Elpical has also released their very interesting Claro Layout product, which lets you do Photoshop-like image adjustments (“make better!”) right inside InDesign. Wow.
- Here are some interesting scripts from Loïc Aigon that bear more examination. Anyone tried these yet? Some commercial, and some freebies!
Other Links
- Rorohiko’s Soxy product is now available for Windows. There’s also a new version for the Mac. Soxy is a great tool for anyone who has multiple versions of InDesign (or Photoshop or other programs) on the same computer.
- Free “Publishing Business” webinar. I haven’t seen this webinar, but I think Anne-Marie said she did and that it was pretty good. Or maybe it was Mike. The past is all a blur. Let me know if you see it!
- I was pleased to see this article on prepress tips from Smashing Magazine. I’m not sure I agree with every point entirely, but it’s a darn good overview.
- If you use Illustrator and want to use it better, you need Real World Illustrator, by our friend Mordy Golding. Don’t just take my word for it; read this great piece on 10 power techniques AI users need to know!
- Bob Bringhurst does it again, pulling together a wide variety of techniques having to do with numbering pages.
Some Free Stuff
- Do you use Fusion to run Windows on a Mac? If so, do yourself a huge favor and grab this free ebook from Take Control books! While you’re there, buy some other low-cost ebooks from them, such as these ebooks about the iphone. They’re awesome.
Whew! That’s a lot. My web browser feels much lighter now. (Yes, I really did have all those windows open at the same time, and that doesn’t even include the windows I have open right now on quantum entanglement, SSL certficates, and event planning. Those are for another day, I guess.)
This article was last modified on January 18, 2023
This article was first published on November 18, 2009
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