This Week in InDesign Articles, Number 131

David Blatner

5

I have to admit that this month it seems like there are fewer InDesign stories out there than usual. (If you find more InDesign-related articles — or have written some! — let me know so I can pass them on.) That said, there are a few here, and I’ve also collected a number of other industry-related links that you should know about.

• Every publisher needs to think about “the mobile story,” as Thad McIlroy talks about in this article and in this video. And you also shouldn’t neglect “the print story” because “most book publishers still generate 70-80% of their revenue from print!” as Joe Wikert points out in this article.
• Holy mackerel, the folks at Ajar Productions have been steadily working on updating their in5 HTML5 export plug-in.
• Have you ever wanted to figure out how many days into the year today is? For example, sometime in March is the 75th day of the year. Kelly Vaughn figured out how, using InDesign’s text variables!
• The Raging Hull script (a math geek mashup pun combining Raging Bull and a Convex Hull) lets you turn everyday InDesign objects into incredible spirographic patterns!
• If you find InDesign’s optical margin alignment feature confusing or backward, this script might help. (Personally, I like the way OMA works, so this script isn’t for me.)
• Everyone loves ampersands! Check out this visual guide infographic.
• The HPub format is like a whole HTML web site bundled up into a single file, and it can be used to create a tablet app. Looks like Twixl Publisher is supporting it now!
• Kelly Vaughn is back with another pattern: Using PatternMaker Lines to Recreate Striped Knitted Fabric
• XMPie, a longtime leader in the variable data and database publishing arena, has come out with a new product called uMerge, which has a subscription price point within the reach of many InDesign users!
• Need a little creative inspiration? Roberto Blake gives you a boost!
• What is it about Denver this year? Two of our events (The InDesign Conference and The Photoshop Conference) will be there this fall… and so is Typecon.
• Speaking of type, these tips for kerning are terrific!
• This is the biggest print magazine you’re ever likely to see. I love the binding process.
• And when it comes to print vs. digital, this article in the New York Times puts it in perspective

Enjoy!