DesignMerge 5.30

The DesignMerge Professional Bundle is a suite of XTensions modules for QuarkXPress that provide sophisticated mail-merge, variable data printing, and document assembly features. Variable data means that each copy of a printed document can be personalized, changing items such as name, address, and even graphics. The entire process is database-driven, completely flexible, and very easy to use. DesignMerge is the only cross-platform (Macintosh and Windows), variable data printing XTensions module on the market today. DesignMerge supports all of the popular VI output formats, and has been embraced by most of the major players in the variable data marketplace, including Xerox, Xeikon, Canon, Creo, and EFI. Every aspect of the DesignMerge interface is menu-driven.

To setup your document, use the DesignMerge floating palette to identify variable text or picture information in your QuarkXPress document. Then, select the database file you wish to use and start the DesignMerge session. Quickly, DesignMerge cycles through each record of the database, populates the variable fields in your Quark document, and prints the merged results. You also have the option of saving the merged documents in a number of different file formats, or performing a preflight session to check for errors. The Pro Bundle includes the DesignMerge Rules Module which provides powerful, conditional processing features. Conditional processing (if-then-else statements) provide the ability to perform specific actions based upon the contents of one or more database fields. Rules can be attached to Links, Boxes, or Pages, and can be used to conditionally modify virtually every aspect of the data or the document layout. DesignMerge is also bundled with our CopyFit XTensions module. CopyFit works in conjunction with DesignMerge to automatically remedy text ???overflow??? (or underflow) conditions within a QuarkXPress text box. An overflow condition occurs when the data that is imported into a variable field within the Quark layout is longer than the space allotted. This can result in data that is clipped, or not visible at all on the printed piece. DesignMerge includes a unique printing feature which is designed for digital, short-run color printers and copiers where fast throughput is a major concern. At print time, this option automatically determines which areas of the QuarkXPress document will vary, and allows you to send either the static (non-changing), or variable data to the printer. If your printer supports forms caching, you can use this feature to cache the static (non-changing) data as a form at the printer. Subsequent print jobs contain only variable information and are automatically merged with the form at the printer. This prevents the need to re-RIP the full document each time, and ensures fast processing of variable information. If you do not own a forms-caching printer, then our built-in Image Caching support will provide the same level of throughput on virtually any PostScript printer. While DesignMerge outputs directly to any PostScript device, we also offer a number of optional, high-performance drivers for a variety of digital printers.