Design&Print: Allow HIDDEN setting to be based on file characteristics.

[ubacher]

Currently the HIDDEN field can not be set conditionally based on characteristics of the (next) file to be printed.

This restricts the functionality of D&P dynamic templates.

What I wanted to do but can't:
I want to print a file on a page layout which is selected based on the Aspect Ratio of the file.
More specific: If the file should be spread over two pages then I can select such a page layout.

[Mario]

This would require a re-write of the layout engine inside Design & Print.
When IMatch starts a new page, it evaluates the hidden property. If the page resolves to hidden, IMatch continues with the next page. Otherwise it creates the page layout, consuming files etc. This means that when the page is determined to be hidden or visible, IMatch has now knowledge of which files will be printed, or if files will be printed on that page at all.

Hiding a page because of a file printed on that page sounds like a rather uncommon workflow for me.

[ubacher]

Putting a book together which contains only single pages and double pages does not seem uncommon to me.

Currently I use a script which splits a double page into two so that I only have single pages. Those I can then
combine into a pdf with BRIDGE. Or - vice versa - if I like/need a pdf with only "double" pages (i.e. one pdf page
shows two book pages) I use a script to combine two single pages into a double page.

I was hoping using design and print would allow me to skip this splitting/combining/Bridge  step.

[Mario]

I don't understand. What do you mean by double-page and why you need to use the hidden page for that. Why not use two templates?

[ubacher]

By double page I mean one image printed across two pages.

I first tried doing this with a normal template but since it is so inconvenient to duplicate page layouts
(i.e. on the fly select one of two layouts - I reported this here already) I thought I had used the wrong approach and that
a dynamic template would do what I want.

(Adding the already user-defined page layouts to the "Add a new page" menu would also allow me to lay out my books conveniently.)

Screen shot shows ready to print pages (unsorted). Single pages are square. In this case the pages are to go into a SAAL-digital
Photobook (28x28 cm).  To submit a pdf file for printing I need to combine single pages i.e. create a pdf where each page contains two
pages in the book.

The reverse pdf (each page one page in the book) I make for viewing on-screen.



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[Mario]

As far as I understand what you do in your workflow is to choose different page layouts depending on the size/orientation of the file. If a file is a panorama you want to create a two page spread, and when the file is a normal file, you want to print it on a single page?

This kind oif automation is way beyond the useful but limited hidden feature on page level. Have you tried to use 3 containers on two facing pages, showing/hiding them as needed (depending on file variables and which layout is needed)?

[ubacher]

Have you tried to use 3 containers on two facing pages, showing/hiding them as needed (depending on file variables and which layout is needed)?

Exactly what I had in mind. But you say I can not hide based on file variables? Am I misunderstanding something here?

[Mario]

You cannot use file variables in the page hidden attribute. But it should work on the container...

[ubacher]

Have you tried to use 3 containers on two facing pages, showing/hiding them as needed

This has the problem that hidden file containers still consume the file. I ran into this before and put in a feature
request allowing CONSUMES FILE to be also conditional.

But now I ask: Should a file container that is hidden consume a file?

[Mario]

But now I ask: Should a file container that is hidden consume a file?

If the 'consumes file' flag is set: yes.
This, for example, gives you the option to 'skip' one or more file in a dynamic template, by consuming them into hidden containers. Unusual, but occasionally very helpful.