Professional variable-data printing software

DesignMerge is the only cross-platform (Macintosh and Windows), variable data printing software 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.

Features

• Works with standard QuarkXPress documents
• Supports hundreds of variable text, article and picture links per document
• Utilizes a simple, menu-driven, intuitive user-interface
• Incorporates easy-to-use, step-and-repeat capability for multiple-up layouts
• Provides on-the-fly copyfitting of overset boxes
• Applies advanced preview, preflight, and testing features
• Print to any PostScript printer
• Provides special print drivers for PPML, Fiery, and Optimized PostScript
• Includes a 200-page manual and tutorial
• Available for Mac or Windows

The DesignMerge® Professional Bundle is a suite of XTensions® for QuarkXPress® that provide sophisticated mail-merge, variable data printing, and data publishing features.

The product works with any QuarkXPress document, allowing the user to create pre-defined “placeholders”, which are designated to receive variable data. DesignMerge can merge text, picture, or article information taken
from practically any data source into QuarkXPress layouts to produce unique, personalized output. The entire process is menu-driven, very flexible, and incredibly easy to use.

Additional Functionality (Included with the DesignMerge Pro Bundle)

MPS CopyFit Module™

Automatically remedies text “overflow” conditions within a QuarkXPress text box, which can result in data that is “clipped,” or not visible at all, on the printed piece. The module works by modifying overset (or underset) text within a QuarkXPress document, using a set of attribute parameters (point size, scaling, leading, etc.) as a guide. All of the CopyFit parameters are user-definable, and can be saved as sets. Each box in the layout can have its own set of copyfitting parameters, and all settings are saved with the document. You may also choose from one of several pre-defined “Fit Styles” that ensure an aesthetically pleasing result.

DesignMerge Rules Module

This module provides powerful 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. The interface for the Rules Module is completely menu-driven—there is no need to “hand code” conditional statements. Rules can be applied to individual variable links, boxes, or QuarkXPress document pages, and each rule can trigger one or more possible “actions”, which can be configured to modify virtually any aspect of the document styling or layout. The Rules Module also includes several unique testing and debugging features that allow the user to interactively preview and test their Rules using live data.

PPML Print Driver

The DesignMerge PPML Driver generates a suite of output files that have been independently certified to seamlessly work with the Canon ColorPass controllers (go to www.meadowsps.com/canon for more details). The driver supports a robust PPML feature set, including the ability to create reusable objects such as background forms and variable images. Selecting the “download PPD” checkbox includes most of the functionality supported through the device driver in the PPML data. On arrival in the RIP, the job is ready for processing, saving steps and increasing operational efficiency.

DesignMerge Options

Bar Code Module

This XTensions module provides support for a number of popular bar coding formats, including PostNet, USPS Intelligent Mail, Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, and more. This module also ships with a free set of bar code fonts

AppleScript Module

This product allows several of our XTensions modules to be controlled and directed from within the
AppleScript environment. The Apple Event dictionary currently includes more than a dozen verbs, along with sample scripts that demonstrate how to control the DesignMerge and CopyFit software

Data-Driven Graphics

DesignMerge provides a number of options for creating data-driven pie-, bar-, or line-charts in your QuarkXPress layout. Please contact our sales department for more information about our data-driven graphics capabilities

Industry-Specific Applications

• Digital Printing Companies: Provide personalization and customization services to your customers. Customize brochures, direct mail pieces, business cards, name badges, and other marketing collateral.
• Retailers: Produce updated shelf tags, coupons and POP material
• Financial Institutions: Produce updated fund statements and fact sheets, customized prospectuses, and other financial documents
• Catalogers: Automate the process of customized catalog page layout and product specification sheets

Current Compatibility: Mac: 6, 7, 8 and Win: 6