Mapsoft Blogs

Variable Data Printing Standards (part 1) PPML PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language) is a standardized XML-based language used for variable data printing (VDP). It allows for the creation and printing of documents with customized text, graphics, or other elements that can be tailored to each recipient. PPML was developed by the Printing Industry of America (PIA) and is widely used in the printing and marketing industries. PPML is designed to be efficient and easy to use, allowing for faster and more accurate printing of large volumes of personalized documents, such as direct mail campaigns, event tickets, and personalized marketing materials. Here are a few examples of how PPML can be used in variable data printing: Direct mail campaigns: PPML can be used to create personalized direct mail campaigns that can be tailored to each recipient. For example, a marketing campaign could include a personalized letter addressed to the recipient, along with customized promot

PDF A PDF (Portable Document Format) file is a file type that is used to represent documents in a way that is independent of the hardware, software, and operating system that was used to create them. PDF files, because they are portable, can be opened and viewed on any device that has a PDF reader. PDF files use a distinct file format to represent documents written in the PostScript programming language. The structure of a PDF file is made up of several different elements: A header that contains information about the PDF file format's version, encryption (if any), and other metadata.  A body that contains the document's content.  Text, images, vector graphics, and other types of data can all be included.  An index that allows the PDF reader to locate specific objects within the file quickly.  A table of contents or outline that allows the user to navigate through the document.  A cross-reference table, which is optional, that lists the location of each object in the file.  An

Plugging Plug-ins – Why Third-Party Software Matters  Any professional racing driver will tell you that there’s no such thing as too much power.  Give them a new, 1000-horsepower engine and after 5 laps, they’ll pull into the pits and say:  “Great, but can you give me 1100bhp?”   It’s just the same with software – especially software that’s as versatile as Adobe Acrobat and CC products such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.   No matter how powerful, flexible or easy-to-use the application, as soon as users get to grips with it, they’ll find it doesn’t quite do exactly what they want it to.  Or they’ll want it to be just that bit easier to do a certain function or perhaps be able to batch functions together.   This isn’t greed, or customers being niggly – on the contrary, it’s actually a compliment that the original application is proving useful.  It simply underlines that there’s no such thing as the perfect program.    Users will invariably never tell you exact