How to place full XML structures over an XSLT into an InDesign layout.


Introduction

There are two methods to place collections into layouts:

  • Place collections without layout groups required. Used assets do not have to be included in the collection.
  • Place collections with layout group transformations. For more information on this method, see Place collections with transformation.

Place collections without layout groups

It is possible to create a placement logic inside XSLTs using XPath and URL functions. There are a lot of areas where this function can be used. With this function it is also possible to use assets which are not connected to the parent asset. They can be searched for while placing the asset. The module exists as a manual server action and asset automation.

Example

With this feature it is possible to dynamically create product representations for a catalog. It is also possible to create a table for all information about the product. Logos and Icons can be automatically placed using asset features. A direct link between the product and the icon or a placement category is not needed. All Logicsl parts are programmed into the XSLT for this example.

Another example is the usage at a publishing house to automatically generate advertisements using asset features. It is also possible to automatically place news feeds from twitter or agencies and place them into the correct layout style.

Configuration

Special programming in XSLT is needed to use this feature.