Is variable placement possible?

[DavidRock]

Is there a method, XTension etc. that will allow me to place variable text and images at *variable locations* in a Quark document? I'd like to find a way to dynamically control the position of merged data, rather than have the variable fields locked in place. Obviously the coordinates, size etc. of each field are stored somewhere so I would imagine it's possible to somehow manipulate them. I'm a programmer and understand an XTension might be the only way to do this, so if something doesn’t already exist maybe someone could point me to some XTension development sources to get me started?

Thanks for anything you can offer
David

 

[GeorgeMack]

If you're on a Mac, you might look into AppleScript, which is Apple's system-wide scripting system, available for all Mac program developers to take advantage of. Quark has a very good implementation for Applescript, which allows you to write scripts (actually programs) which respond interactively to changing conditions.

For example, it can determine image size, create a picture box, scale images appropriately (given your notion of appropriately), create text/captions derived from file names, path names, file info, etc., extract info including picture paths from an exterior database such as FilemakerPro or Cumulus, generate new pages or documents, etc.

Like any new programming environment, there is a learning curve; AppleScript allows for dynamic creation and casting (and recasting) of variables, which may be a bit strange at first. Repeats, if-else-else if, and other programming structures are supported. Check the Apple web site for downloadable manual if you are interested. There are also forums, including one on Quark's site, for implementation regarding specific programs.

If you're on a PC, you might look into Frontier, which has a more Basic-like flavor. I'm not sure which other programs on the PC support Frontier, but there are enthusiasts and I believe a web forum.

Hope this helps.

George