:keycap_1: Project Concept
A smart tool that:
:white_heavy_check_mark: Identifies repetitive patterns (shapes, text, colors, and fonts) inside InDesign documents.
:white_heavy_check_mark: Imports text content from Word files and distributes it automatically.
:white_heavy_check_mark: Adjusts spacing between patterns dynamically.
:white_heavy_check_mark: Provides a visual interface to manage the automation process and preview changes in real time.
:keycap_2: Key Features & Functionalities
:small_blue_diamond: :direct_hit: Automatic Pattern Recognition:
- Detects repeated layouts inside the InDesign document.
- Classifies patterns (e.g., titles, paragraphs, tables, text frames).
:small_blue_diamond: :open_file_folder: Importing Text from Word:
- Supports DOCX and CSV file formats.
- Allows users to review and rearrange text before insertion.
:small_blue_diamond: :counterclockwise_arrows_button: Automatic Text Distribution in Patterns:
- Fills text content into predefined repetitive patterns.
- Adjusts spacing between each pattern dynamically.
- Maintains text formatting (font, size, color, alignment).
:small_blue_diamond: 👀 Visual Interface for Process Control:
- Split-screen view:
- Displays the Word file for reviewing text content.
- Previews the InDesign document to see updates before applying changes.
- A "Run Automation" button with customization options.
- Ability to re-run the automation if the Word file is updated.
:small_blue_diamond: :gear: Additional Controls:
- Choose specific patterns to be filled (instead of applying text to all).
- Manually or automatically adjust spacing between patterns.
- Undo button to revert changes if needed.
:keycap_3: Technologies & Tools
:hammer_and_wrench: Interacting with InDesign:
- JavaScript (ExtendScript) or Adobe UXP for in-app scripting.
- Alternative: Python + InDesign Scripting API for an external tool.
:open_file_folder: Handling Word Files:
- python-docx for text extraction in Python.
- Alternatively, using JavaScript File API for CSV/TXT import.
:artist_palette: User Interface (UI):
- If built inside InDesign:
- Developed using Adobe UXP (Adobe’s new UI framework).
- If built as a standalone application:
- Developed with PyQt (Python) for a dual-panel view (Word + InDesign).
:keycap_4: Initial Development Steps
:pushpin: Step 1: Analyze InDesign documents and detect repetitive patterns.
:pushpin: Step 2: Develop a script to extract text from Word files and structure the data.
:pushpin: Step 3: Create a split-screen UI showing Word content and InDesign previews.
:pushpin: Step 4: Implement automated text insertion while respecting pattern spacing.
:pushpin: Step 5: Test and refine the tool for better performance.
:pushpin: Step 6: Add extra features such as undo, re-run, and custom spacing options.
:direct_hit: Next Steps?
:pushpin: Should the tool be integrated inside InDesign or work as an external app?
:pushpin: Any additional requirements for text handling or pattern interaction?
:fire: Once we define these details, we can move forward with UI design and implementation! 😃
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