Tech Info Word Processor Formating, In Tandem Design, Inc.

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for Transfer to Page Layout Programs

We can accept data from Macintosh® or Windows word processor and spreadsheet programs. It is important to realize that the person who enters the data can make the job of typesetting and page-layout extremely difficult by not following some suggestions about formatting a document. These suggestions are often difficult for a skilled typist to follow, because the typist is prevented from making the document look good. However, they are very important when transferring files between programs.

Spacing After Punctuation - Use a SINGLE SPACE after punctuation. The procedure of using two spaces after punctuation does not apply to typography and proportionally spaced fonts.
Paragraphs of text - should always be typed to wrap at the end of each line. DO NOT use a carriage return at the end of each line. When text is proportionally spaced and/or fonts are changed, line lengths vary tremendously from those in the word processor.
Between paragraphs - DO NOT double space between paragraphs. We vary inter-paragraph spacing as part of type specification, and rarely use twice the height of one line.
Paragraph Indents - certain word processor indents transfer; others do not. DO NOT use a tab to indent paragraphs. It is better for us to call for indents at the same time we call for inter-paragraph spacing.
Paragraph justification - LEFT JUSTIFY the text in a paragraph or document. If you wish the finished piece to be justified right or left & right, please specify in the job description.
Headlines - DO NOT center headlines. Center line commands in some word processors flank the text with spaces or tabs, all of which must be removed, so that the line can be re-centered.
Bolds, Underlines & Itallics - in general, bold and itallic will translate, and underline might translate BUT, we would rather add those in the page layout program.
Tables or columnar lists - Place ONE TAB BEFORE each line, and ONE TAB BETWEEN each column on a line. If your word processor allows for placing those tabs at a specific distance, feel free to do so, so your output makes some sense. DO NOT put multiple tabs between some items, and single tabs between others (unless a cell in a column is blank).
Dotted Tabs (as on tables of contents) - a dotted tab is a choice in our programs. DO NOT type a whole bunch of periods. Just insert one tab.
Spreadsheet and Graphic Data - we can import Microsoft Excel MAC or Windows files. If you have made a graph, provide a graph file as well as the numeric data,. We can make the graph for you. Newer versions of Excel make moving graphics between programs and across platforms difficult. Please, call before you spend a lot of time making a graph in Excel.
Saving Files - in general, give each "story" or text block a separate file name. In the case of longer documents, each chapter should be a separate text file. In the case of newsletters, each story should be a separate file. In the case of ad copy, each page should be a separate file (or maybe several). Copy for catalogue-like publications can be by logical grouping; we will split apart item-specific copy during page layout.

REMEMBER:

We try not to re-key anything. However, if we receive a text file, we may not read your text closely. We assume that it has been proofed beforehand. We cannot emphasize enough the need to have several people proofread the text, before it is submitted for typesetting/page-layout.

Please call (410-832-8706) before you start

if there is any question about how to format your document.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP !

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Forward comments or questions to harry@email.intandem.com