Generating PDFs
From CeltxWiki
Generate PDF creates a PDF file on your local computer. PDF generation is now found under the TypeSet feature, which is accessed at the bottom of the editor window.
Compared to printing from the file menu, the PDF output is more sophisticated and responsive to your script elements. It looks more professional because it is more in keeping with scriptwriting norms for presentation.
Your computer must be connected to the Internet to generate a PDF. No copy of your script is made when generating a PDF. It runs in memory only, getting converted on the fly, and is then routed back to the sender, after which it was like it was never sent as far as the Celtx Server is concerned.
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Generating PDFs
The PDF Generator has been re-implemented using XSL, and LaTeX and is deployed from the Celtx server to easily accommodate all operating systems. This approach allows us to offer features listed below which are generated automatically in the PDF if previously added to your script.
How To Create a PDF
- While in the Script Editor, select the TypeSet subtab found at the bottom of the editor window..
- Now select the Save PDF button in the TypeSet toolbar.
- Next you are presented with a Browse dialog where you can name the PDF and choose where you want to store it.
- Select 'Save'.
- A progress bar appears indicating the conversion of your script to PDF.
- Once the bar disappears your PDF can be accessed from your Save location.
Nothing happens
If nothing happens after Generating a PDF, check to see that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
Non-Roman languages
Non-Roman languages are currently not supported by PDF generation. The only fallback available is to use File | Print.
PDF Features
Bold and Italic
To activate bold and italics in the PDF, first apply the functions in the script via the Script Editor Toolbar.
Scene Numbers
To activate the scene numbers select your placement option (left/right/both /none) under File->Page Setup, then generate your PDF to view.
Page Numbers
Page numbers are included in your PDF automatically
Page Breaks
Sensible pagebreaking that minimizes widows & orphans
Title Page
The Title Page is included in your PDF automatically.
Mores and Continueds
The Mores and Continueds features are available for PDF only. While in the Script Editor, they can be accessed from the Formatting Options button on th TypeSet toolbar. Options include:
Dialogue Breaks
When dialogue needs to be split between two pages, (MORE) is placed beneath the dialogue at the bottom of the first page. At the top of the next page, the name of the character is repeated along with (cont'd).
If the 'Show dialogue breaks' box isn't ticked, these features will not be displayed or printed. Default is disabled.
Automatic Character Continueds
If the same character speaks repetitively during a single scene, Celtx automatically places "(cont'd)" after the character's name. This tells the reader that the same character is continuing a speech when it is broken by some action. Default is disabled.
Scene Breaks
When a scene continues from one page to the next, Celtx will type the Bottom of Page text (CONTINUED) at the bottom of the first page. In addition, the Top of Next Page text (CONTINUED:) will appear at the top of the next page along with the scene number that is being continued.
If the 'Show scene breaks' box isn't ticked, these features will not be displayed or printed. Default is disabled.
Continued Page Count
Ticking the 'Show continued page count' will add a number after the CONTINUED (i.e. (2), (3), etc.) at the top of each continued page, indicating how many pages are included in the same scene. Default is disabled.
Mac Notes
In Mac OS X, .pdf files can be generated natively without the need for the online script generator. To create a .pdf file in OS X, simply enter a print command and select the "PDF" drop down menu and choose "Save as PDF...". The .pdf file will be generated automatically including all visible formatting included in the script.
However, this PDF will by default lack any of the extras available with a PDF generated by Celtx. For example, pages will break after the 55th line, without any attempt to indicate breaks in dialogue or breaks in a scene (your settings for Mores and Continued will be ignored), and the title page will not be included in such a PDF.
See also
External links
- Forums discuss the considerations for printing a script for submission
