Creating a newsletter: Difference between revisions

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This article is mostly based on this thread from the Scribus mailing list: [http://lists.scribus.info/pipermail/scribus/2008-September/030944.html Using Scribus for a newsletter]
This article is mostly based on this thread from the Scribus mailing list: [http://lists.scribus.info/pipermail/scribus/2008-September/030944.html Using Scribus for a newsletter]


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The planning for a a newsletter doesn't really depend on the DTP you are using.
The planning for a a newsletter doesn't really depend on the DTP you are using.
<div style="background-color:#F0F8FF;color:#000;border:1px solid #204a87;padding:1em;min-width:100px;">


Let's say you want a 4 page newsletter.  You want to use a DTP application: if you're here you probably are trying to use Scribus for it. Let's say also that this is the first time I attempt to create this newsletter -- that is, you have no previous documents, no templates with which to start.
'''The tutorial assumes that you:'''
* want to use a Desktop Publishing application  
* that you're here trying to use Scribus for that specific function
* are making a first time attempt to create this newsletter (or expanding your knoweldge on the subject)
* have an interest in creating a 4 page newsletter 
* have no previous documents, no templates with which to start


</div>
== Creating the document==
== Creating the document==
When you open the application for the first time, you will be looking at a single page (there are exceptions, but for the moment, you are not going to consider them).
<ol>
<li>When you open the application for the first time, you will be looking at a single page<br />
(there are exceptions, but for the moment, you are not going to consider them).</li>


It is at this point -- not later --that you should add pages to your document. For a 4 page newsletter, add 3 pages before you take any other steps.  This is also probably a good time to save your document -- which is completely blank -- with an appropriate file name; e.g., 2008_10_newsletter.sla.  In this context "document" is now synonymous with "file," even though it contains no content.
('''Screenshot needed here''')


OK. You want your newsletter to have a logo and name on page 1, and you want that logo and name to be always in the same place on page 1. Therefore, you do NOT put those items on page 1. You put them on a master page. When you first create that master page with any graphics and text, it exists independently of the other 4 pages in your document (which are still blank). Think of that master page as a 5th pageWhen you are satisfied with the look of the master page -- and remember, you include only unchanging items (again, with some exceptions, for the moment ignored) on that master page -- you then apply that master page to page 1.
<li>It is at this point -- not later --that you should add pages to your document. <br />
For a 4 page newsletter, add 3 pages before you take any other steps. <br />
This is also probably a good time to save your document -- which is completely blank -- <br />
with an appropriate file name: e.g., <code>2008_10_newsletter.sla</code> <br />
(in this context "document" is now synonymous with "file," even though it contains no content)</li>


When you then look at page 1, you see all the items on page 1 that you entered
<li>OK. You want your newsletter to have a logo and name on page 1, and you want that logo and name to be always in the same place on page 1. Therefore, you do NOT put those items on page 1. You put them on a master page. When you first create that master page with any graphics and text, it exists independently of the other 4 pages in your document (which are still blank).  Think of that master page as a 5th page.</li>
into the master page. you cannot change those master page items while you are on
page 1 (If you need to make changes to any master page item, you must go back to
the master page to do so).


But you can add more content to page 1, either text or graphics, by adding a text or graphics frame to page 1 and then filling that frame with appropriate content.  You can do that with any page that has a master page applied to it.  That way, the unchanging content is protected from inadvertent changes, and will remain precisely positioned for every subsequent issue.
('''Screenshot needed here''')


If you start with 4 blank pages (for a 4 page newsletter), then there is no
<li> When you are satisfied with the look of the master page -- and remember, <br />
need (although it is possible) to add pages later.  OK.  Let's say you have
you include only unchanging items (again, with some exceptions, for the moment ignored) <br />
a master page for the front page (or title page).  Lets say also that you
on that master page -- you then apply that master page to page 1.</li>
want a "header" on the following pages, but you want the "left side" page
header to look different than the "right side" page header (or they can be
the same).


The way to accomplish this is to create another master page; call it "Body
('''Screenshot needed here''')
Text," or 2 new master pages, "Body Text Left" and "Body Text Right."  You
place the header and the command that creates page numbers automatically
into that (or those) master page(s).  At this point, other than page 1 with
the Title Master page info, all the pages are still blank.  Now apply the
Body Text master page(s) to pages 2 to 4.  Pages 2 to 4 will have the header
information--and nothing else.


<li>When you then look at page 1, you see all the items on page 1 that you entered<br />
into the master page.  you cannot change those master page items while you are on<br />
page 1 (If you need to make changes to any master page item, you must go back to<br />
the master page to do so).</li>


To add more content to any of the pages (e.g, "text and a photo"), place
<li>But you can add more content to page 1, either text or graphics, by adding<br />
text and/or graphics frames where you want them on pages 1 to 4 (not on the
a text or graphics frame to page 1 and then filling that frame with appropriate content.<br /> 
master pages), and then place the appropriate content into those frames.
You can do that with any page that has a master page applied to it.  That way, the<br />
Remember that at this point all 4 pages have some content in them that came
unchanging content is protected from inadvertent changes, and will remain precisely<br />
from a master page, PLUS the additional content you just added.
positioned for every subsequent issue.</li>


"The only way I can get a copy of the page I want for my page two is to
<li>If you start with 4 blank pages (for a 4 page newsletter), then there is no need (although it is possible) to add pages later.  OK.  Let's say you have a master page for the front page (or title page). Lets say also that you want a "header" on the following pages, but you want the "left side" page header to look different than the "right side" page header (or they can be the same).</li>
bring up the template for it, convert it to a master, then click on page and
apply master. THEN I can choose my page two, but all I have then is a
two-page document  that consists of two copies of my page 2."


If you start with 4 pages, create how ever many master pages you want, and
<li>The way to accomplish this is to create another master page; call it "Body Text," or 2 new master pages, "Body Text Left" and "Body Text Right."  You place the header and the command that creates page numbers automatically into that (or those) master page(s).  At this point, other than page 1 with the Title Master page info, all the pages are still blank.  Now apply the Body Text master page(s) to pages 2 to 4Pages 2 to 4 will have the header information--and nothing else.</li>
then apply those master pages to blank existing pages, THEN add more
content, I think you will avoid the confusion created by the process you
describeI repeat:  don't think of a template as something you use for a
single page--at least for a multipage newsletter, or any multipage
document.  Think of a template as a collection of formatting, text and
graphics for a complete document.


I can offer a few comments on some details, although I am not an experienced
<li>To add more content to any of the pages (e.g, "text and a photo"), place text and/or graphics frames where you want them on pages 1 to 4 (not on the master pages), and then place the appropriate content into those frames. Remember that at this point all 4 pages have some content in them that came from a master page, PLUS the additional content you just added.</li>
Scribus user.  Other contributors to this list may have better suggestions.
</ol>
When you open Scribus (I am using v.1.3.3.11 for Windows), the New Document
dialog box is displayed.  In the Document Layout panel on the left side of
the box, select single page. In the Options section at the upper right of
the box, enter 4 pages. Then click OK.


To create a master page, Click on Edit/Master Pages. The small box that is
More specifically about Scribus:
displayed has several icons just below the title bar. Click on the first
* The New Document dialog box (displayed at startup) you can directly create 4 pages.
one, which is "Add a new master page."  Give it a name (e.g., Title) and
* To create a master page, Click on Edit/Master Pages. The small box that is
click OK.  At this point, my inexperience shows up.  I have not yet learned
displayed has several icons just below the title bar. Click on the first
to move between master pages and body text pages.  Hopefully, one of the
one, which is "Add a new master page."  Give it a name (e.g., Title) and click OK.
other messages in this thread, together with the tutorial, will provide the
necessary information.
 
I hope my view of the DTP process helps.


You may find it helpful to see another newsletter that uses master pages
You may find it helpful to see another newsletter that uses master pages
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don't claim that this method is the only method to create a newsletter--only
don't claim that this method is the only method to create a newsletter--only
that it works for me.  Note, however, that this newsletter is published only
that it works for me.  Note, however, that this newsletter is published only
to the web site--that is, no hard copies--so you don't see a page
to the web site -- that is, no hard copies -- so you don't see a page
arrangement suitable for printing (you don't see the imposition required for
arrangement suitable for printing (you don't see the imposition required for
printing).
printing).
Line 93: Line 80:


----
----
My words that follow are a response to Joe Ward's questions in his message
of earlier today that started with " I think I'm as confused as ever."
As I viewed the various responses to the question on the difference between
master pages and templates, I decided to add my own thoughts.  Hopefully,
those thoughts will provide some additional clarity, and will not add to the
confusion.


I publish a 12 page newsletter on a monthly basis (not, at present, using
I publish a 12 page newsletter on a monthly basis (not, at present, using
Line 140: Line 119:
make ANY changes.  That is assuming, of course, that you want to keep copies
make ANY changes.  That is assuming, of course, that you want to keep copies
of previous issues.
of previous issues.
That is the concept (or my understanding of it), and my version of the
explanation provided by Christoph Schafer on September 15th.  I hope my
added words provide some insight beyond the simple definitions of template
and master page.  I must leave the explanation of the mechanics of creating
and using master pages to those who are more familiar with Scribus than I
am.


Regarding your question on how to prepare the newsletter for a printer:  am
Regarding your question on how to prepare the newsletter for a printer:  am
Line 167: Line 139:
----
----


I think you're still having an issue with "master pages" and
"templates". As Jan stated -- don't save each page, but one document
with all the pages you need. My little magazine (more of a "fanzine"
or fancy newsletter) is 24-26 pages.
Don't create a template. Create your newsletter instead, then use the  
Don't create a template. Create your newsletter instead, then use the  
last issue as a template for the next. Or delete the text (except the  
last issue as a template for the next. Or delete the text (except the  
ads and other elements that will remain the same) then save that as a  
ads and other elements that will remain the same) then save that as a  
template. This is what works best/easiest for me, but by all means  
template. This is what works best/easiest for me, but by all means  
find what works for you and do that! Forget about the terminology
find what works for you and do that!
though and how you think things "should" be done. Once you start using
Scribus you'll learn your way around and may change the way you do
things as you learn -- nothing's set in type.  ;>


Ads don't change much, but they do on occasion. I always use the last  
Ads don't change much, but they do on occasion. I always use the last  
Line 185: Line 150:
one. When you do this it's easy to select and cut and ad, then paste  
one. When you do this it's easy to select and cut and ad, then paste  
it on another page, or move it about a page -- whatever is necessary.
it on another page, or move it about a page -- whatever is necessary.
Don't get caught up in the terminology! I've never found a real use
 
for "templates" as the above works much better. I have on rare
 
occasion used a "ready made" template for some project, but for the Mike Morris
most part I ignore that "feature". The only good thing about a
template is that it can be locked so that items can't be changed. Once
you open a template as a document, things can be changed, and then you
save as a document, leaving the original template unchanged. This
keeps you from overwriting your template, but that's all.
Remember, a "master page" only has items that will be on every single  
Remember, a "master page" only has items that will be on every single  
page of the document. A "template" is a skeleton of the entire  
page of the document. A "template" is a skeleton of the entire  
Line 205: Line 164:
Frank is spot on here, Joe.
Frank is spot on here, Joe.
You can easily totally forget about templates and Master Pages, and just  
You can easily totally forget about templates and Master Pages, and just  
create your first newsletter. If later you want to create a template Mike Morris
create your first newsletter. If later you want to create a template
from your newsletter, or create one or more Master Pages from your  
from your newsletter, or create one or more Master Pages from your  
newsletter, fine, but it seems you need to know much more about how to  
newsletter, fine, but it seems you need to know much more about how to  
Line 216: Line 175:


=Managing the issues=
=Managing the issues=
At this point, you can save the document -- with all 4 pages, mostly
blank -- with another name, such as Nsltr_template (Scribus has "Save as
template" option).  But before you go any further, close the template--which
is a document containing, at the very least, master pages--and make sure you
are working on Oct08Nsltr.
==Related Pages==
* [[Date_Setting_by_Script]]

Latest revision as of 13:32, 30 December 2013

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This article needs to be cleaned up. Please update the information, remove factual errors, refresh category data, or correct the hyperlinks.

This article is mostly based on this thread from the Scribus mailing list: Using Scribus for a newsletter

Your first newsletter

The planning for a a newsletter doesn't really depend on the DTP you are using.

The tutorial assumes that you:

  • want to use a Desktop Publishing application
  • that you're here trying to use Scribus for that specific function
  • are making a first time attempt to create this newsletter (or expanding your knoweldge on the subject)
  • have an interest in creating a 4 page newsletter
  • have no previous documents, no templates with which to start

Creating the document

  1. When you open the application for the first time, you will be looking at a single page
    (there are exceptions, but for the moment, you are not going to consider them).
  2. (Screenshot needed here)
  3. It is at this point -- not later --that you should add pages to your document.
    For a 4 page newsletter, add 3 pages before you take any other steps.
    This is also probably a good time to save your document -- which is completely blank --
    with an appropriate file name: e.g., 2008_10_newsletter.sla
    (in this context "document" is now synonymous with "file," even though it contains no content)
  4. OK. You want your newsletter to have a logo and name on page 1, and you want that logo and name to be always in the same place on page 1. Therefore, you do NOT put those items on page 1. You put them on a master page. When you first create that master page with any graphics and text, it exists independently of the other 4 pages in your document (which are still blank). Think of that master page as a 5th page.
  5. (Screenshot needed here)
  6. When you are satisfied with the look of the master page -- and remember,
    you include only unchanging items (again, with some exceptions, for the moment ignored)
    on that master page -- you then apply that master page to page 1.
  7. (Screenshot needed here)
  8. When you then look at page 1, you see all the items on page 1 that you entered
    into the master page. you cannot change those master page items while you are on
    page 1 (If you need to make changes to any master page item, you must go back to
    the master page to do so).
  9. But you can add more content to page 1, either text or graphics, by adding
    a text or graphics frame to page 1 and then filling that frame with appropriate content.
    You can do that with any page that has a master page applied to it. That way, the
    unchanging content is protected from inadvertent changes, and will remain precisely
    positioned for every subsequent issue.
  10. If you start with 4 blank pages (for a 4 page newsletter), then there is no need (although it is possible) to add pages later. OK. Let's say you have a master page for the front page (or title page). Lets say also that you want a "header" on the following pages, but you want the "left side" page header to look different than the "right side" page header (or they can be the same).
  11. The way to accomplish this is to create another master page; call it "Body Text," or 2 new master pages, "Body Text Left" and "Body Text Right." You place the header and the command that creates page numbers automatically into that (or those) master page(s). At this point, other than page 1 with the Title Master page info, all the pages are still blank. Now apply the Body Text master page(s) to pages 2 to 4. Pages 2 to 4 will have the header information--and nothing else.
  12. To add more content to any of the pages (e.g, "text and a photo"), place text and/or graphics frames where you want them on pages 1 to 4 (not on the master pages), and then place the appropriate content into those frames. Remember that at this point all 4 pages have some content in them that came from a master page, PLUS the additional content you just added.

More specifically about Scribus:

  • The New Document dialog box (displayed at startup) you can directly create 4 pages.
  • To create a master page, Click on Edit/Master Pages. The small box that is

displayed has several icons just below the title bar. Click on the first one, which is "Add a new master page." Give it a name (e.g., Title) and click OK.

You may find it helpful to see another newsletter that uses master pages (created with InDesign CS3). If you connect to http://frpcug.org/k-byte/current.pdf, you will see the 12 page newsletter I described in an earlier message. The logo at the top left, the name at top center, the photo at top right, the logo near the bottom left, and a few other items on page 1 are all on a master page. Most everything else was added directly to page 1. On subsequent pages, you will see the page number, publication name and date at the bottom of each page. I used master pages for those items, with all other content added directly to the page. I don't claim that this method is the only method to create a newsletter--only that it works for me. Note, however, that this newsletter is published only to the web site -- that is, no hard copies -- so you don't see a page arrangement suitable for printing (you don't see the imposition required for printing).

Mike Morris


I publish a 12 page newsletter on a monthly basis (not, at present, using Scribus, but the concepts apply). In that newsletter, I have several master pages. One of those master pages, which I call Title master page, contains a logo, the name of the newsletter, and some text (volume no., etc.). I have other master pages that I use for the newsletter that contain only the name of the publication, the date, and the page number--think of this info as a "footer." Another way to think of the master page is as a background that is always part of the newsletter. A background may appear on one page, multiple pages, or all pages. You can also think of a master page as a partial pattern for a page (or multiple pages).

A template, however, is more than just a master page (or more than master pages). A template contains (or can contain) many other elements; e.g., formatting commands (including Styles) and master pages. In other words, a template is (or can be) a pattern for a complete document. A master page is a pattern for a page (or pages) within a document.

I could save a version of my newsletter without the articles, but with the master pages, as a template. That way, for each new newsletter, the common elements will always be in the correct place: on the pages(s) and in the document. I then need only add the articles appropriate for the new month's issue.

Could you create a newsletter template without any master pages? Yes, you could. But then you are not making use of a very important feature of any true DTP application: keeping common elements precisely positioned with every new issue. I suggest to you, that once you learn how to use master pages, you will realize just how effective this feature is. Perhaps the use of a well-known advertising phrase will drive home the message: "Don't leave home (your document) without it (master pages)." Oh, well, a feeble attempt at humor.

Could you create a newsletter with master pages, but not create a template? Yes, you could. Provided, when you start a new issue, and you open last month's newsletter to create this month's newsletter, that you remember to save the newly opened document immediately, with a NEW FILE NAME before you make ANY changes. That is assuming, of course, that you want to keep copies of previous issues.

Regarding your question on how to prepare the newsletter for a printer: am I correct in concluding that you want a "booklet" format? By this I mean--using a 4 page newsletter as an example--pages 1 and 4 on the "outside," and pages 2 and 3 on the "inside," with the newsletter folded to 8.5 x 11 (and therefore the actual printed sheet size is 11 x 17)?

If you want a booklet format, Scribus, at present, needs an additional utility to accomplish this process, called imposition. You can find information on several alternative imposition utilities (and how to use them) at those links provided by Louis Desjardins in his response of September 13, repeated here for convenience:

http://wiki.scribus.net/index.php/Imposition_tools http://wiki.scribus.net/index.php/How_to_make_a_booklet

Mike Morris


Don't create a template. Create your newsletter instead, then use the last issue as a template for the next. Or delete the text (except the ads and other elements that will remain the same) then save that as a template. This is what works best/easiest for me, but by all means find what works for you and do that!

Ads don't change much, but they do on occasion. I always use the last issue as the next issue's template. Just remember to save the "last" as the "next" before making changes or you could overwrite the "last" one. When you do this it's easy to select and cut and ad, then paste it on another page, or move it about a page -- whatever is necessary.


Remember, a "master page" only has items that will be on every single page of the document. A "template" is a skeleton of the entire document, so you need to make it all first. Then open a new document using the template. The master page you created for the template is saved with the template.

Frank Swygert


Frank is spot on here, Joe. You can easily totally forget about templates and Master Pages, and just create your first newsletter. If later you want to create a template from your newsletter, or create one or more Master Pages from your newsletter, fine, but it seems you need to know much more about how to use all the other elements of Scribus than worry about templates and master pages.

Gregory Pittman

Importing the layout from an existing newsletter

Managing the issues

At this point, you can save the document -- with all 4 pages, mostly blank -- with another name, such as Nsltr_template (Scribus has "Save as template" option). But before you go any further, close the template--which is a document containing, at the very least, master pages--and make sure you are working on Oct08Nsltr.

Related Pages