Graphics
PTC ALD supports the inclusion of object graphics and raster graphics in the frames of a document. Graphics are classed as tags in an
PTC ALD document and each type has its own tag entity (see
Tags for further information about tags):
Object graphics (Og tag)
Vector images such as SVG files are loaded in object graphic format (i.e. as a
.3o file) during import into the document. Vector graphics can also be created and edited within
PTC ALD using the sophisticated drawing tools accessed via the Graphics Mode interface (see
Graphics Mode for further information)
Raster graphic (Rg tag)
BMP and other scanned graphic file types are loaded in raster graphic format (i.e. as a .3r file) when imported into the document. It is also possible to simply link to a raster graphic file rather than import it into the document. In this case the file keeps its original file type. Unlike object graphics, graphics of this type cannot be created within the PTC ALD interface.
Graphics can be placed into a frame in one of three ways:
1. Importing the actual graphic itself into the frame: use the tfcont macro or the > > menu option.
2. Linking to the graphic from a placeholder within a frame: use the tfcont macro or the > > menu option, adding an additional Load as link option to the load process.
3. Placing the graphic inline in a stream: select the > > menu option, or the <?ttras> or <?ttobj> PI commands respectively.
Formatting documents that contain a lot of graphics can be a time consuming process. PTC ALD includes several different methods of dealing with graphics to cut memory and processor use:
• Link to graphic: instead of importing the actual graphic file into the document, PTC ALD can set up a link to it from a placeholder in the document. As well as memory savings, this inclusion method allows the multiple use of a single graphic source and, hence, automatic update of all linked instances when that source is edited.
• OPI: the graphics processing engine of PTC ALD supports the Open Pre Press Interface (OPI) graphics handling process. With this function, a low-resolution version of a high-resolution image is created for screen display, whilst the full version is loaded by the output device for print.
• File size: when electing to import a raster graphic as a link it is possible to specify the size of the image file. With this option you can elect to display either low-resolution versions of an image file in the WYSIWYG view of the document, or no graphics at all. With the latter option selected you will see only a grey box where the image should be.