10.4: Generate PocketMod layouts via the Print dialog

Aug 20, '07 07:30:05AM

Contributed by: DataGazetteer

Using the built-in Mac OS X Automator scripting function, plus the Java-based Multivalent PDF Manipulation Toolkit, one can now create PocketMod documents from any Mac OS X application.

PocketMod is an origami-like manipulation of an 8½" by 11" piece of paper into an eight-page booklet. The output of the standard OS X print dialog box is manipulated using Multivalent to create the PocketMod format. This technique replaces the Flash-based version from the PocketMod website, and the stand-alone PagePacker application. The basics of the process are:

  1. Install Multivalent.
  2. Create an Automator workflow with the following Run Shell Script action:
    cat "$1" > /tmp/temp$$.pdf && java -classpath /path/to/Multivalent20060102.jar tool.pdf.Impose -dim 2x4 -layout "1l,2r,8l,3r,7l,4r,6l,5r" -paper letter -verbose /tmp/temp$$.pdf 2> /tmp/temp$$.err && open /tmp/temp$$-up.pdf
    Replace /path/to with the full Unix path to the Multivalent program.
  3. Save the Workflow as Print Workflow plug-in.
  4. Print as you would normally, and choose the PocketMod Mac option in the PDF pop-up menu.
Full details can be found in this post on the Disruptive Library Technology Jester blog.

[robg adds: I tried this, and it seemed to work as described.]

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Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20070815080646404