Imposition and Additional Content

I have a need to design documents that have a 2D DataMatrix barcode in the “margin”.

I can see two approaches:

  1. Design the template with the necessary margin/bleed, cut lines, and barcode built into the Print Section itself, or,

  2. Design the template to the final cut size, and Impose 1-up on the larger sheet, and use “Add Additional Content” to position the barcode.

My question is in approach 2, is that valid? Does the Additional Content position (Left and Bottom) refer to the Document or the Imposition Sheet?

We started with option 1 and reworked our templates to use option 2 so I could more easily manage crop marks. The positioning refers to the document, so when I have a 2 up, cut & stack sheet output, I can get a barcode on both pieces.

My particular need is to place a Datamatrix barcode on the Sheet, outside of the cut-lines/document. It’s to control an automated perforator / cutter. It reads the barcode, and then eventually trims it off. The barcode won’t appear on the final document. I need to use Imposition for this job, and was hoping I could place the barcode via the “Additional Content” of the Output Preset, but it doesn’t work. It is “scoped” to the Document, not the Sheet (and doesn’t accept negative values for placement, I tried).

You have to activate the checkbox “Output once per sheet” in the “Additional Barcode” window to set the content on sheet level (positioning). Otherwise the additional content (barcode) will be placed within your document.

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Oh, is THAT what that’s for? Thank you!

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