Create Tabletop Rulebook with InDesign: Glossary
A
Adobe InDesign
A professional desktop publishing application used for typesetting, layout, and design. Essential for creating the style guide and layout of the rulebook.
B
Book File
A collection of documents that can share styles, swatches, master pages, and other items, in Adobe InDesign. Often used for managing long documents like rulebooks.
C
Chapters
Divisions within the book file that help in organizing different sections of the rulebook.
D
Data Merge
An InDesign feature used to automate the placement of text or graphics from a data source.
Digital Rulebook
A rulebook formatted and optimized for viewing on digital platforms like tablets or computers.
E
Ebook
A digital version of a rulebook, optimized for electronic reading devices.
Editor Workflows
The set of processes followed by editors when working on the rulebook, often involving software like Adobe InCopy.
Exporting
The process of creating a final output file, usually in PDF or other formats, for printing or digital distribution.
F
Figures/Images
Graphical elements, such as illustrations or diagrams, used within the rulebook.
Front Matter/Back Matter
The preliminary and closing sections of a book, separate from the main content. Includes elements like the title page, table of contents, index, etc.
G
Grid
A framework of lines used for aligning and organizing design elements in InDesign.
I
InCopy
A professional writing and editing software that integrates with Adobe InDesign for collaborative workflows.
Index
An alphabetical list of topics, terms, and their corresponding page numbers in the rulebook.
L
Layout
The arrangement of text, images, and other design elements on a page.
M
Master Pages
Templates within Adobe InDesign used to apply consistent layout and design across multiple pages.
Manuscript
The original, unformatted text document that serves as the basis for rulebook design.
N
Numbering and Section
InDesign feature for automatically numbering pages, chapters, and sections within a book file.
O
Object Styles
Predetermined sets of formatting options in InDesign that can be applied to graphics or frames.
P
PDF Proofs
Preliminary versions of the rulebook exported as PDF files for review and editing.
Preflight Checks
Quality control steps performed in InDesign to identify errors or issues before exporting the final version.
Print Rulebook
A rulebook formatted and optimized for physical printing.
R
RPG (Role-Playing Game)
A type of game characterized by players assuming the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Has its own specific rulebook formats.
S
Sections
Sub-divisions within a chapter or part of the book file.
Style Guide
A set of guidelines that dictate the visual and textual elements of the rulebook, including fonts, colors, and layout options.
Styles
Specific sets of formatting attributes that can be applied to text or objects in InDesign.
Synchronization
The process of ensuring that styles and other elements are consistently applied across different parts of the book file in InDesign.
T
Templates
Predesigned page layouts in InDesign, used for creating new pages that share the same design and attributes.
Text Styles
Predefined sets of formatting options for text in InDesign.
Text Variables
Elements in master pages that dynamically display information like page numbers, dates, or section titles.
Text Wrap
An InDesign feature that controls how text flows around objects or images on a page.
Typesetting
The process of arranging text and graphics on the printed page in a visually appealing way.
W
Wargame
A type of strategy game that simulates warfare scenarios. Has its own specific rulebook formats.