…do you send them as individual files or combine them into one PDF file? If you combine them, do you provide bookmarks? Do you insert slip sheets in the odd-paged sections?
I send my project manual to the printer as individual PDF files zipped into one big file…or sometimes two files if the PM is two volumes.
It depends on the Owner’s request. We prefer to post (or send) a print ready PDF manual. We don’t provide bookmarks, but do provide the slip sheet so that each section starts on the right-hand page (recto).
Depends on client’s requirements.
Generally, it’s individual sections, but when requested, I’ll combine them into a single file–it doesn’t take much effort. Also, with the software I use, the combined file will create bookmarks for each section based on the filename of each combined section.
I will include slip sheets when specifically requested, otherwise, they are not.
I do it by PDFs.
Step 1 export from SpecLink-E or save as PDF from Word to individual export files. Set up the individual documents to an even page count.
Step 2 select all of the individual section files as a group under a Division number. Combine as a single PDF document. Save this as a division PDF document.
Step 3 Select all the division documents and combine them as a single PDF document.
This process works well for me and creates multi-level bookmarks automatically. It also allows for updating individual sections by replacing a page, section or division.
I then send this as one document. It allows the printers to just plug it in and not have to interact with the normal blank pages for odd count pages in individual sections.
The file size can be large, but there are tools for sending them by email.
What is the general feeling amongst the spec writers about adding the words “This Page Intentionally Left Blank” on the slip sheets?
I had a client require it on the Word version of the specs, not even PDF’s. I felt it was a waste of time.
I used to include it. But, now I don’t.
Otherwise, what is point of “End of Section”?
It’s a waste of time and toner. As Rich pointed out, that’s what “End of Section” is for…
How about “END OF SECTION IF EVEN NUMBER OF PAGES IN SECTION BUT “This Page Intentionally Left Blank” IF ODD NUMBER OF PAGES IN SECTION”
So much of our specs are posted on Project Web Sites in PDF Portfolio format. Printers of hard copy do not seem to have issues with this method.
And like Rich Gonser said "Otherwise, what is point of “End of Section”?
If the reader (using the term loosely) can’t understand “End of Section”, how will they ever understand “This Page Intentionally Left Blank”? They’ll wonder why for the next 5 years: “left blank for what? drawings? notes? fingerprints? coffee cup rest?” And that’s assuming they know the meaning of “intentionally”!
It’s one of those logic conundrums: If you state that you have intentionally left it blank, then you haven’t really left it blank, have you? On the other hand, if it is left blank, how does anyone know you meant to leave it blank.
There is this sanitarium, see, where everyone is either a doctor or a patient…
perhaps better wording might be
“This page was intended to be left blank”
Did I forget something…?
When I first started providing electronic docs to my clients, it was with individual sections in Word. BIG MISTAKE. I eventually learned to PDF ALL sections, and compile them in the proper order with bookmarks for the sections then add the even slip sheets, never could count on the printer to do that. Note my slip sheets have the same header as the rest of the spec, but the footer where the section # would normally occur stated “Blank Page”.
I would note to the client and printer that it was set for double sided printing. Have never had problems in doing that.
Note I like the idea of doing the compiling in two steps, Div then the PM. But if you use the Section # first in your word file name you should not have a problem.
Architects (myself) and their consultants usually want individual spec section PDF’s, but many clients want to see one big file. When preparing a combined file PDF, I prefer reproducing the volume format of the printed spec with the correct cover and a copy of the overall TOC placed at the beginning of each combined PDF.
No one has mentioned using Acrobat’s Portfolio feature as an option to combining all the files into one giant PDF. I’m not sure if this feature is only in the Pro version, but it was called Package in versions prior to the latest Acrobat 9. The command is under File>Combine>Assemble PDF Portfolio. (There is also a toolbar button.) It opens a window into which it allows you to drag all your PDF files. Then it shows each file as a thumbnail. Use the save command to give it a name and it’s ready to send.
The original view you get is based on View>Portfolio>Home. If you change this to View>Portfolio>Details, the files line up vertically and are easier to view. You double click on a file and direction arrows appear with the file name at the top. You will also see the page count if you want know which sections are odd-numbered.
The real benefit is that you can conveniently view the files directly in the Portfolio, which makes it a good way to check all your files before sending them to the client. The other advantage over combining all the files into one file is that the sections are still orgainzed as individual files and are easy to locate. Combining them as a single file probably accomplishes the same thing, but the Portfolio seems to be easy enough create, review, and print.
You can add, delete, and replace sections if necessary. Since I started to use this feature, I have had fewer formatting problems in the final result. Some of my clients specifically request this form of transmission. Since the Portfolio is still a PDF file, it opens automatically if Adobe Acrobat is installed.
Note that combining PDF files in a Zip file doesn’t do much to reduce the size of the files as it would do to a text file. So the size of the Portfolio or Package probably the same as a Zip file.
I also combine them into a single pdf, or rather, so that they don’t become too big in some cases making it awkward for who knows what system type the owner has, I combine sections into files of Divisions. Then I name the files so that alphabetically the list just fine.
I don’t use Acrobat, no need for it. I use the Mac’s own ability to print any file to a pdf. I then open the first file of a division and drop the others sequentially on top of that and it builds a large single file.
I can then assign various security levels to the large files.
I don’t put blank pages behind odd page sections.
However, all of our clients have always wanted printed (paper) books. So the vast majority of times simply have a scan made of the files in pdf format. Then I get that back from the printer, name the files and send them on their way. No bother for me, no need for security, they can do what they want with them since they are images, not text.
I have only had one owner that was requesting pdfs ever ask about a non-scanned version in years, and even they were asking for curiosity of why we did that (easier for us) and they were just fine with what we gave them.
William
I like to put “This Page was not intentionally left blank”.
That keeps them scatching their heads.
When I add blank pages to odd-numbered PDFs, I have been inserting a blank page that I have saved on my computer. Does Acrobat have a way to automatically insert a blank page?
PDF individual files and PDF composite, with filename bookmarks. I run through and clean up my filenames a bit so they can be seen in public.
For clients whose printers need them, I add blank even pages to those sections needing same while still in Word; I run a prelim Masterworks TOC with page count, open the odd-paged files (funny - it’s usually nearly half of them), add a page break at the end, and close. Then PDF, etc.
I keep thinking that Acrobat has a function that will add even pages to odd-paged files in a composite. But I find no such convenient function.
I’ll bet Don Harris could come up with a loop macro that will do that. Or maybe David L or Chris Grimm already have one.
For those of us on SpecLink-E, it’s a checkbox to add the even pages.