Introduction

PTXPrint is a companion tool for Paratext that enables users to create high-quality PDF printouts of scripture. This tool is particularly valuable for translation projects, allowing them to produce printed scripture portions for community testing and feedback. PTXPrint empowers local language communities by providing scripture in their most valued languages, promoting community flourishing and overcoming linguistic barriers.

This guide will walk you through the steps to create a customized layout using PTXPrint. By the end, you’ll know how to adjust page sizes, fonts, margins, and other layout elements to suit your project’s needs.

Getting Started

Step 1: Download and Install PTXPrint

  1. Visit the PTXPrint download page.
  2. Download the PTXPrint installer.
  3. Navigate to the downloaded installer file and double-click it to run the installer.
  4. Follow the installation instructions and create a desktop shortcut.

Step 2: Open PTXPrint

  1. Double-click the PTXPrint desktop icon.
  2. Alternatively, type “PTXPrint” in the taskbar search box and select the application.

Step 3: Select Your Project

  1. Upon starting PTXPrint, you’ll see a dialog box in Basic view.
  2. Select the Basic pane in the upper left-hand corner.
  3. In the Project and Scope panel, choose your desired Paratext project from the dropdown list.
  4. Select a specific book by clicking “Single Book” and choosing from the dropdown list.

Customizing Your Layout

Step 4: Adjusting Page Size and Layout

  1. Go to the Layout pane.
  2. Select the desired page size from the Page Size dropdown list.
  3. To use a two-column layout for scripture text, check the “Two Column Layout” checkbox.
  4. Adjust the margins by modifying the Side Margin Width, Start of Page to Top of Text, and Bottom of Text to Bottom of Page fields.

Step 5: Changing Fonts

  1. Navigate to the Fonts + Script pane.
  2. To change the font for body text, click the Body Text button.
  3. Select the desired font from the Pick a Font dialog box and click Apply.

Step 6: Including Specific Scripture Items

  1. Go to the Body pane.
  2. In the Beginning and Ending Material section, select options like Book Introductions and Introductory Outlines.
  3. In the Include Scripture Text section, choose items to include (e.g., Chapter numbers, Verse Numbers) by checking the relevant boxes.

Step 7: Managing Notes and References

  1. Switch to the Notes + Refs pane.
  2. Under the Footnotes tab, check the “Include Footnotes” checkbox to add footnotes.
  3. In the Cross-References tab, check the “Include Cross-References” checkbox to include cross-references.

Step 8: Customizing Headers and Footers

  1. Go to the Header + Footer pane.
  2. Use the dropdown menus to select what to include in the headers (e.g., page numbers, references) for the Inner (Left), Center, and Outer (Right) sections.
  3. Customize the footer by selecting items for the Center Footer section.

Step 9: Including Pictures

  1. Navigate to the Pictures pane.
  2. Check the “Include Pictures” checkbox to add images from your Paratext project.
  3. Choose between high-resolution and low-resolution images as needed.

Saving Your Configuration

Step 10: Creating and Saving Configurations

  1. Navigate back to the Basic pane.
  2. In the Saved/Shared Configuration panel, enter a name for your new configuration in the Name textbox.
  3. Click Save to store your configuration.
  4. To revert to default settings, click Delete in the Saved/Shared Configuration panel.

Additional Resources

Tooltips and Support

PTXPrint includes built-in tooltips for on-the-spot help. Hover over any option to learn more about it. For further support, visit the PTXprint category on the support.bible site.

Advanced Configurations

For more advanced layout options, such as generating a table of contents or creating a Strong’s Index, refer to the articles and videos linked below:

Training and Community

SIL provides training opportunities and values community collaboration. Apply for training here to enhance your skills. Join the PTXPrint community to share insights and solutions.

By following these steps, you can leverage PTXPrint to create customized scripture layouts that meet the needs of your local language community, fostering understanding and engagement with the text.