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                           Manual for




                         CopyFit-It (tm)
                Professional Copyfitting Software


                   Introductory Version  1.0 U







                        Gesture Software
                1211 Virginia, Berkeley, CA 94702


                Copyright (c) 1987 by Eric Meller



                        Gesture Software
                1211 Virginia, Berkeley, CA 94702



FEEDBACK

If you have suggestions, bug reports, or any other feedback
regarding CopyFit-It, or questions regarding its full-featured
version, please mail them to Gesture Software.







LICENSE AGREEMENT AND DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

By accepting and using this software and manual, you agree to the
following conditions:

Both this Introductory Version of CopyFit-It and its manual are
protected by copyright.  They are not in the public domain and
never have been.  Individuals may make copies of the program (and
its manual as a disk file) for use by others on a private, non-
commercial basis.  You may not charge anything for such copies;
the only exception is that user groups, computer clubs, and
schools may charge a cost-based fee (not to exceed $10) to cover
their own costs.

This software and manual are distributed "as is" and without
warranties as to performance or merchantability.  The
distributor's literature and representatives may have made
statements about this software; any such statements do not
constitute warranties.  This program is sold without any express
or implied warranties whatsoever.  Because of the diversity of
conditions and hardware under which this program may be used, no
warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.  The
user is advised to test the program thoroughly before relying on
it.  The user must assume the entire risk of using the program.
Any liability will be limited exclusively to product replacement
or refund of purchase price (proof of purchase required).



                           CopyFit-It
                     (Introductory Version)

                    MANUAL: TABLE OF CONTENTS


CHAPTER:                                                    PAGE:

1. What To Do First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. The Copyfitting Process  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3. Overview of CopyFit-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4. Copyfitting Individual Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10

5. Copyfitting Paragraphs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12

6. Copyfitting Text with Both Lines and Paragraphs  . . . . .  13

7. Copyfitting Long Text  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15

8. Using CopyFit-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16

9. Problems?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19

Order Form for Full-Featured Version  . . . . . . . . . . . .  21

CHAPTER 1
WHAT TO DO FIRST

As with any new software, the very first step is to make a
working copy of your Introductory Version of CopyFit-It, and then
store the original safely.  You may want to begin by copying the
MS/PC-DOS "system" and/or COMMAND.COM files onto your floppy
disk.  If you're not sure how to include these, or how to make a
working (or "back-up") copy, refer to your DOS manual or to the
manual that came with your computer.

Then it's time for the learning process.  Even though CopyFit-
It's system of menus and data input prompts makes it easy to use,
you'll benefit from doing some initial exploring in order to
begin getting acquainted.  Study the manual carefully, making
notes about details you might need to refer to later.  If you're
not very familiar with copyfitting itself, start by reading the
chapter "The Copyfitting Process".

The next chapter, "Overview of CopyFit-It", gives a first,
general description of the program's features and organization.
It also compares the Introductory Version of CopyFit-It to the
full-featured version.

The following four chapters introduce you in detail to your new
software.  While you read them (or before or after, depending on
your learning style), simultaneously run the program.  Press menu
option keys, and see where they go.  Type in made-up numbers for
mock calculations, and see what happens.  Then experiment with an
actual copyfitting project, even if it isn't a real one.  That
way, you'll really begin to learn how to put the program to use.
(The chapter "Problems?" might help out if things don't seem to
go right.)

Once you have this background, "Using CopyFit-It" will give you
practical tips on how to use CopyFit-It as you deal with real
copyfitting situations.  CHAPTER 2
THE COPYFITTING PROCESS

The Introductory Version of CopyFit-It is a professional
copyfitting program, although its full-featured version is much
more powerful.  If you are not very experienced with the
copyfitting process, this chapter will provide a theoretical
background to help get you ready to use the program.

First, where does copyfitting fit in?  Usually before copyfitting
is started, there needs to be a layout sketch--a drawn plan of
how the final printed piece will look--so that you'll know, for
one thing, how much space each of its typeset elements can take.
The copyfitting process itself is described below.

After copyfitting, you'll write your decisions regarding type
size and so on onto your typewritten text (you'll "spec" the
"copy").  Then you're ready to have your text typeset.  A
professional typesetter will use a highly sophisticated machine
to prepare what's often called a galley, a copy of your words set
in the typefaces (alphabet styles) and format you have requested.
You'll need to proofread the galley for errors, and have any
corrections set.

Then you'll make a paste-up, joining together these typeset words
with any borders and other artwork called for in the layout
sketch.  And finally the printer will make a printing plate from
this paste-up and use it on a printing press to print numerous
copies for you.

WHAT IS COPYFITTING?

Essentially, copyfitting is the process of figuring out what
typesetting format will enable your words to fit the space
allowed by the layout, using a typeface (or typefaces) you have
chosen from those available at your typesetter.

Generally speaking, most copyfitting involves multiplying how
much text there is by how big a selected size of the typeface is,
then comparing the result to the space available in your layout.
If the result is too big, you recalculate using a smaller size of
the typeface, or if it's too small you try a larger type size.
The various CopyFit-It copyfitting procedures provide a number of
specific ways of doing this process, and they make it faster and
easier.
3 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

HOW MUCH TEXT IS THERE?

The first step in copyfitting is to find out how long your text
is--that is, how many characters it has.  The most accurate,
slowest copyfitting uses a separate character count for each text
unit (each paragraph, headline, etc.)  The roughest, fastest
copyfitting might use one count for an entire text.  Copyfitting
for something small and complex--like many display ads or
brochures--is apt to need the relative precision of separate
character counts, whereas copyfitting for a long, fairly uniform
text like a chapter of a book often can tolerate the rougher one-
count method.

In making a character count, you count not only the letters,
numbers, and punctuations, but also each space.  Since most
typewriters and computer printers type either 10 or 12 characters
per inch, one way to do a character count is to measure and add
together the lengths (in inches) of the typewritten lines in a
text unit, then multiply this length by 10 or 12.

Another way, helpful with a longer, fairly uniform text, is to
count the number of characters in a typewritten line of average
length, then multiply this by the number of typewritten lines.

In something like a poem or a series of headlines, you may need
to do a character count for only the longest line; then if the
type size you try out allows this line to fit in the column width
shown on your layout, all the other lines will fit in that width,
too.

Some word processing programs will give a word count.  In
addition, a word count can be based on an average number of words
per typewritten line, multiplied by the average number of lines
per page and the total number of pages. A word count can be
changed into an approximate character count by multiplying it
times an average number of characters per word figure, such as
5.75.

There are several utilities in the full-featured version of
CopyFit-It which speed up the making of character counts.
4 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

HOW BIG IS THE TYPE?

Type has two dimensions, height and width.  Type height (often
called type size) is measured in units called points.  There are
72 points in an inch (traditionally the number is actually
72.280448).  The measurement is from just under the descenders
("p" has a descender, "x" doesn't) to just above the top of the
capital letters (such as "X", as opposed to "x") or ascenders
("b" has an ascender, "x" doesn't), whichever is higher.  This is
true no matter which characters you are using; for example, even
if you are using only capitals, the height of the typeface
includes the descenders.

Your typesetter's machine will be limited to sizes between some
minimum and maximum, and it may provide only certain sizes within
this range--ask about these.  Most "body copy" (the paragraphs,
or text) is set in a type size between 8 and 12 points.
Typefaces used for body copy need to be extremely legible.
Larger type (for headlines, company names, etc.) may be referred
to as  "display" type.

Points also are used to measure the extra space that can be added
between lines of type, called leading or linespacing.  (Lines of
the old, hand-set metal type could be moved further apart by
inserting strips of lead, hence the term.)  Many text typefaces
are tense to read without a point or two of leading being added,
especially if they have a large x-height.  The x-height is the
size of the lower case 'x'--in other words, it's the basic size
of the lower case letters, without ascenders and descenders.  The
x-height may be a large or small proportion of the total height.
If it's small, there will seem to be more space between lines of
type; if it's large, the lines will appear to be closer together,
and they will probably need leading to compensate.

In addition, points are used to measure the line height, which is
the distance from one line of type to the next, measured baseline
to baseline.  ("Abc" sits on the baseline, while "gjp" dips below
it.)  When the type size remains constant, the line height equals
the height of the type plus the height of the leading.  Your
typesetter will need to know the line heights you want, rather
than the leadings.  One common written form is like this: 12/14,
which is read as "12 point type on a line height of 14 points".

There is one other basic typesetting unit of measurement: the
pica.  There are 12 points in a pica, and 6 picas in an inch
(traditionally it's actually 6.023371).  Mostly picas are used to
measure line length (or column width).
5 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

So type height is measured in points--what about type's other
dimension, width?  Since letters are different widths, the
measurement for type width is an average, called "the average
number of characters per pica" (or "characters per pica",
forshort).  In other words, the characters per pica figure for a
certain size of a particular typeface tells how many characters
will fit within the width of one pica, on an average.  It's
important to remember that, since characters per pica figures are
averages, copyfitting calculations are only approximations.

Hopefully your typesetter will be able to give you these figures
for their typefaces.  These probably will be intended only for
regular capitals-and-lower-case text, not for all capital
letters.  In addition, the figures as given will be invalid if
you have the typesetter electronically condense or expand the
characters or increase or decrease the spacing between them.

In such cases, or if you simply don't have figures, it's possible
to calculate new approximate ones in a couple of ways.  One way
involves measuring the length of the lower case alphabet (or
capitals alphabet if you need a figure for all caps) and dividing
this by 27.76.  In the other, you measure (in picas) the length
of some typeset text, then divide this figure into the number of
characters in the measured section of text.

The full-featured version of CopyFit-It has a Typeface Data File
which can store characters per pica figures on disk and enter
them directly into calculations for you.  In addition, it
includes several utilities which can help with figuring your own
characters per pica figures.

HOW MUCH SPACE WILL THE TYPESETTING TAKE?

The following descriptions of the actual copyfitting process may
interest and help you, but you don't need to memorize them in
order to use CopyFit-It.  The software already knows them by
heart.

Suppose you have only one line of type (such as a headline).
First you do a character count for that line.  You choose a type
size, then divide the character count by the characters per pica
figure for that size.  The result is the probable length (in
picas) for the line when typeset.  If it's too long or short
according to your layout, recalculate using a smaller or larger
type size.

Alternately, you could find the type size which would be likely
to give the length you want by dividing the character count by
the line length, in picas.  The result would be a characters per
pica figure.  To find the corresponding type size, look this
figure up on the chart you got from your typesetter.  It will
probably fall between two sizes, and you'll have to choose.6 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

Suppose now that you have a single paragraph.  You'll begin the
same way: make a character count and divide it by the characters
per pica figure for the typeface and size you choose.  The result
is the line length in picas this paragraph would be if it were
set as one long line of type (if the paragraph is to be indented,
add the desired number of picas to this result).  So you have to
chop it up into lines of the length you want, by dividing it by
the column width (in picas) that your layout calls for.

The new result will be the number of lines of type.  Usually this
number will include a fraction, because the last line won't be
full width.  You're concerned now with calculating the column's
height, however, so change fractional results to the next highest
whole number.  For example, 4.21 is really 5 lines of type.

To find the height of the paragraph (in points), multiply the
number of lines of type by the line height you want.  (But the
last line won't need leading after it, since it's not followed by
another line, so for it subtract the leading, if any, from the
total.)  Since picas are larger and easier to see and think
about, change this result to picas by dividing by 12, because
there are 12 points in a pica.  Then you'll check whether this
height is appropriate for your layout.  If it isn't, recalculate
using a larger or smaller type size and/or different figures for
leading or column width.

Copyfitting a text of many paragraphs is basically a matter of
repeating this calculation for each paragraph, remembering to add
in a greater line height between paragraphs if your layout calls
for it.

Then copyfitting text intermixed with headlines, subheads, and
other individual lines is a mingling of the two kinds of
calculations described above.  Generally, you might do
computations for either the lines or paragraphs first, then
copyfit the other (text or lines) to fit into the space left by
the first--and see if the result is satisfactory.  (Actually,
CopyFit-It will let you do these two either separately or
simultaneously.)

If your text is long and fairly regular, like a book chapter, and
if space isn't too tight, there are other ways you can do
copyfitting.  For example, begin with a character count for the
text.  Then refer to the page layout you plan to use for the
text.  Given its type size, line height, and text-area height,
you can calculate how many characters there will be per typeset
page.  Divide this figure into the character count, and you'll
have the number of printed pages the text will require.
7 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

ABOUT CopyFit-It AND COPYFITTING

Because you have the Introductory Version of CopyFit-It with its
various copyfitting procedures, it's not so important for you to
be an expert at these calculations.  CopyFit-It will handle them
for you.  Just prepare yourself ahead of time by doing character
counts and so on, making the necessary initial choices such as
typeface, line height, and column width based on your layout, and
gathering such information as the characters per pica figures.

The full-featured version of CopyFit-It, of course, has an even
broader diversity of ways of doing copyfitting.  Additionally, as
mentioned above, it allows characters per pica figures to be
stored on and accessed from disk, and it includes many utilities,
including several which help with making character counts.
CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW OF CopyFit-It

To begin running your Introductory Version of CopyFit-It, enter
COPYFIT at the MS/PC DOS prompt.  (You should be using a working
copy, of course, not the original disk.)

After the title screen, you'll see the Main Copyfitting Menu of
the Introductory Version of CopyFit-It, which will ask you which
of the following general kinds of copyfitting you want to do:  1.
Only individual lines of type (such as headlines), 2. Only
paragraphs (just text), 3. Both lines and paragraphs, or 4. Long
text (such as book chapters).  As is usual with CopyFit-It menus,
you need only press the number of your choice.  As you finish in
one of these categories, you will be returned to the Main
Copyfitting Menu.

You should know ahead of time what data each specific copyfitting
procedure will request from you, so that you can have it ready.
Type size, leading, and line height are measured in points, and
line length and column depth in picas.  Unlike the full-featured
version, the Introductory Version of CopyFit-It does not accept
negative leading.  Remember that CopyFit-It won't move data
between procedures for you.  So if you use other procedures to
help you get data ready, you'll need to write down the results so
you can refer to them during later computations, or else press
the SHIFT key and then the PRTSC key simultaneously to send a
CopyFit-It data screen to your printer.

As you will notice, CopyFit-It's screens are divided into three
areas by horizontal lines.  In general, the upper area is used
for titles and other labels, to help you keep track of where you
are in the program.  Most data input, computation results, and
major menus appear in the middle area.  The bottom area tends to
be used for other listings, reminders, choices, and error
messages (the program tries to protect you from entering, for
example, a letter when a number is required).

As helpful as the copyfitting procedures should prove to be, it's
important for you to remember that the copyfitting process relies
on characters per pica figures, which are just averages.  Because
of this, copyfitting is inherently an estimate, although usually
a very close one.

THE FULL-FEATURED VERSION OF CopyFit-It

Your Introductory Version of CopyFit-It is a very useful program
which can stand on its own virtues.  You may be interested to
know, however, that it contains only a small selection of the
features of a larger, commercial version of CopyFit-It.  The
manual you are reading sometimes mentions the benefits of the
larger program, but you might like to know a little more.
9 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

The first of full-featured CopyFit-It's three software sections
contains more and sometimes greatly improved procedures for
making copyfitting calculations.  For example, the longest and
most powerful set of procedures replaces the Introductory
Version's Lines-and-Paragraphs procedure, is designed for easy,
refined "what if" recalculations, and can even locate page breaks
and accommodate space for artwork.  A new procedure will
determine what line height and characters per pica combinations
are likely to make a text fill a certain space.  Another allows
copyfitting of a paragraph with a "step" (a rectangular
indentation allowing space for something like a photo).  And
there are three Long Text procedures, not just one, plus a way to
calculate a long text character count for them.  In addition, you
have the option within all the copyfitting procedures of using
the Typeface Data File for automatically accessing characters per
pica figures.  Also, negative leading figures (to a maximum of -8
points) are accepted.  And number of lines results are given in
decimal form (as well as in whole number form) so that the length
of the last line will be known.

Full-featured CopyFit-It's second section offers you the ability
to store typeface characters per pica figures on disk in the
Typeface Data File, for use by the copyfitting calculations in
the first section.  It includes functions for adding to,
reviewing, altering, and deleting what you have stored.  Using
this section will save you the trouble of referring to characters
per pica tables during calculations, and it can even supply
figures for type sizes not included on your tables.

In the third section of the full-featured program are eleven
utilities useful in conjunction with copyfitting.  Character
counts can be made from an ASCII text file on disk--or from a
word count, inches of text, or a manuscript.  A new characters
per pica figure can be computed from an existing one or from an
alphabet length, and the type size corresponding to a characters
per pica figure also can be figured.  Various units of
measurement can be mutually converted, points or picas can be
converted into points-and-picas or vice versa, proportions can be
calculated, and there's also a four-function calculator with two
memories.

You can order this full-featured version of CopyFit-It from
Gesture Software, 1211 Virginia, CA 94702.  The cost is only $54.
A User's Manual, typeset and fully detailed, comes with every
copy; a glossary of common typographic terms is included.  For
more details, see the order form at the end of this manual.CHAPTER 4
COPYFITTING INDIVIDUAL LINES

Generally, these procedures are useful for determining how long a
line of type will be if set in a certain size of a typeface, or
what type size should yield a desired line length.  The
Individual Lines Menu asks if you want to work with a single
line, or with several--and if several, whether you want all to
use the same type size, different type sizes, or the same line
length.

SINGLE LINES.  If you choose to work with a single line, you will
be asked whether you want to calculate the line length resulting
from the type size you want, the characters per pica figure which
will give the line length you want, or the number of characters
per line yielded by a given line length and characters per pica
figure.

In the first case, you'll be prompted to input the character
count, then the characters per pica figure.  The resulting line
length (in picas) will then be shown on the screen.  In the
second option, you'll provide the character count and the line
length, and the screen will show the resulting characters per
pica figure.  With the third possibility, you'll enter the line
length (in picas) and the characters per pica figure.  The screen
output will be the number of characters per line of type.

SEVERAL LINES USING ONE TYPE SIZE.  The procedure will inquire
whether, in addition to the resulting line length for each line,
you'll also want to know the height of all the lines as one
section of text.  The program will prompt you to enter the
character count for the first line, then the characters per pica
figure.  If you've asked for the height, the type size will be
requested, too.

If the height is to be calculated, the screen will show the
question, "Will the leading between the lines always be the same?
(Y,N)".  In other words, press the "Y" key for yes, "N" for no;
there's no need to capitalize these letters, but you can.  This
"(Y,N)" format is used often in CopyFit-It.  Then you'll be told
to enter either the one leading figure (if "Y") or else the
leading to use after the first text line (if "N").

The resulting line length will be displayed.  For subsequent
lines, only the character count need be input, since the type
size is constant--plus the leading if the height is to be
calculated and that figure isn't constant.  After the last line
(if the height is desired), there won't be leading, and the
height will be shown in picas.
11 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

SEVERAL LINES USING DIFFERENT TYPE SIZES.  Again you'll be asked
whether, in addition to the resulting line lengths, you'll want
to know the height of all the lines together.  Then this
question: "Do you want to use one character count for all the
lines? (Y,N)".  If you respond "Y", after entering the one
character count you'll have the opportunity to try a series of
different type sizes on the same line of type, for comparison of
the resulting lengths.

For the first line, the screen will prompt you to enter the
character count, then the type size and/or characters per pica
figure (depending on whether you want the height).  Once again if
you've asked for the height, you'll indicate whether the leading
will always be the same, then enter either the one leading figure
or the first one, in points.

After the resulting line length is shown, the input and result
process for the remaining lines will be similar, except that the
last line won't need leading after it.  If you've requested the
height, it will appear once the last line's length is on screen.

SEVERAL LINES WHICH ARE TO BE OF THE SAME LENGTH.  The first
choice this time is whether, in addition to the resulting
characters per pica figure, you will want to know the total
height of all the lines.  The one line length is requested, in
picas, then the character count for the first line.  Next, if you
have asked to learn the height, is the question regarding whether
the leading will always be the same, and you'll enter either the
one leading or the leading to follow the first line.

The resulting characters per pica figure will be displayed.  If
you've requested the total height, you'll need to enter the type
size (in points) corresponding most closely to the new figure.

The subsequent lines will involve similar inputs, except line
length (and perhaps leading).  If the height has been requested,
the last line won't have leading added after it, and the height
(in picas) will be shown after the last characters per pica/type
size figures.

Following each of these lines procedures you'll be asked whether
you want to do another of the same kind of calculation, or return
to the Individual Line or main Copyfitting Menus.  If you take
the first of these choices, you'll be given the option of using
the same character counts again, so that you can explore the
effect on them of different type sizes or line lengths; in the
case of the Just One Line procedures, you'll be offered the
possibility of using the same character count only if you select
the first or second of these procedures.
CHAPTER 5
COPYFITTING PARAGRAPHS

As the Paragraph Copyfitting Menu indicates, you can work with
either one paragraph or several, discovering the height and
number of lines of each.  You can also work with several
paragraphs as a single text, so that you can learn the total
height, as well.

Just One Paragraph.  The procedure will request the character
count from you, the line length in picas, the type size (and
characters per pica figure), and finally the leading in points.
Then the resulting height will appear (in picas), plus the number
of lines of type.  You'll be given the opportunity to use the
same character count for another paragraph calculation, and if
you turn it down, the choice of returning to the Paragraph Menu
or to the Main Copyfitting Menu.

SEVERAL INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPHS.  For the first paragraph of the
series, you will be directed to supply the same data as for the
one paragraph procedure: the character count, the line length in
picas, the type size (and characters per pica figure), and the
leading in points.  The calculated height in picas and number of
lines of type will be displayed.

Then in the bottom area of the screen, there will be a sequence
of questions beginning with, "For the remaining paragraphs, will
you want to use the same character count? (Y,N)".  Pressing the
"Y" key will give you the opportunity to try out a series of
different specifications on the same text.  The other questions
will find out whether the remaining paragraphs should use the
same line length, type size and characters per pica figure, and
leading.  Thereafter, for each paragraph you'll be prompted to
input only those values that change.

Results are shown with each paragraph.  After the last paragraph,
there will be the possibility of reviewing all the results.  Then
there will be a chance to keep the same character counts for
another round through the Individual Paragraphs procedure.
Refusing this, you'll be given a choice of returning to the
Paragraph Menu or to the Main Copyfitting Menu.

SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS AS ONE TEXT.  This procedure is very much like
the Individual Paragraphs one.  However, you'll be requested to
indicate the leading to follow the first paragraph.  The series
of questions will ask you whether to use this same leading after
the subsequent paragraphs as well, but it will not give you the
option of using the same character count for the remaining
paragraphs.  In addition to the usual results, the total height
of the paragraphs as one text will be given after the final
paragraph, in picas.  As before, you will be able then to keep
the character counts for a new paragraphs calculation.
CHAPTER 6
COPYFITTING TEXT WITH BOTH LINES AND PARAGRAPHS

The first screen of this procedure asks whether any of the
following will always have the same value: type size (and
corresponding characters per pica figure) used within paragraphs,
leading within paragraphs, leading between paragraphs, and column
width (for both lines and paragraphs).  If you press the number
key corresponding to one of these four, you will be asked to
input a constant value for it.  You can establish values for as
many of these as you like--or for none of them--and you can
revise your inputs simply by entering different values.  As
always, type size and leading are in points, and column width in
picas.  Thereafter, pressing the 5 key will cause the procedure
to continue.

In the next screen, you are asked whether you want to establish
any type sizes (with their characters per pica figures) for use
with individual lines, as opposed to paragraphs.  If you indicate
that you do, you'll be prompted to type the number of sizes to be
input, from 1 to a maximum of 8.  Then these sizes (in points)
and figures will be requested.

Thereafter, for each new text unit, you'll let the program know
first whether it's a line or a paragraph (by pressing the L or P
keys, either with or without capitalization).  If it's a
paragraph, any constant values will appear on the screen
automatically, and you'll be asked to input any that weren't
established as constants.

In the case of an individual line, if you input more than one
type size options, they will appear in the bottom area of the
screen, and you'll make your choice by pressing the key
corresponding to the number beside it.  A method for entering a
new value is also explained on the screen.  If you input only one
option, you'll be asked whether you want to use it.  If no
options were established, you'll be prompted to supply the
desired type size and its characters per pica figure.  Column
width will be requested if you did not establish a constant for
it.  If the "individual line" turns out to be more than one line,
the actual number of lines will show on screen, and you'll be
asked for a between-line leading figure.

After each text unit, if it isn't the last one, you'll again be
directed to press the L or P key to indicate whether the next
text unit will be a line or a paragraph.  If it's a line after a
paragraph, or a paragraph after a line, or if you didn't settle a
constant between-paragraph leading value, the leading you want
will be called for.
14 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

After the final text unit, a chart on screen will summarize all
data and results.  As for the column headings, Unit# means Unit
Number, L/P indicates whether the unit is a Line or a Paragraph,
#Lines is the number of typeset lines in the unit, ColWidth is
Column Width, Leading is the within-unit leading, LeadingUnder is
the leading after the unit, and Height is the height of the unit
in picas.  The total height of the full text, in picas, will be
displayed beneath the chart.

Then you'll have the option of using the same character counts
for another Lines-and-Paragraphs calculation.  If you don't take
this option, you'll have the choice of doing another Lines-and-
Paragraphs calculation with new character count values, or
returning to the Main Copyfitting Menu.

Incidentally, the full-featured version of CopyFit-It replaces
this procedure with a newly designed set of procedures which is
faster to use as well as more flexible and powerful.  Once
established, the values can be modified individually or in groups
to allow fine-tuned recalculations very quickly, for example.
There's even a way to discover page breaks (where the beginning
of a new page will break a text), including provision for
considering space for artwork in these calculations.
CHAPTER 7
LONG TEXT CALCULATION

This procedure is oriented to such texts as articles, chapters,
and books, where the question is more "how many pages" than "how
many picas".  Titles can be copyfit using the Individual Lines
Calculations.  For tighter work with long text, the Lines AND
Paragraphs Calculation is useful.  (The full-featured version of
CopyFit-It includes two additional Long Text procedures, and its
Full Text set of procedures is far more powerful and flexible
than is Lines AND Paragraphs.)

The Long Text procedure calculates the number of printed pages
which would result from the typesetting and layout specifications
you are considering.  Once you have entered the character count,
this procedure will direct you to enter the proposed column width
in picas, the height of the page text area in picas, the line
height in points, the characters per pica figure , and the number
of blank lines in the text (enter 0 if there aren't any).  Blank
lines are assumed to have the same line height as text lines
have.  You may want to include the depth of the title and any
initial space the text will have once typeset by adding in their
height as an appropriate number of blank lines.

Then the screen will show you the resulting number of characters
and lines per printed page, plus the average number of blank
lines per page.  It will also display the total number of pages,
first as a "real" number and then within parentheses as an
integer--for example: 231.42 (232 full pages).  The second number
indicates the actual number of pages anticipated.  Subtracting
the fractional part of the first number from 1 will estimate the
amount of blank space still available.

If the text does include blank lines, but they are not actually
the same as the text line height, you can use a calculator to
adjust the results (the full-featured version of CopyFit-It
includes a calculator).  Multiply the number of blank lines by
the difference between the line height and the blank line height,
then divide the outcome by 12 to change it into picas.  Divide
this figure by the page text area's height and multiply by 100,
and you'll now have the percentage of page height by which to
change the total number of pages.  First adjust the "real" number
version, then derive the new integer (full pages) version from
it.CHAPTER 8
USING CopyFit-It

When you're faced with a copyfitting project, how do you go about
putting your Introductory Version of CopyFit-It to use?  As you
become acquainted with the program, you'll develop your own
patterns of working with it, appropriate to your situation.  But
to start with, here are some suggestions.  First, read the manual
more than once, making notes about details you might need to
refer to later.

GET YOUR DATA READY AHEAD OF TIME

Above all, get your data ready before you try to use the actual
copyfitting procedures.  Take relevant measurements from your
layout drawing, such as the line width and perhaps the column
depth, as well as for any variations from these such as a "step"
allowing space for a photograph.  Make your initial decisions
regarding typefaces and sizes.  Also, you'll need to make sure
the characters per pica figures are on hand for the typefaces
you'll be working with.  The character counts will have to be
ready, too.  If the layout calls for such details as paragraphs
with indents or drop caps, you might want to add an appropriate
number of extra characters into the count as a way of including
this space in the paragraph size.  Remember that CopyFit-It.  So
if you use other procedures to help you get data ready, you'll
need to write down the results so you can refer to them during
later computations.

LOOK AT CERTAIN INDICATORS

To assist you in deciding which CopyFit-It copyfitting
calculations to use, and in what order, consider some indicators.
Is the text long or short?  If it's long, then the Long Text
procedure is at least the likely place to start.  The Lines AND
Paragraphs procedure could then allow refinement, if needed.

Does the text contain paragraphs, lines, or both?  The answer may
send you to the Lines, Paragraphs, or Lines AND Paragraphs
procedures.  A short text beginning with one headline might call
for the Lines, then the Paragraphs, procedures.  But are there a
lot of switches between type sizes and other specifications?
Then the Lines AND Paragraphs procedure will be easiest.  In that
case, though, you'll probably want to use the Lines procedures
first to determine, for instance, what the largest type size
would be that would allow your longest display type line to fit
in one line.
17 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

SOLVE THE WORST CASE FIRST

Many tedious typesetting sequences become easier if you deal with
the longest, biggest, or tightest element first.  If there are a
number of one-line subheadlines, for example, which must be in
the same type size and fit within the column width, then begin by
identifying the one with the most characters.  Use the Lines
procedures to find a type size which will fit it into the column
width.  Then you'll know the others will fit, too.

Or if you are dealing with a brochure which has individual texts
for several columns, determine the one with the largest character
count (or the one that for other reasons promises to be longest),
and copyfit it to fit its column first.  Then the others can be
adapted to that standard.

In tight situations involving a headline followed by body copy,
copyfitting is often a matter of working with either the line or
the body first, then fitting the other into the remaining space,
and seeing if the resulting solution is a good one for both.  In
such cases, it's helpful to begin by deciding which of the two
elements is the more important or will be the tougher.  If the
headline is wordy or needs to be big enough to grab attention, do
it first.  If the body copy is lengthy or requires easy
readability, begin there instead.

In the case of a text chart with horizontal rows and vertical
columns of information, consider whether the width or the height
seems the tightest.  If it's the width, note the longest
character count within each column.  Use the calculator utility
to add these together, plus perhaps 3 or 4 extra characters
between each for spacing.  With the calculator or an Individual
Line procedure, divide this total character count by the column
width, and you'll have a characters per pica figure for the
largest possible type size.  Once you decide the line height, a
calculator can determine the height of the chart.

On the other hand, if the height is what seems the tightest,
begin by using a calculator to divide the available pica height
(multiplied by 12 to change it from picas to points) by the
number of rows in the chart, so you'll know the largest possible
line height before beginning the sequence described above.
18 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

SPECIAL FORMATS

If pages are to contain more than one column of type, one way of
working is to use the desired column width, but perform your
calculations as if there were to be only one column per page.
Then divide the resulting total number of pages (or text depth)
by the real number of columns per page to find the expected
length of the multi-column format.  Another way of working is to
add the widths of the several columns together, entering this sum
when a procedure calls for a column width figure.  In this second
system, if the procedure prompts for the number of blank lines
and the figure is not 0, enter the result of dividing the number
of blank lines by the number of columns per page.

A "wraparound"  or "run-around" (in which one margin of the type
column follows the contours of, say, a drawing) can be copyfitted
by use of the third Individual Lines procedure.  Having chose a
line height to try out, measure the length of each line of type.
Calculate how many characters of your typeface and size will fit
in the first line, and subtract this from the total character
count.  Do the same with the second line, subtracting its
character length from the remainder of the total character count.
Continue in this way until there are no more characters left.  If
the location of the last of the type is not satisfactory, you
will need to begin again with appropriately adjusted
specifications.

In addition, copyfitting of text involving steps, diagonal
margins, and wraparounds all can be accomplished by first using a
calculator to figure the average line length.  Then enter this
average when a copyfitting procedure asks for column width (or
line length).

SAVING DATA

Why make the same computation again if you don't have to?  If
your printer is on and has paper, you can always send data that
is on screen to it by pressing the SHIFT key and then the PRTSC
key simultaneously.CHAPTER 9
PROBLEMS?

COMPATIBILITY

If you have major problems running CopyFit-It, the possibility of
some kind of incompatibility should be considered seriously.  The
Introductory Version of CopyFit-It requires an IBM-PC or
compatible computer.  Not all "PC-compatibles" really are.  Also
necessary are an 80-column X 25-row monitor, 64K RAM minimum of
machine memory (128K if you will be working with texts having
over 150 text units), at least one 5 1/4" disk drive, and MS- or
PC-DOS 2.0 or higher.  Having memory-resident programs in the
background may cause troubles.  Some graphics cards may need to
be switched to text mode.

INEXACT ANSWERS

Copyfitting Is Not Perfect.  Copyfitting is inherently an
estimate.  One reason is that the characters of a typeface are of
different widths.  Suppose that two paragraphs have the same
character count, but one includes many "l's" and "i's", the other
lots of "m's" and "w's".  Copyfitting calculations will say they
should be the same size, but the second paragraph will turn out
to be longer once typeset.  If your calculations need to be as
exact as possible, examine the text for wide vs. narrow
tendencies.  Especially look at the decimal parts of the line
lengths of individual lines or of the "real" number of lines of
paragraphs.  If these decimal parts are close to 0 or to 1, a
wide or narrow character tendency in the text will be especially
likely to influence the outcome.

Another reason copyfitting is only an estimate is that typeset
lines are broken according to meaning, not simply width of text.
Thus a paragraph may be longer than expected because words and
syllables didn't fall in the right places at line endings and had
to be carried to the next line.  This will be especially likely
to happen if the design does not allow any hyphenation; in this
case, compensate by entering a slightly shortened column width
figure into the copyfitting calculations.  Very narrow column
widths also invite this kind of distortion.

ALL CAPITALS.  Most characters per pica figures are meant to be
used with normal text, composed mostly of lower case letters.
Since capital letters are wider, copyfitting on "all caps" text
using these figures will give misleading results.  The utilities
section of CopyFit-It has a way to make approximate "all caps"
characters per pica figures.

TYPING.  Many errors are accidents.  The wrong data was typed in,
the finger was on the wrong key, a question was misread.
Therefore, work very mindfully and intelligently.  And if an
outcome seems questionable, re-do the calculation.
20 - CopyFit-It (Introductory Version) Manual

ERROR MESSAGES

Have you been startled by an error message, such as, "Sorry,
invalid entry--please try again"?  Usually it means that your
finger missed the right key, so without realizing it you entered
a letter in the middle of your number, or something like that.
Perhaps you began or ended the number with a blank space, or you
tried to enter a 0 or absolutely nothing.  As the message says,
just try again.  An error message can also mean that you tried to
enter a "real" number where an integer was necessary.  For
example, a character count of 234.72 doesn't make much sense.
It's actually very positive when an error message shows up--
because without it, either you'd get an incorrect answer, or the
program would crash.

CopyFit-It TIPS

Generally, if you feel confused about using the Introductory
Version of CopyFit-It, review this manual more carefully.  It may
make screen instructions clearer, for example, or remind you of
another procedure or sequence of procedures that would be very
helpful for what you are trying to do.

Remember to do your data gathering before beginning the
copyfitting procedures.  If you are in the midst of copyfitting
and are asked for data you don't have, you can leave the
procedure by entering meaningless numbers, in order to complete
the calculation.  Similarly, if you find yourself in the midst of
the wrong procedure, simply enter any appropriate numbers to
complete the calculation and leave.

CopyFit-It won't move data between procedures for you.  So if you
use other procedures to help get data ready, you'll need to write
down the results so you can refer to them during later
computations. You could also press the SHIFT and then the PRTSC
keys simultaneously to send CopyFit-It data screens to your
printer.
                         ORDER FORM FOR

                           CopyFit-It

                      FULL-FEATURED VERSION


Note: The full-featured version of CopyFit-It requires an IBM-PC
or compatible computer, with 80-column x 25-row monitor, 128K RAM
minimum, one 5 1/4" disk drive minimum, and MS/PC-DOS 2.0 or
higher.  Printer optional.


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