Single source publishing uses one document to create multiple file formats, which can be automatically updated when the original is modified. The original document is usually a text file and can be used for printing, archiving, or online purposes. Differences in formatting may occur based on the intended use of the document.
Single source publishing is a type of digital publishing that involves the use of only one document. Once the single document is created, single source publishing tools are capable of transforming the document into different file formats, such as a text file, a website, and an image file. After the document has been created and transformed into different formats, the user may need to modify or change the original document. The automatic tools take the changes applied to the original and automatically change all other formats accordingly. While the documents are textually the same, there may be differences due to how the document is used.
One of the core principles of single source publishing is to start with just one document. This document can be anything, but is usually a text document; Images can also be used, but are rarely used more than text. In the case of this publishing scheme, the original document usually starts out as an ordinary desktop document, because it’s usually easier to output to different formats.
Many digital publishers use this original document for different purposes. For example, if the document is to be printed, it remains a generic document; if it is to be archived, it is compressed; if it goes online, it turns into a website. Doing it manually can be time consuming, especially if the user has to retype all the information for each format change. With single-source publishing, automated tools transform the original content into any other format the publisher needs.
It is common for the publisher to update, change or otherwise modify its original document, even after it has been transformed into different formats. Many single source publishing programs automate the task of reformatting the edited document. Each of the reformatted documents is modified to reflect the changes in the original document, so that the editor doesn’t have to waste time doing it himself.
While documents reformatted in single source publishing may have the same images and words, there are usually differences based on the intended use of the document. For example, a plain text file will be generic, a website will need links between different pages, and an archive document may require access restrictions to prevent unauthorized people from editing it. Some single source publishing tools can automatically differentiate documents, but this is usually something the publisher has to do manually.
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