Flatplan – Design Your Publication

Communication is key when you’re putting together a multi-page publication. Whether you’re in charge of the design of a newspaper, magazine, catalog, book, or brochure, it’s impossible to create a functional layout without input from editors, writers, photographers, advertising reps, and other staffers. Flatplan is an application that gives publication designers a way to create layouts online without having to download any expensive software or purchase any equipment. These layouts can then be easily shared with publication staffers to ensure everyone is on the same page before moving forward with the printing process.

Whether you work on a daily, weekly, or monthly deadline, Flatplan has got you covered. To create a new layout, just input the number of blank pages you need and you’re ready to go. For pages that will be covered in articles, use Flatplan’s layout toolbox to figure out the perfect story placement. Not only does Flatplan let you layout the stories on each page, but it also lets you reorder the individual pages as often as you wish. The application utilizes a color-coded status system, which makes it easy for everyone at the publication to see how far along each page is at any given time. When a page layout is complete, just change the status color to alert your colleagues and invite them to check out the finished design.

If an editor notices something is amiss with his section—such as, if he doesn’t have enough room for all the stories that have been planned—he can leave a comment directly on the layout page letting the designer know. Flatplan lets users go back in time, allowing designers to show their editors previous versions of any layout. When final approvals have been made and deadlines are near, you can export your Flatplan layouts as PDF files with the click of a button. Flatplan is an interesting new application that makes it easier for editorial staffers and designers to communicate get on the same page about publication layouts and design.