Brings spreadsheet editing to desktop publishing

DTP Tools, which makes plug-ins for Adobe InDesign and Quark Xpress, has announced Active Tables for InDesign, a powerful in-app spreadsheet editor. The plug-in allows users to create formulas and edit cells, rows and columns of imported spreadsheet data extensively without having to re-open any spreadsheet program to edit the source. The add-on enables clients to create accurate price quotes, automate invoice creation, localize marketing materials, incorporate time-limited discounts, create price lists or localize sales tax calculations.

The Active Tables plug-in can use formulas that handle text and conditions, for example adjusting the tax amount on an invoice automatically based on the customer's location. By using formulas instead of "final" numbers in a document, changes are automatically updated the moment the source data is changed, avoiding errors. The software can convert text to formulas, create reports listing the formulas in a document, create formulas in any text flow or table cell, and define formula appearance in Paragraph Styles.

The program can also format results as text, numbers, currency, percentages, or any user-defined format; sort table rows and columns by multiple criteria; show grid coordinates for tables and list tables in a document; give users the ability to update formulas "live" or freeze them in one state and more. The plug-in includes 35 common spreadsheet functions, and can add missing functions upon request.

Active Tables for Adobe Indesign costs $79 per license, and is available for Mac and Windows (works with InDesign CS3 and higher). A 14-day trial version is available.

by MacNN Staff