Overview: After you transfer your manuscript into the Storyboard workspace with spread breaks, your text will automatically populate onto each spread as planned. Each time you hit enter for a new line in your manuscript, a new text block will be created on the storyboard. Initially, text blocks may be overlapping, and you will need to manually adjust them to create the desired layout and design. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of modifying text blocks in the Storyboard workspace, including moving, resizing, and aligning text for optimal visual presentation.
What Happens When You Transfer Text to the Storyboard Workspace?
When you transfer your manuscript into the Storyboard workspace, text will be placed on each spread according to the spread break tags you set in your manuscript. Here’s what to expect:
1. Text Populates According to Spread Breaks:
Each spread break tag you inserted in your manuscript determines where text will start on a new spread in the Storyboard. This helps you plan your book’s layout and pacing in advance.
2. Each New Line Creates a Separate Text Block:
Every time you hit enter in your manuscript to create a new line of text, a new text block will be generated on the storyboard. This means that paragraphs, dialogue, and headings will each appear as separate blocks, giving you flexibility to move and arrange text independently.
3. Text Blocks May Overlap Initially:
When you first enter the Storyboard workspace after transferring your text, you may notice that some text blocks are overlapping. This is normal and can be resolved by manually dragging the blocks apart and repositioning them on each spread.
How to Modify Text Blocks in the Storyboard Workspace
Follow these steps to modify and organize your text blocks for each spread:
1. Enter the Storyboard Workspace
Go to the Storyboard workspace from your project dashboard. This is where you’ll see your manuscript text laid out according to your spread breaks.
2. Start Adjusting Text Blocks from the Bottom
Because text blocks may be overlapping when you first view your storyboard, start by clicking on the bottom-most text block. Drag it away from the other blocks to create space and make each block visible.
3. Click and Drag to Move Text Blocks
Click on a text block to select it, then drag it to the desired position on the spread. You can place text blocks anywhere within the margins of the spread, giving you control over the layout and visual flow.
Tip: Align text blocks consistently across spreads to create a cohesive look.
4. Resize Text Blocks as Needed
To resize a text block, click on its corner and drag to expand or shrink the block’s dimensions. This allows you to fit text neatly within the space available and adjust for varying amounts of text on different spreads.
Tip: Ensure that text blocks are large enough to accommodate the font size and text length without overcrowding the spread.
5. Experiment with Text Alignment and Spacing
Use the alignment options in the toolbar to align text blocks left, right, center, or justified. You can also adjust line spacing and paragraph spacing to improve readability and visual appeal.
Tip: Use consistent alignment settings throughout your book to maintain a professional appearance.
6. Saving is Automatic
After modifying and positioning your text blocks, your changes will save automatically. Make further adjustments as needed to achieve the desired design.
Best Practices for Modifying Text Blocks in the Storyboard
Keep Text Blocks Organized
Organize your text blocks in a logical order that flows naturally from left to right and top to bottom. This helps guide readers’ eyes through the content and improves the reading experience.
Avoid Overlapping Text Blocks
Overlapping text blocks can make your spreads look cluttered and difficult to read. Separate and align text blocks to create clear divisions between paragraphs, dialogue, and other elements.
Use Consistent Spacing and Alignment
Maintain consistent spacing and alignment for a professional and cohesive look. Use the toolbar options to ensure that all text blocks are aligned similarly across spreads.
Create Visual Hierarchy
You can use different font sizes, weights, and text block sizes to create a visual hierarchy to emphasize your text and draw readers’ attention to key elements and enhance readability.
Final Notes:
Modifying text blocks in the Storyboard workspace is a key step in creating a visually appealing book layout. By organizing, aligning, and resizing your text blocks, you can control the flow of information and ensure that your spreads look polished and professional. Use this guide to optimize your text layout and make the most of the flexibility offered by the Made Live platform.
