Automate adding a blank page every 3rd page

[t-pat]

We need to insert a blank page after every 3rd page in a pdf, or sometimes every 4th page, anyone know a way?

[gnubler]

How many total per document? I can't wait to hear what The Masters suggest.

[Joe]

Pitstop action?

[delooch]

dont know of an automated process, but i occasionaly have to insert blanks for duplexing.
instead of using the "insert pages" with a blank page, i just create a blank 1-page PDF, then drag the icon  into the "pages" panel where i want it. Its still a PITA, but faster & less clicking than the "insert pages" command

[t-pat]

it's multiple 1000+ page documents, so manually is not ideal.

I guess we're going to have the client separate the ones that need after every 3 and after every 4 and do it on output, the driver for our Oce has no imposition but does have a fancy page programmer for inserting slips and exception pages, it will allow repeat programming so it'll do it sort of automatically.

[Skryber]

I wonder if you can flow into Indy and use a script there.
Anyone familiar with scripting?
This one will insert a blank page every other page but maybe it can be modified for every third page. If I have time later, I'll play with it.

[t-pat]

I wonder if you can flow into Indy and use a script there.
Anyone familiar with scripting?
This one will insert a blank page every other page but maybe it can be modified for every third page. If I have time later, I'll play with it.

Thanks, I'll take a look at it too. I have a script to place pages in indy, so maybe after that this can be used.

[Joe]

I think it can be done with Pitstop 11 actions. In version 11 you can add variables to actions and it looks promising though right now I have no clue how to use the variables. When I get time I'll take a look at it.

[t-pat]

not critical now for my use, we'll just use the page programmer in the driver. Stupid thing has nothing but a fancy print driver but at least it has the ability to do things like this.

[Joe]

Hmmmm....looks like the variable thing is for adding text like variable data, page numbers, etc...which is interesting.

[t-pat]

well, the solution was to do it in Preps. Not ideal considering one of my documents is 3636 pages. I used the standard JDF-F4-2 folding pattern for a basis (sheetwise, spreads as 4-1 and 2-3) and made page 4 page number 0. Saved as template. Added my big ass pdf to the pages list, auto selected. Printed to pdf, which took like about 90 minutes and gave me a 2.xx GB pdf, but it works.

[gnubler]

And those in charge wonder why prepressers are still needed...

[johnny_jay]

I see you are using Prinergy, could a rule or auto page assignment work for this?

[AlanV]

An action seems to work. Once you enter the maximum page numbers you could use it for any job.  See attachment.

[Joe]

I see you are using Prinergy, could a rule or auto page assignment work for this?

That's a great idea. I think auto page assignment might do the trick. Just have a blank PDF in your job and have APA assign it to every 3rd page (or 4th...whatever is needed).