Imagine printing a high-quality draft of Scripture, complete with pictures, formatting, and other important details in just minutes. PTXprint makes this possible, and it now replaces the “Print Draft” option in Paratext 9.4.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities. However, the default settings are typically adequate for a quality draft printout, though you may want to make a few adjustments.
To help you get started printing drafts using PTXprint, we have produced a series of short videos. We’ll also introduce each of the videos below.
Introduction to PTXprint
The introductory video discusses an overview of printing draft translations using PTXprint. It advises you to run basic checks first. It also gives you an overview of the other videos in this series:
- How to Install PTXprint: A step-by-step installation guide.
- Make Initial PDF: Introduction to getting started with PTXprint.
- Adjust Settings in PTXprint, Rerun: Tips for fine-tuning settings and optimizing the layout.
- Booklet Printing: Instructions for using PTXprint to create booklets.
- Reopen a PDF to Reprint: How to locate and print additional copies of a PDF.
1 – How to Install PTXprint
This video outlines the steps for exporting a draft translation in Paratext, installing PTXprint (if necessary), and setting up PTXprint for quality draft exports.
2 – Print an Initial Draft
After installing PTXprint, you are ready to create a PDF draft. Go to the Project menu > Export Draft PDF (PTXprint) to get started.
PTXprint uses the settings and fonts specified in Paratext to easily create well-formatted PDFs of Scripture.
3 – Adjust Settings
After generating an initial PDF, you can customize specific settings to make your draft appear exactly as you want. For example, you can easily adjust margins and add custom footer text. Changes you make here will be saved for the next time you print this draft.
Use the search function in PTXprint to find various settings, or hover over the controls to see detailed tips about that setting.
Once you’re happy with the result, print the PDF!
4 – Print a Booklet!
PTXprint also makes printing booklets user-friendly! What used to be a hassle is now simplified, thanks to PTXprint.
5 – Print (or Share) Additional Copies
Printing additional copies of a book is also simple with PTXprint. You can also share the PDF file via email or USB drive as needed.
Print Advanced Copies Too!
PTXprint can be used to create very nice-looking “simple” drafts. It can also be used for more complex tasks, like publishing a full diglot New Testament with minimal effort!
How to Update PTXprint
PTXprint continues to be developed with regular updates. Updates are released on the PTXprint website, and you can keep an eye out for the little “updates available” icon that appears to let you know there’s a new version available.
We encourage you to download the latest version as you are able.
Note: Clicking the button will take you to the PTXprint website, but will not download or install it for you automatically. You will need to choose to download/install the update yourself.
PTXprint Resources
The PTXprint website is also a valuable resource to find training resources, learn how to use PTXprint effectively, and stay up-to-date with the latest insights for using PTXprint.
These additional resources are also available:
We encourage you to give this fantastic software a try! It’s easy to use, and we really think you’ll appreciate it!
Pssst… you might even want to print a draft of your whole New Testament using PTXprint!
Happy drafting! 👋
James, for the Paratext team
