Overview
Very Simple Ad Layout (V_Sal) is an optional Adobe InDesign add-on for BLOX Total CMS sites that do not use a dedicated ad layout system. It allows users to dummy publications by importing ad manifests, placing ads, and generating metadata for Total CMS tracking.
This tool is ideal for smaller publications or pagination hubs that need a lightweight ad placement solution directly inside InDesign.
Download the Latest V_Sal Code
Click the link below to download the latest version of the V_Sal code package. The ZIP file includes:
JavaScript files for the Add-ons folder
Sample .ini configuration files (tab- and comma-delimited)
Instructions for installation
Download the Very Simple Ad Layout package for BLOX Total CMS here:
Installation Instructions
1) Unzip the downloaded package.
2) Copy the .jsx files to:
3) Copy the .ini files to:
4) Launch or restart Adobe InDesign. The BLOX V_Sal menu will appear in the main menu bar.
Features
Dummy Publication: Import ad manifest and auto-generate pages with placeholders
Create Ad Info Files: Generate metadata for ad tracking and import
Split Document: Break out multi-page dummied documents
Add Late Ads: Insert and track late placements
Generate Ad Reports: Produce print-ready summaries for ad placement
Distribute Ads: Auto-place ads to avoid overlap
Export XML: Send edition layout to centralized pagination hubs
Copy Ad Files: Gather and centralize ad graphics for CMS import
New in This Version
Improved logging via V_SaLlog file (user-level path on Windows)
Optional Parent Page control in .ini file
PauseBetweenAdListing INI setting to throttle library build and reduce InDesign crashes
Tips
Supports both tab-delimited and comma-delimited ad manifests — use the appropriate .ini file
Multiple .ini files can be present in the vSAD folder; select the right one when dummying
If InDesign crashes while building the ad library, try adjusting the PauseBetweenAdListing value
Support
Need help installing or using V_Sal? Contact BLOX Total CMS Support at support@townnews.com or through your client services representative.