Bookmap Generator
Simple user guide for building, reviewing, and exporting a bookmap.
This guide explains the basic workflow for using the Bookmap Generator. The tool helps production teams organize unit data, review bookmap structure, generate layout views, and export working files for review or handoff.
Start with a unit, review the structure, generate the bookmap views, then export the file you need.
Before You Begin
Use this checklist before starting a new bookmap session.
Have your source data ready
Prepare unit information, page ranges, section names, and any spreadsheet or JSON file you plan to import.
Know your starting path
Create from existing data, reuse a base structure, or manually edit unit content.
Save often
Save the current unit or export a JSON copy before making large changes.
Basic Steps
Follow these basic steps from setup to export.
Open the tool
Open the Bookmap Generator HTML file in your browser and use the main navigation to move between work areas.
Set up the program
Confirm the program name, grade, unit, and basic metadata before generating outputs.
Add or import content
Enter content manually, import unit data, or use an existing base structure.
Review the bookmap
Check list view, page ranges, section flow, and generated layouts.
Generate layouts
Create shell layout views to preview pages, spreads, and components.
Export files
Export Excel, JSON, PDF, or review files as needed for production handoff.
Workflow Diagram
Simple production flow.
What Each Area Is For
Use this as a quick reference for the main work areas.
Unit workspace
Where you enter and edit the main unit structure, metadata, and session information.
Base or reference area
Use this when you want to reuse an existing structure as a starting point.
Tracker
Use this to review progress, round status, or production checkpoints.
Layout editor
Use this to preview and adjust page or spread layout structure.
Import / Export
Use this to move data in and out of the tool.
Settings
Use this to confirm program-level options before output.
Tips
Helpful reminders while using the guide.
Keep your source data clean
- Check page ranges before importing.
- Remove extra blank rows from spreadsheets.
- Use consistent naming for units, sections, and sessions.
Save before major changes
- Export a JSON copy before large edits.
- Save the current unit before switching workflows.
- Keep a dated backup of important review versions.
Review before export
- Regenerate views after source data changes.
- Confirm the correct unit is selected.
- Open exported files to verify the handoff.
Troubleshooting
Use these checks when something does not look right.
Imported data does not look right
- Confirm the source file matches the expected structure.
- Check that required columns and page ranges are present.
- Try importing a smaller sample first to confirm the format.
Layout view is missing content
- Generate or refresh the shell layout after editing unit data.
- Confirm that the unit has saved data before switching views.
- Check that page ranges are complete and not blank.
Export does not include expected changes
- Save the current unit first.
- Regenerate the view or layout before exporting.
- Confirm you are exporting the correct unit or master file.
The browser feels slow
- Large files or many page cards can take time to render.
- Close unused browser tabs.
- Save or export your work, then reload if needed.
Best Practice
The browser-safe workflow.
Recommended workflow
Build one unit first, review it, save it, and export a JSON copy before repeating the process for additional units.
Important reminder
If you change source data after export, regenerate the bookmap output so the exported file matches the latest version.