Thumbnail Generator
Simple guide for creating, reviewing, comparing, marking up, and exporting bookmap thumbnail views.
This guide explains how to turn spreadsheet data and PDF/PNG assets into visual thumbnail maps for review, comparison, QA notes, and production exports.
Prepare the source spreadsheet, generate thumbnails, review page flow, then export the view or handoff files.
Quick Steps
Use these steps when opening the tool for the first time.
Prepare source files
Start with the spreadsheet that contains bookmap or page-planning data.
Upload the Excel file
Drop the spreadsheet into the upload area and choose the correct sheet.
Generate thumbnails
Create a visual map with pages, modules, spreads, and labels.
Adjust the view
Use zoom, dimensions, spread options, and label settings.
Add review support
Use markup, QA review, comparison tools, or stacked views.
Export or save
Export thumbnail views, SVG, PNG packages, or review files.
Workflow Diagram
Simple thumbnail workflow.
Main Areas
Quick reference for the generator.
Upload area
Where source spreadsheets and assets are added.
Thumbnail view
Shows the generated page map.
Stacked view
Compares two books or sheet structures.
Markup tools
Adds review notes and callouts.
QA review
Supports checks and production review notes.
Export tools
Creates SVG, PNG, ZIP, or review outputs.
Tips
Helpful reminders.
Check source data first
- Remove blank rows before import.
- Confirm folios and page ranges.
- Use the correct worksheet.
Review before export
- Check modules, spreads, and page order.
- Confirm images are placed correctly.
- Save before large changes.
Troubleshooting
Use these checks when something does not look right.
Thumbnail view is incomplete
- Confirm the spreadsheet has required columns.
- Check blank rows and folio ranges.
- Try a smaller sample first.
PDF or PNG pages do not align
- Confirm page split settings.
- Check filename routing.
- Regenerate the image set if needed.
Export is missing items
- Save changes first.
- Confirm the correct view is selected before export.
Best Practice
Recommended workflow.
Recommended workflow
Generate a clean thumbnail view first, then add markup, comparison, or stacked views as needed.
Important reminder
If source data changes after export, regenerate thumbnails and exports from the latest data.