We are Bit&Black, software developers and a business unit of WirbelWild, a Stuttgart-based company specialising in authentic, respectful and personalised communication. Since 2016, we have been developing software to realise our own vision of the most beautiful and relevant printed materials ever created.
IDML is a key technology for us, as it allows us to automate 100% uncompromisingly good graphic design. Our hyper-personalised layouts are unique, yet look as good as if they were handmade. Over the years, we have created countless applications for ourselves and our clients to produce business cards, postcards, calendars, posters, brochures and books using IDML. We are proud that our software has already won several awards.
If you’d like to chat with us about IDML, if you’d like to find out more, or if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
An IDML document can be opened using DTP programmes such as Adobe InDesign, Quark XPress and Affinity. Many other programmes are also available, but some are designed for programmers and require more technical knowledge.
IDML was developed by Adobe to describe complex graphic layouts. It captures all the design options available to a user in InDesign, and is therefore one of the most detailed formats in this field. IDML can therefore be used to describe complex visual formatting, right down to the smallest typographical detail. As IDML is based on XML, the file format can be imported, manipulated and written. It is suitable for layout templates and for all types of printed matter, from the simplest business card to the most complex catalogue.
No, IDML files are purely XML-based container files. In principle, there is no cost involved in using, creating, editing or reading them, and anyone is free to do so. The only potential cost relates to software that processes IDML documents.
IDML.dev is run by Bit&Black, a development studio based in Stuttgart, Germany. They are part of WirbelWild, a company specialising in layout automation.
Yes, here at Bit&Black we have already developed various tools for parsing, manipulating, converting and writing IDML. Just get in touch with us.
We at Bit&Black can help you. We have been working with IDML technology for many years and know it inside out. Our services are used worldwide; through consultancy and software development, we support businesses of all sizes with their applications.
That’s true. Depending on the requirements, one or the other may be more appropriate. For layouts with extremely demanding requirements, particularly in the area of typography, IDML may be more suitable. However, generating PDFs automatically from PrintCSS is significantly faster and less expensive than doing so using IDML. You can find out more about PrintCSS at printcss.dev.