5 Shell Books

Introduction
In this module, we will learn how to create a shell book (in French) that others can use to create books in their own languages.

Where are we now?
You have already made books in a vernacular collection. Now we are going to learn how to make books in a source collection. We can share these books with others to make them in their languages.

Why is this important?
In Bloom, there are two types of collections. A vernacular collection contains books for a specific language. A source collection contains books in a language like French. Then books that can be shared and translated into vernacular languages.

When you want to create a book that others can translate into their own language, you have to create them in a source collection so that they can be shared with a Bloom pack.

What will you do?

• First we will create a new source collection and then create a shell book.
• Then we will make a Bloom pack for this collection that can be sent to others to create books in their language.

5.1 Creating a source collection

• 1. If necessary, launch Bloom
• 2. Click on the button Other collection.
• 3. Click on Create a new collection.
• 4. Click Source Collection.
• 5. Click on Next.
• 6. Enter the name of the project (e.g. My Shell Books) and click Next.
• 7. Click Finish.

Change languages

By default, Bloom sets Language 1 and Language 2 to English. You need to change the languages to French.

• From the main window (i.e. Collections):

• Click on Settings.

• Click on the Languages tab

  

• To change Language 1 to FR

• Click on the blue Change link

  

• Type space then en

• Choose the language French

• Click on OK

• repeat for the second language (Language 2 > FR)

5.2 Creating a shell book

Check the layout pack

If you are creating A6 books, you can choose "Economy mode for paper".

• From the main window:
• Click on Settings.
• Click on the Book Creation tab
• Set the layout pack around the cover to Paper saver.
• Click OK.

Create a book

You create source books in the same way as before.

• Click on a template such as Basic Book.
• Click Create a book from this source.

5.3 Complete the book as desired

Fill in

• the cover
• the title page
• Add the pages
• Add text
• Change the images
• Fill in the credits page.

5.4 Bloom Pack

You use Bloom packs to share books from the source collections with other users. Before you can use a book in a Bloom pack, you must create and install it.

Creating a Bloom Pack

• Click the Collections tab.

• On the toolbar, click Make Bloom Pack.

  

• Type a name for the Bloom pack file and click Save.

  The Bloom pack is created and ready for distribution.

• Close Bloom

Installing a Bloom pack

Before you can use a Bloom pack, you must install it.

tip

Normally you would copy and paste it to another computer. For now we will install it on your computer to test it.

• Open a File Explorer window in the folder.

• Double click on the Bloom pack file.
  Bloom will add the collection and display a message when it is finished.

• Click OK to close the message.
  Bloom will restart.

Use the shell books in a Bloom pack

• In the Source for New Books pane, scroll down and select the desired book.

• Select Create a book from this source.
  The book is created and each text box shows the text to be translated in a yellow bubble.

  

• Click on the text box

• Translate the text displayed in the balloon into your language and type it into the text box.