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05 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
    1. Click on the button Other collection.
    1. Click on Create a new collection.
    1. Click Source Collection.
    1. Click on Next.
    1. Enter the name of the project (e.g. My Shell Books) and click Next.
    1. 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.