Resolve awkward line endings
Distinguish an isolated boundary line from a visually weak last line, then assess the whole reflow.
- Goal
- A better paragraph or page boundary without moving the defect into neighbouring text.
- Starting profile
- Book / long-form
- Include
- White Space + Styles
Prepare a representative pass
Distinguish an isolated boundary line from a visually weak last line, then assess the whole reflow. Use a saved working copy, identify the intended active document, and check the inspection scope before interpreting a result. A profile is an inspection brief, not a command to repair the document.
Follow the workflow
- Inspect a representative chapter with the intended scope and whole-story policy. Read the exact Copyfit finding and coverage.
- Locate the affected paragraph and page/frame boundary. Determine whether the concern is a widow/orphan, a short last line or another fit constraint.
- Check paragraph-style Keep Options and the design intention in InDesign. A short caption or title can legitimately have a different shape.
- If the selected compatible finding offers Preview fix or Explore fixes, read its goal, target and Before/After evidence.
- Compare the strategy and side effects. A small improvement at the target is insufficient if it creates overset or an unacceptable break elsewhere.
- Apply an eligible result or make a deliberate manual adjustment. Inspect again and review the surrounding spread and threaded story.
How to recognize a finished pass
- The actual boundary concern is identified.
- The target improves without unacceptable downstream reflow.
- Final evidence uses the same intended scope and policy.
Where judgement matters
- Minimum paragraph length for short-ending review is not a widow definition.
- A goal name does not promise that a safe candidate exists.
Does a finding mean I must change the document?
No. Check intent, scope, current evidence and available actions. Retaining an intentional occurrence can be the correct decision. Record the supported review status when useful; it does not edit the source text.