FAQ

About Roxen

  • Who is Roxen?

    Roxen is a Scandinavian media-tech company focused on high-quality print automation for modern newsrooms. Roxen’s cloud-based SaaS platform is dedicated entirely to print, magazine and e-paper automation, supporting leading publishers across Europe and the Americas. The company is headquartered in Linköping, Sweden, with offices in Stockholm, Mexico City and Chicago.

  • What’s the story behind Roxen?

    Roxen was founded in Linköping in 1994 – the year we created a web server and one of the very first web pages in Sweden. The company began as an early innovator in web content management, with an enterprise CMS powering sites for global clients including RTL, Randstad, Princeton University, ING Bank and Verizon.

    In 2007, Roxen was commissioned by the media group Kinnevik to build a new, web-based editorial CMS for the rollout of its Metro/Publimetro publications. This marked a turning point, deepening our understanding of large-scale editorial workflows and print production.

    Rooted in Scandinavia’s digital-first and innovation-driven media market, Roxen evolved alongside some of the world’s most progressive publishers. As the CMS market matured and media platforms increasingly focused on digital channels, we made a strategic decision: to specialize entirely in print and e-paper automation. Non-core products were divested, and the technology was transformed into the focused, cloud-based platform Roxen is today.

    We’re still headquartered in Linköping, Sweden’s fifth-largest city – known for its university, its cathedral, its high-tech scene, and of course Lake Roxen. Yes, the company is named after a lake. A very nice one.

     

  • Why focus on print automation?

    Despite the speed of digital news, print still delivers what digital alone cannot: depth, design and distinction. Newspapers, e-papers and magazines strengthen brands, build trust, and consistently support a higher willingness to pay – including for digital subscriptions.

    Publishers know this. Even as circulation declines, print remains strategically important. The challenge isn’t whether to keep print, but how to produce it efficiently, consistently and at high quality with fewer resources. And this is where we come in.

    Roxen enables publishers to:
    • automate production without giving up editorial control
    • maintain premium design quality without high manual cost
    • run efficient workflows without rigid production-line constraints

    And importantly: it lets publishers decouple print production from the newsroom, freeing editorial teams to focus on content and digital while print runs efficiently in parallel.

The print automation platform

  • What does Roxen's print automation platform do?

    Roxen delivers a print automation platform that streamlines the production of newspapers, e-papers and magazines – while preserving full editorial control. It automates the labor-intensive parts of print production (layout, template selection, content flow, page generation, external feeds, multi-edition handling) so teams work faster and with fewer manual steps. At the same time, editors can adjust priorities, refine pages and handle late changes at any point – something production-line systems simply can’t support. In short: full automation when you want it – full editorial control when you need it.

  • How does it work?

    Here’s the short version (the long version is best shown in a demo):

    1. Page generation
    Converts story budgets into ready-to-print pages based on predefined templates and editorial priorities, while ads and external content flow in seamlessly.

    2. Template selection
    Chooses the most suitable article template for each page and uses flexible design elements like headlines, images, pull quotes, fact boxes and more to adapt content – all without altering journalists’ texts.

    3. Real-time visibility
    Browser-based editing provides real-time visibility and full editorial control.

    4. Headlines for print
    AI-assisted tools provide print-appropriate headline suggestions for newsprint and e-paper editions.

    5. Flexible workflows
    Supports zoning, page jumps, hybrid editions, multi-edition dailies and late updates.

    6. InDesign precision
    For premium layout and high-profile pages.

    The result: faster production, lower cost, premium design and full editorial control.

  • Who is it built for?

    The platform is designed for large newsrooms, regional publishers and multi-title media groups that run advanced, fast-paced print workflows – often across multiple daily editions, zones, titles or markets. Typical users include:
    • daily newspapers
    • regional or national media groups
    • multi-title publishers
    • hybrid print/e-paper operations
    • newsrooms with demanding planning, zoning or edition requirements

  • Does it support both print and e-paper output?

    Yes, Roxen’s print automation platform supports:
    • traditional print editions of newspapers and magazines
    • digital replica editions
    • automated output to e-paper

    Roxen handles multi-edition logic across both print and digital, as well as hybrid workflows where print and e-paper share content but diverge in structure or timing. This allows teams to produce multiple channels from the same workflow – without duplicate work.

  • How is it different from other print automation systems that promise full automation?

    Most other print automation systems achieve efficiency by enforcing fixed layouts and predefined outcomes. Roxen delivers full automation without locking publishers into rigid results. Instead of automating away editorial judgment, Roxen streamlines the workflow while keeping editors in control of hierarchy, layout decisions and late changes. It also efficiently supports real-world print requirements — such as page jumps, zoning, hybrid editions, multi-edition publishing, e-paper output and last-minute updates – without breaking automation or design integrity.

  • Is it suitable for small newsrooms?

    The platform is built with large and multi-title newsrooms in mind, but smaller publishers with demanding workflows or high design standards can absolutely benefit. Give us a call and we’ll figure it out together.

  • Does it support international and multilingual newsrooms?

    Yes. Roxen is used by publishers across Europe and the Americas and is built for multilingual production. The platform supports a wide range of languages and writing systems, making it suitable for international, regional and cross-market publishing operations.

  • How big of an organizational shift is it to implement Roxen’s print automation platform?

    Print automation is both a technology upgrade and a change in how print production is organized – some teams embrace the transition immediately, while others take a more cautious approach. Because print workflows are decoupled and designed specifically for efficient production, most teams experience the transition as structured and predictable. And since Roxen combines efficient automation with full editorial control – avoiding the “automation replaces humans” concern — the benefits in day-to-day work, clarity and control tend to be recognized early on.

Pre-study & implementation

  • Is there a pre-study or discovery phase before a project is started?

    Yes. The discovery phase helps us map your real editorial workflow – how pages are planned, where time is spent, and where automation can bring the strongest impact. It’s a practical exercise designed to remove guesswork and ensure the implementation starts on solid ground.

  • What is included in the pre-study?

    The pre-study (or workflow assessment) clarifies your current setup, identifies automation opportunities, and outlines how Roxen will integrate with your systems. It typically includes:
    • workflow mapping
    • template review
    • content source mapping
    • edition and zoning needs
    • integration requirements
    • timeline and cost overview

  • What does the pre-study involve in terms of cost and time?

    The pre-study is offered at a fixed, one-time fee and typically takes 2–3 weeks. It’s designed to ensure a smooth, predictable implementation and avoid surprises later on.

  • Once the pre-study is done, how fast can we start the implementation? What do we need to prepare, and what resources are required?

    The pre-study concludes with a project proposal outlining scope, timeline, workflow, integrations and cost. Once the proposal is approved and we have an agreement, the project can be scheduled.

    In larger organizations, some internal alignment is usually needed – new workflows require anchoring with editorial, production and IT teams. The better prepared the organization is for the change, the faster, smoother, and successful the implementation will be.

    For the implementation project itself, you’ll need a small team with representatives from editorial, production and IT – typically the same people that were involved in the pre-study. We keep the team lean; decision clarity matters more than headcount.

  • How long does it take to implement Roxen’s print automation platform?

    Most implementations take 3–5 months, depending on workflow complexity, number of titles, number of editions, and integration needs.

    For larger multi-title groups, we often run a phased rollout, going live title by title or region by region. These projects may run slightly longer, but the process remains structured, predictable and, surprisingly calm – even when it involves thousands of pages.

  • Will we be able to continue entirely on our own once the implementation phase is done?

    Yes. We’ll make sure the transition from onboarding to full production is calm and predictable. And if questions pop up, our support team is always here to help.

Templates & layout

  • Do we need to redesign our pages?

    Yes – but in a good way. And no, your newspaper doesn’t have to “look different”. Automation requires structured templates, and our specialists help create them using your existing design language. Your brand stays yours; we simply prepare for consistent, automation-ready production.

  • Does this mean we must standardize our entire print design?

    No. This is where Roxen has a real edge – it delivers automation on your terms.
    Templates handle the parts of your paper that benefit from consistency (news pages, sports results, listings, wire stories, etc.). But you remain free to add bespoke layouts, design-heavy feature pages or special sections whenever needed. In short: You gain automation ROI without losing editorial control or design freedom.

  • What if our design language is more traditional or relies on bespoke layouts?

    This is something we assess during the pre-study. Automation works best when layouts follow clear structures and consistent design rules. Highly bespoke or irregular layouts can be supported, but they may reduce the overall degree of automation.
    Our goal is always to find the right balance — preserving your brand and design identity while identifying where automation can deliver the greatest impact.

  • How many templates do we need?

    Fewer than you think. Templates define rules for columns, image ratios, ad placement, story priority, text resizing and other layout logic. The number required depends on your sections, design language, edition structure and ad strategy. In practice, most publishers discover that their template set is smaller and simpler than expected because flexible templates can handle many variations.

  • Will we be able to maintain and add templates ourselves?

    Yes. Template maintenance can be handled in-house, but most customers choose to rely on our specialists for updates and new templates. It’s often the simplest and most efficient way to keep automation, design quality and brand consistency in sync.
    Once live, you’ll have ongoing access to our support team, including support hours that can be used for template changes as your needs evolve.

  • Why does the platform use Adobe InDesign for page templates? Why not just code the templates?

    Because premium print output demands precision – and Adobe InDesign is the global industry standard for professional page layout, which means:
    • true typographic control (kerning, hyphenation, ligatures, line breaking)
    • brand-accurate layout rules
    • professional-grade rendering
    • industry-standard production quality (print-safe, predictable, proven)
    • robust multi-language support, including right-to-left scripts and complex character sets

    Hard-coded templates simply can’t match this level of fidelity. They also require constant engineering effort to maintain, while the InDesign ecosystem evolves continuously.

  • Do we need local installs of InDesign?

    For a vast majority of our users, there is no need for a local installation of InDesign.

  • If we are using Adobe InDesign today, can we keep using it?

    Yes. You may want to use desktop InDesign for high-profile pages, special layouts or premium weekend sections. The platform integrates directly with InDesign, so designers can refine, or finish selected pages without breaking automation or leaving the platform’s page plan.

  • Does Adobe InDesign slow down the system?

    Using Adobe InDesign Server adds a processing step compared to purely browser-based rendering. However, the platform runs on scalable infrastructure, allowing parallel processing and consistent performance even in high-volume environments. This means predictable output speeds meeting the demands of professional print production.

Workflows & capabilities

  • How much will we need to change our editorial processes? And who controls the page flow - automation or editors?

    Workflow design is a key part of implementation. One common improvement is separating the digital workflow from the print workflow so that print runs efficiently without consuming newsroom time.

    Unlike rigid production-line systems with fixed outcomes, Roxen ensures editors always have the final say.
    Automation handles repetitive, rule-based tasks; humans remain in charge of priorities, hierarchy, design choices and late changes. And yes – editors can override automation at any point.

  • Do journalists need to write differently for print or have their texts change?

    No. Journalists write the way they always have. Their original texts stay intact from CMS to finished page – no extra proofreading loops, no trips into pagination. The system automatically selects the most suitable article template and adapts the content with flexible design elements such as headlines, images, pull quotes, and fact boxes. The text itself remains untouched.

  • Do we need round-tripping, i.e. if editors make changes in the print process?  

    No. Changes are handled where they make the most sense. Edits that should apply across channels are made in the source system (the editorial CMS) and print-specific adjustments – or fast, last-minute changes needed to meet deadlines – can be handled directly in Roxen without affecting the original content. This keeps responsibilities clear, avoids version conflicts, and supports calm, deadline-safe print production.

  • Does the platform support multiple daily editions and other complex workflows?

    Yes. Roxen’s print automation is designed for demanding operations with multiple editions per day, zoning requirements, page jumps, late updates etc. These workflows can run independently from the newsroom, enabling a clean separation between digital and print production.

  • Can editors refine or adjust pages, including override automation?

    Always. Editors stay fully in control. They can reshuffle pages, highlight stories, adjust priorities, or make last-minute changes. And, of course, always have full overview of updates in real time.

  • Is there support for hybrid editions and e-papers?

    Yes. The platform handles multi-edition logic and automated e-paper output alongside traditional print.

  • We prioritize efficient e-paper production. Why choose Roxen over more “e-paper-focused” systems?

    Many e-paper systems achieve speed by enforcing fixed layouts and simplified production logic. That can work for basic replica output but it often limits flexibility, brand expression and editorial control.

    Roxen approaches e-paper production the same way it approaches print: through full automation of the workflow, not rigid page outcomes. Editors remain in control of hierarchy, layout decisions and late changes, while automation handles the repetitive tasks.

    Because Roxen supports both print and e-paper within the same structured workflow, publishers avoid duplicate processes, fragmented systems and inconsistent design logic. The result is efficient e-paper production without sacrificing brand identity, flexibility or editorial judgment.

  • How is e-paper generation supported?

    Roxen automatically feeds e-paper platforms with structured content as part of the print workflow. Pages, articles and metadata are delivered in the formats required by your e-paper reader, without requiring a separate e-paper production process.

  • What if our e-paper platform requires XML as well as PDFs?

    That’s fully supported, too. Roxen can export structured XML for article-level content, metadata and image references. The exact format is reviewed during the pre-study to ensure compatibility with your needs.

  • What about external content like puzzles, weather or syndicated material?

    Evergreen and syndicated content can automatically be ingested, placing it on pages according to predefined rules. No manual handling required.

  • Does Roxen use AI and ML?

    Yes, in controlled, editor-led ways. Today, AI and ML is used for headline suggestions for print and e-papers and intelligent template selection. Some newsrooms use AI suggestions regularly; others disable them entirely. It’s your decision.

     

Integrations & tech stack fit

  • Which CMS platforms does Roxen integrate with?

    The Roxen platform is fully CMS-agnostic and fits naturally into your existing stack. It integrates directly with editorial CMS platforms used by large newsrooms – including Arc XP, Labrador CMS, Superdesk and Blox Digital – as well as custom-built CMS solutions or general web CMS platforms such as WordPress. Other integrations are typically API-based and configured during implementation.

    Direct integration means there is no need for middleware products – reducing complexity and eliminating extra licensing costs.

  • Will we need to adapt our editorial CMS in any way - for example make text, images or metadata “automation-ready”?

    As long as your articles follow a consistent structure and include basic metadata (headline, body text, byline, images), no adjustments are required. This is assessed during the pre-study, where we verify content structure, metadata quality and image handling. If improvements are recommended, they are usually minor and editorial rather than technical.

  • Does Roxen integrate with external tools and systems?

    Yes. It connects via API:s to ad systems, external content feeds and other tools to automate content flow and placement.

  • What if we do not have ad systems, can we place ads manually?

    Yes. You can use the built-in ad tab in Roxen’s page composer to place and manage ads manually.

  • Can Roxen replace our current print workflow tools?

    In many cases, yes. The platform replaces a mix of legacy layout tools, manual processes, desktop workflows and brittle home-grown solutions. During the pre-study we help determine which parts of your workflow can be fully automated, which can be simplified, and where manual refinement remains valuable.

Technology & hosting

  • Is Roxen’s platform cloud-based?

    Yes. It is delivered as a fully managed SaaS platform – cloud-based, scalable and always up to date.

  • Where is it hosted?

    It is currently hosted on Amazon Web Services, AWS.

  • How often are there updates?

    Continuously. As a managed SaaS platform, you always have access to the latest features and improvements.

  • What about uptime and monitoring?

    Enterprise-grade uptime, monitoring and security are included as part of our fully managed SaaS service.

  • What browsers or hardware do we need?

    Roxen’s print automation platform runs entirely in the browser. We recommend using a recent version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.
    Hardware requirements are modest for browser-based use. If you also work in desktop InDesign, Adobe’s recommended hardware specifications apply.

Support & operations

  • Do you offer 24/7 support?

    Yes. Our global support team is available 24/7.

  • What if something goes wrong close to deadline?

    Our support and monitoring systems are designed specifically for deadline-driven environments. Critical issues receive immediate attention, with response times under 60 min. In practice, most issues are resolved much faster – print deadlines tend to encourage efficiency.

  • How reliable is the platform?

    Roxen serves newsrooms with some of the toughest production demands in the industry. The platform is engineered for stability, predictable performance and controlled automation under pressure. For organizations that require additional safety layers, we offer optional enhanced disaster recovery and redundancy setups.

Business & licensing

  • How is the platform licensed?

    Roxen’s print automatin platform is licensed as a fully managed SaaS subscription. Pricing is tailored to each newsroom and reflects factors such as number of titles, editions and workflow needs. This ensures a predictable, transparent setup aligned with how you actually produce print. A detailed proposal is provided after the pre-study.

  • What is the typical ROI?

    Return on investment shows up both in measurable savings and in how the organization works day to day.

    Publishers typically see:
    • significant reductions in manual layout hours
    • shorter and more predictable production cycles
    • more efficient use of editorial and production staff
    • higher and more consistent print quality
    • greater flexibility for special editions and late changes

    At a structural level, automation enables the decoupling of print from the daily newsroom workflow, creating clearer roles, fewer bottlenecks and a more focused digital operation while print runs efficiently in parallel.

    Strategically, it also means managing demanding print production – newspapers, magazines and e-papers – in one flexible platform. Instead of adding isolated, channel-specific tools, publishers maintain consistent quality, brand control and commercial strength across formats. For many, strong, well-produced print editions continue to support trust, subscriptions and digital revenue.

    In that sense, ROI is about preserving long-term value – editorially, operationally and commercially.

  • Can we speak with newsrooms already using Roxen?

    Absolutely. Our customers are generally open to sharing their experiences – both the strategic and the very practical. Once we know a bit about your setup and workflow, we’ll connect you with references that match your organization in terms of size, production model, and challenges. These conversations are often the most valuable part of the evaluation process: real teams, real deadlines, real results.

  • What if I still have questions or want to discuss our setup?

    Just reach out. We’re always happy to talk through workflows, technical details or anything that didn’t fit neatly into an FAQ. Whether you’re early in your thinking or already deep in the weeds, our team is here to help.

    Drop us an email at sales@roxen.com and we’ll get back to you.