Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for making ready a multi-unit, multi-web printing press. Data is entered into a computer memory representing the number of sections of a publication to be printed, the number of pages for each section and which pages of each section are to be printed in one or more colored inks. An acceptable web layout pattern and acceptable page printing plate locations on the various plate cylinders of the press are determined from the inputted and previously stored data. A readout is presented providing information as to the acceptable web layout pattern and the correct page printing plate positions.