User Manual

Release – 1.17.0 (Major Version)

Updated on

Release Date: 02/29.2024ƒ

In this article you will learn which

  • new features are available,
  • improvements implemented for users and which
  • bug fixes have been resolved in version 1.17.0 of the Workflow.

The article can also be downloaded as a PDF version. The release notes for the previously published versions can be downloaded from the archive.

1. Overview

With version 1.17.0, users can take advantage of a number of innovations in the areas of Imposition, Die Cut Management and processing of Orders. In addition, improvements have been made to Data Preparation, Preflight and Print Data Management, as well as further translations have been carried out.

Below you will find an overview of all changes. The detailed description follows in the sections New Features, Improvements and Bug Fixes.

Installing an update for versions higher than 1.14.0

Workflow versions 1.14.1, 1.14.2, 1.15.0, 1.15.1, 1.15.2, 1.16.0, 1.16.1, 1.16.2 and 1.17.0 and all future versions can only be installed if Workflow version 1.14.0.(752) - or higher - has been installed beforehand. This means that an update from an earlier version, e.g. 1.11.x, 1.12.x and 1.13.x, cannot be carried out! The reason for this were internal improvements in the migration logic, which were introduced in version 1.14.0.(752). Before this and future updates, make sure that version 1.14.0.(752) - or higher - has already been installed.

An update from Workflow version lower than 1.11.0 to version 1.15.0 and higher must therefore first be made to version 1.11.0 and only then to 1.14.0.(752)!

The following SDK versions are used in DW 1.17.0:

  • Callas Software pdfToolbox 14.4.623
  • Callas Software pdfChip 2.5.084
  • Color Logic CrossXColor 1.21.1
  • Global Graphics HHR 14.0.0

Workstation: Harlequin Host Renderer (HHR) requirements as of version 1.17.0

The HHR-RIP from Global Graphics has updated its hardware requirements with version 14.0, which is integrated with workflow version 1.17.0.

When the system fails to comply with these requirements, a warning or message is displayed in the System Status dialog in File Management from version 1.18.1. If the requirements are not met or ignored, it could be possible that certain Production Jobs are processed incorrectly or canceled with an error.

These are the minimum requirements for the instruction set of your CPU:

  • 1996 MMX intel MMX extensions for x86 architecture
  •  1998 3DNow!
  •  1999 SSE Streaming SIMD Extensions
  •  2000 SSE2
  •  2004 SSE3
  •  2006 SSSE3
  •  2007 SSE4
  •  2007 SSE4.1 Minimal level required by Windows 11
  •  2008 SSE4.2
  •  2009 XOP, FMA4, F16C
  •  2011 AVX Advanced Vector Extensions
  •  2013 AVX2
  •  2016 AVX-512

No upgrade possible for versions older than 1.9.0

Please note that with the release of version 1.17.0 an upgrade of versions older than 1.9.0 is no longer possible!

1.1. New Features in the Workflow

The following New Features are available in version 1.17.0 of the Workflow:

VDP Editor: Since version 1.12.0, the VDP Editor has been available in Workflow for creating and managing variable data in the browser. In version 1.17.0, further new features were implemented in the VDP Editor:

  • QR Code enhancements – as of this version, it is possible to select error correction levels for different QR code types and to select the size of QR codes via a defined list.
  • Code 39 – determine ratio – as of this version, it is possible to determine the wide/narrow ratio - ratio of line and gap - for code 39 during generation.
  • Swiss QR-Code – This new QR code is now available in Workflow.

Impose Editor: Existing functions in the Impose Editor have been expanded and improved with version 1.17.0. These include improvements to the Step & Repeat and Nesting Impose Modes. In addition, improvements and enhancements have been implemented for Dielines and Marks.

  • Step & Repeat – Minimum Under / Overproduction – In Step & Repeat, two new strategies - Minimum Overproduction and Minimum Underproduction - are available from this version in addition to the existing strategies Fill Impose Sheet and Keep exact ratio of copies.
  • Shape Nesting – Strategy Options – From this version onwards, users can also use the strategies Substrate Optimized, Keep exact ratio of copies, Fill Impose Sheet and Force number of copies in Shape Nesting.
  • Nesting – adapt Impose height automatically – From this version onwards, the height of an Imposition for a roll substrate is automatically adjusted when the Print Item is higher than the maximum height of the Imposition. This even happens for fixed predefined Imposition heights.
  • Dielines – Columns | Rows – With version 1.17.0, Dielines for columns and rows can now also be created for an irregular grid. Dielines are created within the sub-grid.
  • Marks – CropMarks –  From this version onwards, the origin - Per Print Item, Print Items and Artboard - can be selected for CropMarks. If the origin is set to Per Print Item, the user can remove the intermediate marks.  The user interface has also been simplified.
  • Sheet ID – As of version 1.17.0, it is possible to add and position a Sheet ID in the Impose Sheet template. The position and content of the sheet ID is transferred to the printing system, which then has the task of printing the corresponding barcode / QR code at the defined position.

Die Cut: With version 1.17.0, Workflow users can now manage One-Ups and N-Ups, use the One-Up for Data Preparation and impose a Die Cut (N-Up) with the matching Print Items. In addition to the existing beta implementation, the range of functions has been expanded to include the option of generating a One-Up Number in an One-Up and a Waste Number in an N-Up.

Check-in Template – new Checks: In this version, additional enhancements have been made to the check-in process:

"Aleph LAFORTE" printing systems: As of this version, direct control of the "Aleph LAFORTE" printer type has been implemented in the Workflow.

"Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions" Cutter Device Integration: With this version it is possible to select the Sharpcut Series Cutter Device. Thereby, it is possible to configure the Pens as well as to import Substrates (cutting recipes) from the Sharpcut Series into the Workflow. The Substrates can then be used for Production Jobs.

Data Preparation: In the course of the development of version 1.17.0, new Fixups - Create Outline to Vector Objects, Scale Page Content - Width and Height as well as Tiling - were added and existing Fixups were extended in their functional scope and the user guidance was improved.

1.2. Improvements

The following improvements to existing functions have been made in version 1.17.0 of the Workflow:

Tiling – Sheet Instruction: As of version 1.17.0, the page size is also displayed and highlighted with a separate line color in addition to the visible format and the production format for the Sheet Instructions of a Tiling.

One-Up – Glueing Code: Improvements have been implemented in this version with regard to the creation of Glueing Codes for an One-Up. A system-wide Spot Color can now be used and the code width of the Glueing Code can be determined by percentage.

Harmonzing Grid Charts: From this version onwards, the preview of a grid chart is displayed true to the output in the user interface. Furthermore, partial standardization of the axis has been carried out.

PDF Cutter: From version 1.17.0, the cutting data for the Cutter Device PDF Cutter can be mirrored and rotated with the respective parameters.

Fotoba: For the Fotoba Cutter Device, as of this version, information is displayed for the sensor mark. Users are informed about the required distance to the margin of the cutter.

Routines for cleaning up Print Items without "reference": As of this version, two new routines are provided "Move Print Items without References to Trash" and "Cleanup Print Items without References". Use this routines to delete Print Items that are neither Articles nor a Print Item of an Order or a Production Job.

Print Chart for "X-Rite" Measuring Devices: From now on, re-profiling charts are also available for the X-Rite i1Pro 1 and i1Pro 2 measuring devices.

Small Improvements: Further small improvements have been implemented.

1.3. Fixed Bugs

Workflow: List of fixed bugs and minor improvements in the main application.

Impose Editor: List of fixed bugs and minor improvements in the Impose Editor.

VDP Editor: List of fixed bugs and minor improvements in the VDP editor.

2. New Features

In this section, you will find out which new features have been implemented in the Impose Editor and Workflow. In some cases, existing functions have been expanded.

2.1. VDP Editor

Since version 1.12.0 of the Workflow, a browser-based VDP editor has been available in the Workflow for creating and outputting variable data. In version 1.17.0, further innovations and improvements have been implemented, especially in the area of barcodes and QR codes. Find out more in this section.

2.1.1. QR Code Enhancements

When creating a QR Code, two new features can be accessed from this version onwards.

Error Correction Level and and Format

In version 1.17.0, it was possible to specify an error correction level for all QR code types so that the code remains readable even if it is damaged or dirty in the print image.

The higher the Error Correction Level is set, the more area of the QR code can be damaged. The following levels are available for error correction:

  • Low: in case the QR code is damaged up to 7 %, data can still be restored.
  • Medium (default setting):  in case the QR code is damaged up to 15 %, data can still be restored.
  • Quartil:  in case the QR code is damaged up to 25 %, data can still be restored.
  • High:  in case the QR code is damaged up to 30 %, data can still be restored.

Select either Default, GS1/UCC/EAN, or Industry as the format. For the latter, the application factor must also be specified, which provides information about the structure of the encoded data. This is a prefix consisting of 2 to 4 characters that determines the meaning and format of the data.

Proceed as following to create a QR Code with error correction level:

  1. Navigate to the Variable Data tab of an Article or Print Item.
  2. Open the VDP Editor.
  3. With the Barcode Tool [1] create a Barcode on the Print Item.
  4. In the Format [2] tab open the Barcode Settings [3].
  5. In Type [4] select the desired QR Code from the selection list.
  6. Open the settings area Code specific [5] to open the settings for the Error Correction Level [6] and the Format [7].
  7. When selecting the Industry Format it is possible to additionally select the App Indicator [8].

Figure 1: The Code specific Settings of a QR Code in the settings area Barcode Settings

Symbol Version

In version 1.17.0, the new option Symbol Version [9] is available in the Barcode Settings, where you can choose from 40 different versions. Please note that, depending on the selected version, only a certain number of characters can be encoded. The standard size is 21 x 21 QR code modules.

Proceed as following to change the Symbol Version of a QR Code:

  1. Navigate to the Variable Data tab of an Article or Print Item.
  2. Open the VDP Editor.
  3. With the Barcode Tool [9] create a barcode on the Print Item.
  4. In the Format [10] tab open the Barcode Settings.
  5. Open the settings area Symbol Version [11] to select the desired Version [12].

Figure 2: The Symbol Version area of a QR Code in the settings area Barcode Settings

2.1.2. Code 39 – Determine Ratio

Determine the Wide/Narrow Ratio for Code 39 by specifying between the width of the bar and the width of the gap. The values are separated by colons, whereby the default ratio is 1:3:1:3 [13]. After changing the width ratio, reset to 1:3:1:3  using the "Reset value to default" button [17].

  1. Navigate to the Variable Data tab of an Article or Print Item.
  2. Open the VDP Editor.
  3. With the Barcode Tool create a Barcode on the Print Item.
  4. In the Format tab open the Barcode Settings [14].
  5. In Type [15] select the Code 39 entry.
  6. Open the settings area Wide/Narrow Ratio [16] to determine the ratio [13].

Figure 3: The Format tab with the Barcode Settings for Code 39

2.1.3. Swiss QR-Code

The Swiss QR Code is a standard code of the Swiss financial industry and is used for machine-readable invoices.

Proceed as follows to create the code in the VDP Editor of the Workflow:

  1. Navigate to the VDP Editor via Articles or Print Items of an Order or Production Job.
  2. Create a barcode with the Barcode Tool.
  3. In the Format tab, select the Swiss QR Code type in the Barcode Settings
  4. In the Content tab, select the Data Source String.
  5. Enter a valid example in the String input field.

Figure 4: The Swiss QR-Code after it was created in the VDP Editor

Technical description of the Swiss QR Codes

  • Available characters: UTF-8 characters Basic-Latin, Latin1-Supplement, Latin Extended-A + Ș, ș, Ț, ț, €; digits from 0 to 9; uppercase and lowercase letters from A (a) to Z (z);
  • Valid example: SPC\n0100\n1\nCH3709000000304442225\nStiftung Heilsarmee Schweiz\n\n\n3000\nBern\nCH\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCHF\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNON\n\nSpende für die Aktion Winterfest

2.2. Impose Editor

Existing functions in the Impose Editor have been enhanced and improved with version 1.17.0. These include new features and improvements in Nesting, enhancements in Step & Repeat, and improvements in the Die Cut mode.

2.2.1. Step & Repeat – Minimum Under and Overproduction

In Step & Repeat, two new Strategies - Minimum Overproduction and Minimum Underproduction - are available from this version in addition to the existing strategies Fill Impose Sheet and Keep exact ratio of copies.

  • Minimum overproduction is achieved when the number of Print Items produced is slightly greater than the number ordered and the shortest possible material length is used.
  • Minimum underproduction is achieved when the number of Print Items produced is slightly less than the number ordered and the shortest possible material length is used.

Proceed as follows to select the new strategies:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editorand create a Step & Repeat.
  2. Open the Artboard Settings tab [18].
  3. In the Grid Settings [19] dropdown, open the Strategy [20] selection menu.
  4. Select either Minimum Overproduction or Minimum Underproduction.

Figure 5: The Artboard Settings in a Step & Repeat with the new Strategies

2.2.2. Shape Nesting –  Strategy Options

From this version onwards, users can use the following Strategies in Nesting mode for a Shape Nesting: Substrate Optimized, Keep exact ratio of copies, Fill Impose Sheet and Force number of copies.

Proceed as follows to use Strategies for Shape Nesting:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Select e.g. Default Nesting Template for the Sheet Template in Nesting mode.
  3. In Artboard Settings [21], open the Settings [22] dropdown.
  4. In Imposition based on [23], select the Shape + Bleed option.
  5. Open the Nesting Options settings area.
  6. In Strategy [24], select e.g. the Fill Impose Sheet option.

Figure 6: The settings area Settings and Nesting Options of the Artboard Settings with the Strategies

  1. Drag various Print Items that have already been prepared for Shape Nesting, onto the artboard.
  2. Determine the desired number of copies for the respective Print Items in the Print Items tab via the Edit selected Print Items dialog.
  3. Switch back to the Artboard Settings tab [21] to Start Shape Nesting in the Settings dropdown area [25].

2.2.3. Nesting – Adapt Impose Height automatically

The placement of Print Items has been improved in version 1.17.0 regarding the automatic Imposition height on roll substrates.

Up to version 1.17.0, the height of an Impose Sheet on roll substrate was only adjusted for a Print Item larger than the current Imposition height when the Trim function was activated. As of this version, Print Items are placed even when the Trim function is not activated.

Furthermore, improvements have been made to the "Substrate Optimized" Strategy.  From this version onwards, multiple copies of a Print Item can be placed for untrimmed Nestings when there is sufficient available space on the Nesting.

Proceed as follows to impose a Print Item that is larger than the specified Impose Height on a roll substrate:

  1. Open the Impose Editor in Nesting mode with a roll substrate [29].
  2. In our example, the fixed height of the Imposition is 500 mm [28].
  3. Add a Print Item to the Imposition that is larger than the defined Imposition. In the example below, the Print Item is 700,02 mm high.
  4. The Impose Height [30] is automatically adjusted so that the Print Items can be placed.
  5. Determine the number of copies in the Print Item tab.
  6. Print Items are then positioned according to the maximum number of Print Items to be placed.
  7. A warning [27] is displayed for this Imposition, which merely indicates that the height of the Impose Sheet is greater than the fixed height.

Figure 7: The General tab with the Trim function as well as selected roll substrate for the Imposition

Not available for Sheet Substrate

The functionality described above has only been implemented for roll substrate. So if you have selected a sheet substrate in the Nesting, the height of the sheet is not adjusted. This means that the Print Items that are too large cannot be placed.

2.2.4. Dielines – Columns | Rows

Previously, users could only create Dielines for columns and rows in Step & Repeat Impose Mode if a regular grid was available. With version 1.17.0, Dielines for columns and rows can now also be created for an irregular grid. Dielines are created within the sub-grid.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Create a new Imposition in Step & Repeat mode.
  3. In the Artboard Settings tab, specify the desired number of Columns and Rows for your Imposition.
  4. Add the desired Print Items of different sizes from the File Manager to the Imposition.
  5. In the Finishing tab [31], select the entry Columns | Rows from the Dielines [32] drop-down menu.
  6. Determine where the Dielines should be created on the Print Items:
    • for Rows [33] - the Dielines are generated for the rows of the respective grid
    • for Columns [34] - the Dielines are created for the columns of the respective grid
    • on outer edges [35] - Dielines are generated on the outer edges of the imposed Print Items

Figure 8: The settings area Columns | Rows in the Finishing tab of a Step & Repeat

Deactivated input fields

Please note that with an irregular grid, the input fields - Start at | Repeat | Indent and Offset - for rows and columns for positioning the Dielines are deactivated.

2.2.5. Marks – CropMark

The "CropMark" mark type in the Impose Editor has been revised in version 1.17.0. Up to this version, only the ImageBox and ImageBox + Bleed positions could be selected for the CropMarks of the individual Print Items; from this version onwards, the Origin can be selected Per Print Item, Print Items and Artboard. This allows users to select the desired origin of the Crop Marks on the Imposition.

The Remove Intermediate Mark option can be activated when the Origin per Print Item was selected. When the option is activated, only the line of the CropMark that indicates the start or end of the vertical or horizontal cutting process is displayed. User guidance has also been improved by removing or hiding superfluous parameters.

Proceed as follows to create a CropMark with the new options:

  1. Open the Impose Editor in e.g. Nesting mode.
  2. Add Print Items to the Imposition.
  3. Switch to the Markers tab [36] and select the "CropMark" entry in the selection menu [37].
  4. The corresponding dialog for this mark type is shown.
  5. In the Origin selection field [38], select the desired origin for the mark - in our example, per Print Item.
  6. The option Remove Intermediate Marks [39] is activated by default - deactivate it if required.

Figure 9: The settings area for CropMark in the Markers tab

Availability of intermediate marks

Intermediate marks are logically only available for the Origin Per Print Item origin, as in this case the individual Print Item is used for the placement of the CropMark.

2.2.6. Sheet ID

As of this version, it is possible to apply and position a Sheet ID in the Sheet Template. The position and content of the Sheet ID is transferred to the printing system. The corresponding barcode / QR code is then printed at the defined position.

To add a Sheet ID proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. In the General tab [40] click on the Edit Symbol next to the dropdown of the Sheet Template [41].

Figure 10: The General tab in the Impose Editor

  1. The Sheet Configuration dialog (Figure 11) is displayed.
  2. Open the Sheet ID settings area [42] and select the Barcode entry in the Add dropdown [43] - currently you can only select Barcode. A Text option will be available in future versions.

Figure 11: The Sheet Configuration tab in the Impose Editor with the possibility to add a Sheet ID

  1. For the Barcode the following options are available:
    • Type [44] – select from the three available codes – Code 128, DataMatrix or QR-Code.
    • Reference Point [45] – determine whether the barcode should be positioned on top, bottom, left or right and whether the barcode should be positioned on the selected edge on the left, center or right.
    • Origin [46] – determine whether the origin for the Imposition should be the Sheet or in case of a Diecut the N-Up.
    • Placeholder [47] – add the information that should be encoded in the barcode. Enter either a custom text or individual placeholders with dynamically generated content in the desired order.
    • Width and Height [48] – determine the size of the barcode.
    • Indent and Offset [49] – position the barcode at the desired position.
      • Indent – determine how far the barcode should be offset from the left or right edge at the selected reference point. If the alignment is centered, this parameter has no effect.
      • Offset – determine the offset with which the barcode should be placed from the selected origin. Note that a "+" value shifts from the Impose Sheet origin to the center of the sheet. If the origin is N-Up, the barcode moves towards the edge of the sheet.
    • Rotate [50] – rotate the barcode at the set position by 0°, 90°, 180° or 270°.
  2. Click on Save Template [51] to save the settings as template.
  3. In the now open dialog Save Template enter a Name [53] for your template or overwrite [52] an already existing template.
  4. Click on Save to save the template. 

Figure 12: The dialog Save Template for the Sheet Template

2.3. Die Cut

Since version 1.16.0, beta customers have been able for the first time to manage One-Up and N-Up, use the One-Up for Data Preparation and finally impose a Die Cut (N-Up) with the matching Print Items. Information about the involved functions can be found in the Release Notes of the previous releases in these sections in 1.16.0, 1.16.1 and 1.16.2. The functionality was extended in version 1.17.0 and is now finally available to Workflow users.

Access to the Die Cut Library

If you do not yet have access to the Die Cut library, please contact your sales partner. They can inform you about the purchase of a suitable license or add-on.

Migration of Die Cuts from older beta versions

All Die Cuts that were created with a 1.16.0 to 1.16.2 version in Workflow will be given the extension CREATED WITH BETA when updating to 1.17.0 and can no longer be used.

The new features that have been implemented in version 1.17.0 are as follows:

2.3.1. Die Cut Library - One-Up

The new features and additional information in Administration > Die Cut Library > One-Ups are:

Create One-Up from Article or Print Item

As of this version, it is possible to create a One-Up directly and in just a few steps from an Article or Print Item with an already existing Dieline.

Proceed as follows to create a One-Up from an Article or Print Item:

Step 1: Create One-Up from Print Item

  1. Open the Article or the Print Item in detail view.
  2. Make sure that the selected Article or Print Item has a Dieline that is a technical Spot Color.
  3. Click the Process [55] button in the action bar.
  4. Select the menu item Create One-Up from Print Item [54].
  5. The dialog Add One-Up is shown.

Figure 13: The Process dialog of an Article or Print Item with the command Create One-Up

Step 2: Determine details of the One-Up

  1. In the Add One-Up dialog, enter all the necessary information for the One-Up that should be created.
    • Name [56] - assign a unique name for the One-Up. If the name has already been used in the system, you will be notified with a corresponding warning.
    • External ID [57] - optionally enter the ID with which you received the form from your customer.
    • Comment [58] - further information helps to identify the corresponding form in many cases.
    • User-defined fields [59] - further information can help to bring structure when describing a One-Up. Create any number of user-defined fields for One-Ups and of course also for N-Ups in the Workflow.
  2. Click on Save.
  3. The Color Mapping dialog is opened.

Figure 14: The Add One-Up dialog

Step 3: Create Color Mapping and determine Bleed

  1. In the Select Spot Colors sub-step of the dialog, determine the Spot Colors that will be used for the One-Up. Therefore, select the desired technical Spot Colors in the selection menu, Add system-wide Spot Colors [60]. Determine the intended use for each of the added Spot Colors. The following options are available:
    • Fill Color [63] - click this button if a fill color should be created and determine whether it should be overprinting or set to Knockout. By clicking on the Fill Color icon, you can choose from three options:
      • No Fill Color - is used when only the outline should be used as punching line or to mark creasing lines. No fill color is created.
      • Fill Color - Overprint - is used when the outline of the area should be filled with an overprinting Spot Color, for example to mark hot or cold foil and varnish zones.
      • Fill Color – Knockout - is used when the outline of the area should be filled with a Spot Color that is set to Knockout, for example to mark adhesive zones or ink free zones.
    • Clipping Path [64] - click the symbol to indicate whether this Spot Color should be used to create the Clipping Path by marking the Bleed.
    • Delete [65] - delete a previously selected Spot Color so that it is no longer available for selection in One-Up.
  2. Once you have added all Spot Colors and assigned their function, save this setting as a template for later use. To do this, click Save Template [61].  In case you would like to delete a template, click on Delete [62].
  3. Click on Next to switch to the next sub-step.

Figure 15: The sub-step Select Spot Colors of the Color Mapping dialog

  1. In the sub-step Mapping Colors, use the selection field [67] to determine which of the previously added Spot Colors should be used for the respective Spot Color of the Print Item.
  2. Alternatively, select a previously used mapping by clicking on Use previously used mapping [66].
  3. Click on Save [68] to complete the sub-step.

Figure 16: The substep Mapping Colors of the Color Mapping dialog

  1. In the now open Define Bleed, define the Bleed [69] for the One-Up.
  2. Click on Save [70] to finish step 3.

Figure 17: The Define Bleed dialog

Step 4: Merge One-Up with Print Item

The created One-Up can now be transferred directly to the Print Item in the next step. This step deletes the technical colors in the Print Item and uses the original colors and contours of the previously created One-Up. Proceed as follows:

  1. Now select those Spot Colors that should be transferred from the One-Up to the Print Item [71]. All Spot Colors of the One-Up are already selected by default. If you do not want to transfer one of the Technical Colors, you have to deactivate it.
  2. Then select the Spot Colors to be removed from the Print Item [72]. All technical Spot Colors of the Print Item are also selected here by default. If you do not want to delete one of the Technical Colors, you must deactivate it. Make sure that you do not mistakenly delete any Spot Colors of the Print Item to be printed in this step!
  3. In More Settings decide whether:
    • The Production Size in One-Up should be set to the defined Bleed [73].
    • The Final Size in the One-Up should be set to the Dieline [74]. This option is particularly important if the TrimBox has not yet been set to the Dieline in the source Print Item.
    • The MediaBox should be synchronized with the BleedBox in the One-Up [75].
  4. Click on Save to start transferring the One-Up to the Print Item.

Figure 18: The Merge One-Up with Print Item dialog

Applicable for "Die Cut" Impose Mode

Print Items from which a One-Up has been created and for which all steps have been carried out as described can then be used immediately in the Impose Editor. It is possible to use these Print Items with the "Die Cut" Impose Mode for all N-Ups based on the One-Up that was used for its creation.

Merge One-Up into Print Item

From version 1.17.0, an existing One-Ups in Administration > Die Cut Library can be transferred to the Print Item in order to prepare the Print Item for the Die Cut Impose Mode. To do this, proceed as follows:

Step 1: Merge One-Up into Print Item

  1. Navigate to the Article or Print Item of an Order or Production Job.
  2. Open the Article or Print Item. Please ensure that the TrimBox for the Print Item - in most cases the ImageBox - is placed on the Dieline.
  3. In the toolbar of the detail view for the Print Item click Process [77] and select the menu item Merge One-Up into Print Item  [76].
  4. The Merge One-Up into Print Item opens.  

 

Figure 19: The Process menu in the detail view of a Print Item

Step 2: Select and transfer One-Up

  1. In the Merge One-Up into Print Item dialog, select the desired entry from the Die Cut Library in the One-Up selection menu [78].
  2. After selection, the One-Up is validated for usability for the current Print Item. Essentially, the Final Size of the One-Up must match the Print Item's TrimBox. The result of the validation is displayed below [79].
  3. When all information is available, switch to the next sub-step by pressing Next.

Figure 20: The sub-step Validate of the dialog Merge One-Up into Print Item

  1. In the Integrate sub-step determine which Spot Colors of the One-Up should be transferred to the Print Item [80] and which Spot Colors should be removed from the Print Item [81].
  2. Click on Save to start the merging process.  The Print Item is then ready for use in Die Cut Impose Mode.

Figure 21: The sub-steps Validate and Integrate of the Merge One-Up into Print Item dialog

Create One-Up for defined Shape

Simple geometric shapes such as rectangles, ellipses and circles are particularly required in label production. From version 1.17.0, it is possible to create these simple shapes quickly and easily.

Proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library.
  2. In the More menu [82] select the entry Create One-Up for defined Shape [83].

Figure 22: The menu More in the One-Up tab of the Die Cut Library

  1. In the Create One-Up for defined Shape dialog, fill in all the necessary information.
  2. In the User-defined fields [84] area, enter additional information for the One-Up. Define the available fields in Administration > Settings > User-defined Fields.
  3. In the Shape options area, define the geometric shape. The following parameters are available:
    • Geometric Shape [85] - choose between rectangle and ellipse
  • Spot Color [86]- select the system-wide technical Spot Color from the drop-down menu that is to be used as the Dieline in the One-Up.
    • Width and Height [87] - determine the size of the One-Up
    • Bleed [88] - define the bleed area with which the One-Up should be created in the Die Cuts library.
    • Corner Radius [89] - determine for a rectangle whether the corners should remain square or should be rounded according to the selected corner radius.
  1. Click Generate Preview [90] to display the preview.
  2. Press Save to create the shape in the list of One-Ups in the Die Cuts library.

Figure 23: The dialog Create One-Up for defined Shape with a generated preview for the One-Up

Add One-Up Number in the One-Up

With version 1.17.0, it is now possible for the first time to generate a One-Up Number for the One-Up, which then automatically numbers the individual N-Ups consecutively according to the specified sequence. The One-Up Number can be created retrospectively using a separate tool after the One-Up has been created.

To create this number, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Die Cuts Library > One-Up.
  2. Select the desired One-Up from the list and open the One-Up Editor.
  3. In the settings area, click on Add One-Up Number [82].
  4. The parameters for creating the panel number are then displayed in the settings area.

Figure 24: The One-Up Editor after the One-Up was created

  1. Use the Placement Tool [91] to click on the position in the One-Up Number where the One-Up Number should be placed.
  2. Then define the appearance in the settings area. The following parameters are available:
    • Position [93] - determine the exact position of the reference point for placing the One-Up Number.
    • Font Size [94] - One-Up Numbers are usually printed very small in the desired position. Enter the font size for the number.
    • Rotation [95] - rotate the One-Up Number based on the selected reference point by entering the angle.
    • Length [96] - determine the maximum length that the One-Up Number may be.
    • Horizontal Alignment [97] - use this to determine from where the One-Up Number should be aligned.
    • Font Family and Style [98] - select the desired font and font style for the One-Up Number.
    • Color of One-Up Number [99] - select the desired color for the One-Up Number. As these numbers are usually very small, the number should only be printed in black.
  3. Click on Save to save the One-Up Number.

Figure 25: The parameters of the Add One-Up Number dialog  

Create Layout Template to export

Until version 1.17.0, it was only possible to select the Spot Colors that should not be exported when creating the layout template. With version 1.17.0, you can now generate a name for the layout template based on metadata and this layout template is generated as a PDF/X-4 with the output intention of the CMYK Working Color Space of Workflow.

Proceed as follows to create and download a layout template:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library > One-Up.
  2. In the More menu [100] select the Create layout template to export [101] entry. The Create Layout Template for One-Up dialog opens.

Figure 26: The possibilities in the More menu of the One-Up tab in the Die Cut Library

  1. Add the desired placeholders for the dynamic generation of the File Name [104] for the layout template.
  2. In Spot Color of the Layout Template [105], select the Spot Colors that should be included in the layout template.
  3. With the option Merge all Spot Colors in Spot Color "WF Form" [103] determine whether all selected Spot Colors should be exported in their original color or whether all Spot Colors should be exported in only one Spot Color in the layout template.
  4. Click on Apply to create the layout template in the Workflow.
  5. The layout template is now available for download via the Download Layout Template [102] menu item.

Figure 27: The dialog Create Layout Template to export

2.3.2. Die Cut Library - N-Up

The new features in Administration > Die Cut Library > N-Up are:

Closing the N-Up Editor

As of version 1.17.0, a warning is displayed in the N-Up editor before the dialog is finally closed, prompting users to confirm the process.

Add Waste Number

As of version 1.17.0, users have a new tool in the N-Up editor for applying a consecutive number to the waste in the N-Up. This number - the Waste Number - is usually applied to all enclosed areas of the N-Up. The Waste Number can also be applied retrospectively in the N-Up as an additional step.

Proceed as follows to create Waste Numbers:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library > N-Up.
  2. Select the relevant N-Up from the list and open the N-Up Editor.
  3. In the settings area, click on Add Waste Number [107].
  4. The parameters for creating the Waste Number are then displayed in the settings area.

Figure 28: The N-Up Editor with the possibility Add Waste Number

  1. Use the Placement Tool [106] to click on the position in the N-Up where a Waste Number should be placed.
  2. Define the appearance in the settings area. The following parameters are available:
    • Position [108] - determine the exact position of the reference point for placing the Waste Number.
    • Font Size [109] - Waste Numbers are usually printed very small at the desired position. Enter the font size for the number.
    • Rotation [110] - rotate the Waste Number based on the selected reference point by entering the angle.
    • Length [111] - determine the maximum length that the Waste Number.
    • Horizontal alignment [112] - determine from where the Waste Number should be aligned.
    • Font family and style [113] - select the desired font and font style for the Waste Number.
    • Waste Number Color [114] - select the desired color for the Waste Number. As these numbers are usually very small, the number should only be printed in black.
  3. Click on Save to save the Waste Number in N-Up.

Figure 29: The Add Waste Number settings area of the N-Up Editor

Use Case Waste Number

The Waste Number helps operators to identify defective knives of the Die Cut as well as missing pressure for knives at certain points.

2.3.3. Dealing with One-Ups in the Print Item Editor

Extended functions are provided in the Print Item Editor of the Workflow.

Extract Technical Colors

The Extract Technical Colors function was implemented in version 1.16.2 "Extract Technical Colors" and makes it possible to extract all technical Spot Colors of the Print Item from the print file. Thereby, a better comparison between One-Up and technical lines of the Print Item in the Print Item Editor is enabled

As of version 1.17.0, this function can also extract vectors, even if they are a DeviceN construct or in a FormXObject.

Merge

Up to version 1.17.0, it was possible to click the Merge button even if no One-Up was selected. This behavior led to an error and has been fixed in this version.

As of version 1.17.0, the Merge button can only be clicked in the Print Item Editor if a One-Up has been selected for the Print Item.

2.3.4. Impose Editor – Die Cut

Small improvements have been made to the Die Cut Impose Mode. These are:

Mark Origin – N-Up

For the Die Cut Impose Mode and as of version 1.17.0, it is possible to select the Origin of marks Per Print Item, Print Items, Artboard, Sheet as well as on N-Up - the Final Size of the N-Up is thereby used as a reference.

Proceed as follows to place marks for the N-Up origin:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Open the Impose Mode Die Cut.
  3. Select the desired N-Up in the General tab.
  4. Place the required Print Items from the file manager on the Imposition.
  5. Add the desired mark in the Marks tab.
  6. Select the N-Up entry in the Origin selection menu.
  7. In the Position selection menu, set the marker to Final Size by selecting ImageBox and to Production Size by selecting ImageBox + Bleed.

Figure 30: The settings in the Markers tab of the Impose Editor for the Impose Mode Die Cut

Warning for Overlapping Gripper Margin

Up to this version when using a plate template, in which the gripper margin can also be defined, a warning was displayed. The warning stated that the Bleed of the Print Items extends into the gripper margin. From version 1.17.0 this is no longer the case, the Bleed is no longer used for the creation of the warning.

2.4. Check-in Template – New Checks

The following checks can be used in a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template from version 1.17.0:

2.4.1. Check Barcode content

This check validates the content of the Barcode against the value that is entered in the "Barcode Content" input field. If there is no Barcode/QR code in the Print Item, this check is skipped and no match is reported. The value from the referenced user-defined field for the Print Item can be read out via Variable Content [115].

Use this check after saving the expected content of a barcode in a user-defined field for a Print Item. The check allows you to check the content after each data preparation process.

Figure 31: The check Check Barcode content in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template

2.4.2. Compare the content of a user-defined field

Use this check to check whether the content of a user-defined field of the Print Item matches the comparison value in the Check and thus reports a hit. The check can also be used to check whether a Spot Color name is missing in the PDF file.

Use this check to assign a specific severity level to the Print Item after check-in if a specific value in a selected Custom Field does not match the value you are looking for.

Examples would be:

  • A product printed on Alu Dibond panels should have a technical Spot Color called "Route", as "Route" should be used to mill out the Print Item. For the product to be fully defined, the term "Route" should be in the User-defined Field [116], in the Comparative Value field [117] and in Find Missing Spot Color [118].
  • A product that is printed on a transparent film or on a metallic substrate should already contain the Spot Color definition "White" in the Print Item, as white must be stored in the print in order to prevent the metallic effect in the colors. The values that should be entered in the test can be derived from the figure below.

Figure 32: The check Compare the content of a user-defined field

Explanation of GREP in the above Figure

The string (?i)clear.*|metall.* stands for: Search for the presence of Spot Color names that begin with clear or metal and have any characters after them, regardless of the chosen spelling.

2.4.3. Convert Spot Colors with CMYK Alternative Colors to CMYK

The new option Exclude Technical Spot Colors has been added for the Check Convert Spot Colors with CMYK Alternative Colors to CMYK. This ensures that all Technical Colors that are normally created with alternative color values in CMYK are excluded from this Fixup.

Figure 33: The Check Convert Spot Colors with CMYK Alternative Colors to CMYK with the new option Exclude Technical Spot Colors

2.5. "Aleph LAFORTE" Printer Driver

From version 1.17.0, the Aleph LaForte printer can be controlled directly. The logic of the output template of Durst printers has been adapted to ensure transmission via the IP data stream.

Proceed as follows to create the printer in the system:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Printer.
  2. Click on + New > Durst Printer.
  3. In the Add Printer dialog, specify the Type [119]  "Aleph - LaForte".
  4. Enter the IP address [119] of the printer.
  5. Click on Save to add the printer to the list of printers.

Figure 34: The Add Printer dialog with selected printing system Aleph - LaForte

2.6. "Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions" Cutter Device Integration

With 1.17.0, the integration of the Cutter Device Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions with the necessary configuration parameters has been implemented. Before using Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solution in the Workflow for Production Jobs, the Cutter Device must be created in the Workflow.

2.6.1. Add Sharpcut Series Cutter Device

Add the Cutter Device by following these steps.

Step 1: Create Share for Colex Sharpcut Series in Workflow

The target directory of the "Cutter Device" must first be made available for the Workflow. To do this, the Host and the Share must be created in Administration > File Management. For details on this topic read Manage Shares and Folders.

Step 2: Add Cutter Device to the Workflow
  1. Change to the menu Administration > Cutter Devices.
  2. By clicking on + New open the Add Cutter dialog.

Figure 35: The dialog Add Cutter Device with selected device type Sharpcut Series

  1. Select the following parameters in the opened dialog:
    • Device type - select Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions.
    • Name - enter a unique name for the Cutter. If you have two devices of the same type, you should create the device twice with different names. Thus, to have unique names and destination directories in the Workflow.
    • Serial Number - optionally enter the serial number of the device, which makes sense in case two Cutters of the same manufacturer are used.
    • Host - select the host defined in step
    • Destination directory - select the destination directory defined in step 1
  2. Finally, create Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions  by clicking Save.
Step 3: Check the configurations of Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions

After creating the Cutter Device, the standard configuration Colex Sharpcut Pro is made available to you in the Parameter Sets area. This configuration can be used by default.

The following settings are available for the Sharpcut-specific configurations in the Parameters settings area, additionally to the default settings:

  • Compensation Method – "2" (Fit to Job) is used by default. Further possibilites: 0 = Best fit, 1 = Best fit (Read all marks), 3 = Fit to Job (Read all marks), 4 = Best fit (SmartComp) and 5 = Fit to Job (SmartComp). For more information please contact your Sharpcut sales partner.
  • Flute Direction (Cardboard) – "0" (Vertical) is used by default. Further possibilities: 1 = Horizontal. For more information please contact your Sharpcut sales partner.
  • Marks Recognition – "0" (Circle) is used by default. Further possibilities: 1 = Corners, 2 = Crop marks (Angle), 3 = Symmetrical objects, 4 = Crop marks (Lines), 6 = Edge and 42 = Custom. For more information please contact your Sharpcut sales partner.

Further settings for the configurations can be made and saved in the Impose Editor. If necessary, it is also possible to create and use user-defined configurations. For more information, check out the User Manual entries Using Cutter Devices in a Production Job and Cutter Device configuration.

Figure 36: The menu item Administration > Cutter Devices with a valid configuration of the Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions

Step 4: Assign Technical Colors to Cutter Devices

Before Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions can be used for cutting, the system-wide technical colors of the Workflow must be assigned to the cutting tools. Proceed as follows:

  1. Select the previously created Sharpcut Series in the list of the Devices settings area.
  2. In the Pen Types settings area - located below the Devices, Parameter Sets and Parameters settings areas - a list of all available Pen Types is provided - the provided knives of the Cutter Device are listed.

Figure 37: The settings area Pen Types with the Pen Types for Colex Sharpcut Pro

  1. Select the Pen Type that should be used e.g. Crease.
  2. Click on Edit in the footer of the settings area which opens the Edit Pen Type dialog.

Figure 38: The Edit Pen Type dialog, in which system-wide Technical Colors can be bound to the "Crease" pen type

  1. In the dialog, select those Technical Colors from the Available Technical Colors [121] drop-down menu that should be bound to the selected pen type. If several Technical Colors should be bound to a pen type, repeat the step you have just performed. Technical Colors that have already been bound are greyed out in the list. The pen types that have already been bound are listed in the Mapped Colors [122] area.
  2. In Advanced Settings [123], define further settings for the respective pen type.
    • Layer Name [124] - in this input field, define the name for the Spot Color in the OXF cutting file as a Layer Name so that the appropriate tool is automatically selected in the pen type's software.
    • Tool Name [125] - in this input field, define the Tool Name of the Spot Color in the OXF cutting file so that the appropriate tool is automatically selected in the Cutter Device's software.
    • Tool Color [126] - define the RGB color values for the tool in these input fields so that the correct tool or Tool Color is automatically selected in the Cutter Device's software.
  3. Once you have bound all the Technical Colors that should be used to a tool, click Save to save the setting for use with Colex Sharpcut Pro.

2.6.2. Use Sharpcut Series | COLEX Finishing Solutions for Production Jobs

For more on using Cutters in Production Jobs, check out the Release Notes for 1.7.6.

2.6.3. Available Parameters

In case the settings of the standard configuration don't come up to your expectations, you can create and save user-defined configurations in the Impose Editor. How to do this is described in the section Change and save configurations for Cutter Devices.

Figure 39: The settings area Registration Marks and Barcodes of the Impose Editor for Sharpcut Series

2.6.4. Import and use Materials of the Cutter Device

The materials of the Cutter Device Sharpcut Series can be imported into the Workflow. As soon as the Cutter Device is used for a Production Job, the Substrate for the Cutter Device can also be selected. The information is then written into the cut file.

Read more about how to import the Substrates of the Cutter Device in this section of Release Notes 1.13.1 - you can apply this process to the Cutter Device Sharpcut Series in exactly the same way.

2.7. Data Preparation

In the course of developing version 1.17.0, new Fixups were added and existing Fixups were expanded in terms of functionality and improved in terms of usability.

2.7.1. New Fixups

In version 1.17.0 new Fixups have been implemented, which were requested by many customers in the label and large format environment.

Create Outline to Vector Objects

The Fixup Create Outline to Vector Objects can be used to create an Outline for the desired colored vectors in the entered Line Width and Stroke Alignment with the same color values. Use this Fixup to visually enlarge text that has been converted into Outline, for example.

Figure 40: The dialog of the new Fixup Create Outline to Vector Objects

A detailed description and a sample file can be found in the article Create Contour to Vector Objects.

Scale Page Content - Width and Height

This Fixups scales the page content of the TrimBox to a specific size by entering the target size for the Width [127] and Height [128]. The existing Bleed is adjusted according to the scaling.

Apart from the settings for width and height, the Fixups is structured in the same way as the Fixup Scale Page Content.

Figure 41: The dialog of the new Fixup Scale Page Content - Width and Height

Tiling

Create vertical or horizontal tiles by entering the desired size or number of tiles as well as the printed and total overlap. Optionally, a Dieline for the cutter and a printed line for labelling the visible format can also be created. The user guidance has been divided into three tabs, making it easier to use.

Figure 42: The tab Basic Settings in the dialog of the new Fixup Tiling

You can use the following options to create a simple tiling:

  • Tiling Method [129] - choose between By size and By number.
  • Mounting Direction [130] - choose between Horizontal and Vertical.
  • Tile Size | number of tiles [135] - enter the desired size of the tiles or enter the number of tiles.
  • Printed Overlap [131] - enter the Bleed that should printed for the Tile at the selected horizontal or vertical mounting direction.
  • Overlap (printed + white) [136] - enter the size of the overlap. Please note that this value should always be greater than or equal to the value in the Printed Overlap option.
  • Create Bleed [130] - create an additional Bleed around the Print Item. Please note that you can choose from the following options in the Method selection menu:
    • Repeat last pixel as image - creates a Bleed by repeating the last pixel
    • Mirror page objects - mirrors the entire Print Item at the respective corners as shape XObjects
    • Pattern Extension - creates a Bleed by repeating the pattern. Use this option to create a Bleed for wallpaper production based on a repeating pattern
  • Layer Name [133] - specify the name of the Layer on which the Bleed will be created. Note that if you do not want to create a layer for the Bleed, simply delete the entry in this input field.
  • Remove overlapping images [134] - remove overlapping image information to reduce the file size for the individual tiles.
  • Remove overlapping vector paths [137] - remove overlapping vector paths to reduce the complexity in terms of thousands of paths for the individual tiles.

Remove overlapping objects

Please note that both options do not work in every case. In a few cases, information may be lost on the following pages. In any case, take a good look at the following pages of the generated multi-page PDF.

A significant improvement of this misbehavior will be implemented in the next versions of Workflow. This can be achieved with the new version of callas pdfToolbox, which will be available with version 1.17.1.

Tiles also have to be cut. For this reason, this Fixup offers the option of creating a Dieline for the production format - visible area + overlap (printed + unprinted).

To create a Dieline, simply activate the option Add Dieline for production format [138] and determine the corresponding contour settings below according to your intention.

Figure 43: The Add Dieline tab of the new Fixup Tiling

In cases where tiles are not cut with a Cutter Device, it is possible to apply Dielines as printing lines to the tile according to the project. To do this, select whether the line should be applied to the visible format or the production format in the Create Line for [139] option. Then select the edge on which the line should be created in Origin [140] and use the remaining options to determine how thick and in which color this line should be printed.

Figure 44: The Add Printed Line dialog of the new Fixup Tiling

Further options

If you are still missing further options in this Fixups, you can find them in the classic "Tiling" mode of the Impose Editor.

2.7.2. Improvements in existing Fixups

Functions have been added or user guidance improved for some existing Fixups.

Add a Dieline for Irregular Shapes

With the Fixup Add a Dieline for Irregular Shape, it is possible to create a Dieline for this shape with corresponding accuracy and to add an additional Dieline at a defined spacing by tracing the shape. Fixups have been restructured in terms of user guidance and equipped with an additional function. The following new features are available from version 1.17.0:

  • The additional option Extract Colors from DeviceN [141] is available in the Advanced tab (Figure 45). This allows you to include the Spot Color channel within a DeviceN construct if you want to create a Dieline based on a selected Spot Color.
  • The user interface has been completely revised. The individual options have been grouped thematically into three tabs - Basic Settings, Advanced and Additional Dieline.

Figure 45: The Basic Settings dialog of the Fixup Add a Dieline for Irregular Shapes

Figure 46: The Advanced dialog of the Fixup Add a Dieline for Irregular Shapes

Figure 47: The Additional Dieline tab for the Fixup Add Dieline for Irregular Shape

Add Caption

The Add Caption Fixup can be used to add captions for individual Print Items at the desired position, with both static and dynamically generated content. In addition, the generated caption can be created with an additional Dieline as a stand-alone object or as a tab with the existing Dieline.

With version 1.17.0, the Fixups have been extended to include the option of truncating the dynamically placed text and the option of using a substring from the placed dynamic text for the caption. The following new option has been added:

  • The option Truncate Replaced Text [142] is available in the Basic Settings tab with three options:
    • Do not truncate - the dynamically generated text of the caption is fully used.
    • Truncate text - the dynamically generated text is truncated from the defined position - specified in Options [143]. Examples would be
      • start=5 - the first five characters of the text are used
      • end=5 - the last five characters of the text are used
    • Substring of Text - only a certain area of the dynamically generated text is used. Examples would be
      • start=5,2 - this uses the two characters from the fifth character of the text from the beginning
      • end=4,3 - this uses the three characters from the fourth character of the text as seen from the end

Syntax help

If you want to know with which syntax you would get which result, take a look at the Replace Text Fixup as this function is also available there.

Figure 48: The Basic Settings tab of the Fixup Add Caption with the additional option Truncate Replaced Text

Figure 49: The Advanced tab of the Fixup Add Caption

3. Improvements

Version 1.17.0 of the Workflow offers some improvements - these are:

3.1. Re-Profile Chart for "X-Rite"

A new Print Chart has been added in Color > Color Setup in this version.

These Print Charts more specifically concern CMYK-OGR Print Charts for printing systems that support this color configuration (e.g. Durst-Alpha). As of version 1.17.0, users can perform Color Setups for the Re-Profile step with X-Rite i1Pro 1 and i1Pro2 measuring devices, which was not possible up to this version.

Figure 50: The Re-Profile Chart for the color configuration CMYK-OGR

3.2. Tiling – Mounting Instruction

Up to this version, only the visible format and the production format were displayed in the Mounting Instruction for a tiling. From version 1.17.0, the sheet size [155] is also displayed as a green line.

Figure 51: A page of a Tiling Mounting Instruction with displaced sheet size

3.3. One-Up - Glueing Code

From this version onwards, users are able to determine the Base Color for a Glueing Code from system-wide Spot Colors. When creating the code, the width of the code can also be adjusted as a percentage after it has been created.

Read more about Glueing Codes for One-Up in the Print Item Editor in the article One-Up - Glueing Code.

Proceed as follows to create the Glueing Code in a system-wide Spot Color and user-defined width:

  1. Navigate to the Print Item Editor of an Article or Print Item.
  2. Open the One-Up tab.
  3. Open the Glueing Code settings area [145].
  4. Select the desired Base Color [146].
  5. Determine the Code Width [147] of the Glueing Code in %.
  6. Click on Generate Code [148].
  7. When required, change the settings and apply them by clicking the Generate Code button again.

Figure 52: The settings area Glueing Code in the One-Up tab of the Print Item Editor

3.4. Grid Charts Unification

Over time, more and more Grid Chart options have been offered in the Workflow. As a result, the procedure for creating Grid Charts has changed and the live display of the print layout has also changed.

With version 1.17.0, the first steps have been taken to standardize the creation and visualization of the displayed information. The following initial changes are offered in this version for the individual Grid Charts.

Grid Charts for Tonal Values or Overprint Spot Colors

Until version 1.17.0, the preview for a Grid Chart was displayed in a rectangle during its creation and only included the color fields of the Grid Chart. The actual layout of the printed Grid Chart was not included. Therefore, there was no real live preview available until now.

As of version 1.17.0, a correct preview [149] or a preview that is true to the output is displayed in the Add Grid Chart dialog. This preview is based on the defined Sheet size in the Layout step. This implementation is initially only offered in version 1.17.0 for the Tonal Value Grid Chart and Overprint Grid Chart. In future versions, all other Grid Charts as well as newly added Grid Chart types will also be based on this logic.

Find more information about Grid Charts and how to create them in the Grid Charts article.

Figure 53: The correct display of a Preview in the Layout step of the Add Grid Chart dialog

Axis Labeling

The axis labeling has been adapted in this version for the output of the Grid Chart in Color > Color Books & Grid Charts > Grid Char. The X-axis is numbered with letters while the Y-axis is numbered with digits. This makes it easier to assign a color field. This logic will also be applied to all other Grid Chart types in future versions.

Find more information about Grid Charts and their creation in this chapter.

Figure 54: Part of a downloaded Grid Chart with numbered Y-axis and lettered X-axis

3.5. PDF Cutter – Mirror and Rotate Cut Data

Up to this version, the cut data of the PDF Cutter was not mirrored or rotated in the Workflow. From version 1.17.0, it is possible to set the Mirror CutData Horizontally [150], Mirror CutData Vertically [151] and Rotate CutData [152] parameters as well for the PDF Cutter. Read how to change the parameters for a Cutter Device in this article.

Figure 55: The Parameter tab in the Administration > Cutter Devices menu of the PDF Cutter with the available Parameters from this version onwards

3.6. Fotoba Improvements

In this version, a tooltip [153] has been added for the Fotoba Cutter Device in the Impose Editor. This was done in order to better define the distance from the edge of the track for the sensor mark of the Cutter Device. The distance must be between 3 mm and 110 mm.

Figure 56: The new hint in the settings area Sensor Mark of the Fotoba Cutter Device in the Impose Editor

Vertical Lines for Fotoba

The vertical lines are used for Fotoba for both the Cutter Device sensor and the cutter knifes.

3.7. Routines for cleaning up "unattached" Print Items

The routines Move Print Items without References to trash und Cleanup Print Items without References have been added to the Administration > Routines menu item. By activating these routines, Print Items that have no context in the Workflow and are therefore neither linked to Articles nor to an Order or Production Job are deleted after a certain time.

Figure 57: The both new routines in Administration > Routines

3.8. Small Improvements

The following small improvements were furthermore implemented in this version:

Administration > Inks: For the ink families, the delivered ink families and inks have been updated Administration > Inks > Setup.

New user interface: A button to new user interface is available for beta customers in the Workflow toolbar, allowing you to switch to the new user interface and to take a first look.

Figure 58: The toolbar of the Workflow with the button Switch to new User Interface

Become a beta tester

If you would like to become a beta tester, please send your request to [email protected]. If you are already connected to the new online license server, we can activate your license for new functions currently in the beta phase.

Please note, however, that beta functions will no longer be available at a later date, as the new feature may not be included in your license!

VDP-Editor – .eps file format support: For Print Items in this format, a message was shown in the VDP Editor that it is possible to render the files. This is not possible due to the PDF chip requirements. This behavior has been fixed.

Display of print direction: Up to this version, the print direction of an Imposition was displayed in the Impose Editor with arrows to the left and right of the Imposition. From this version onwards, the print direction is displayed directly next to its movement direction.

Figure 59: Display of the print direction in the Impose Editor

Impose Template: As of this version, a warning is displayed when an internal name for an Impose template is already in use. This can occur, for example, when an Impose template is renamed after it has been created.

Multi-page Shape Nesting: As of this version, it is possible for the first time to create and optimize multi-page Shape Nesting.

4. Fixed Bugs

The following errors (bugs) have been fixed with this release.

4.1. Workflow

Printer – Display of mapped directories: When creating a new Printer in the Workflow, it could happen that Shares were not displayed. This error has been fixed.

Alpha Printer – Rendering: Up to this version, Production Jobs for the Durst Alpha printing system were not rendered correctly when the option Create Render Files Locally was activated in Settings > General > RIP Settings. This error has been fixed.

Color Setup – Print Print Charts for Transition: For Color Setups it could happen that measurement templates for the Transition could not be printed a second time. This error has been fixed.

Mapped Substrates - DeviceN Colors: When Substrates were assigned to an existing Substrate or Substrate Definition, it was not possible to use a DeviceN Color Policy for Production Jobs until this version. This error has been fixed.

Fixup – Add Dieline for Irregular Shape: For the Fixup Add Dieline for irregular Shape sometimes the additional Dieline was not created. This error has been fixed.

Color Setup for CMYK-OV/CMYK-O: Up to this version, it could happen that Color Setups for the color configurations CMYK-OV and CMYK-O could not be used for Production Jobs. This error has been fixed.

Check-in Template – deleted Checks: When checks were removed or deleted from a Check-in template, it could happen that the checks were still executed even though the template was saved successfully. This error has been fixed.

Fixups – Umlaut: With some Fixups it could happen that the umlauts in the text were not displayed correctly. This behavior has been fixed.

Print Item Editor – centered Positioning: If the reference point or positioning of the Print Item Editor was set to centered after adjusting the TrimBox, the changes were not applied. This error has been fixed.

4.2. Impose Editor

Display of Collections: With a large number of collections, it happened in the File Manager of the Impose Editor that the Collections could no longer be displayed. This error has been fixed.

Guillotine Cut – Overlap: If the Guillotine Cut optimized function was activated in the Nesting Options, Print Items sometimes overlapped. This error has been fixed.

Reference Point for Tiling Impositions: When creating a Tiling with centered alignment on the Imposition, it could happen that the reference point was not maintained. This error has been fixed.

4.3. VDP Editor

Export and Import VDP Settings: In the VDP settings, it was possible that image objects were not exported or imported correctly. This error has been fixed.  

LAB Fallback: Up to this version, it could happen that the LAB fallback Spot Color could be selected for the Spot Color of a VDP Object. This error has been fixed.

5. Hot Fixes

The name for the February 29, 2024 release was "DW Build 1.17.0(952)". The following hotfixes were fixed in the following subversions:

Previous Article Release – 1.17.1 (Minor Version)
Next Article Release - 1.16.2 (Minor Version)
Still Need Help? Contact Us