User Manual

Release – 1.17.2 (Minor Version)

Updated on

Release date: 05/31/2024

Find out in this article which

  • new features are available,
  • improvements were implemented for users and which
  • bug fixes have been implemented in version 1.17.2 of the Workflow.

This 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 1.17.2, users can take advantage of a number of new features in the environment of Impositions and the automated processing of print data. In addition, improvements have been made to Data Preparation, color management and print data management, as well as further translations have been carried out.

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

The following SDK versions are used in DW 1.17.2:

  • Callas Software pdfToolbox 15.0.633
  • Callas Software pdfChip 2.5.084
  • Color Logic CrossXColor 1.21.2-48797
  • Global Graphics HHR 14.0.0

Installation of an update for versions higher than 1.17.0

Workflow versions 1.17.1, 1.17.2 and 1.18.0 and all future versions can only be installed if Workflow version 1.17.0.(956)  - or higher - has been installed beforehand. This means that an update from an earlier version, e.g. 1.16.x, 1.15.x and 1.14.x, cannot be carried out! The reason for this were internal improvements in the migration logic, which were introduced in version 1.17.0.(956). Before this and future updates, make sure that version 1.17.0.(956) - or higher - has already been installed.

An update from a Workflow version lower than 1.14.0 to version 1.17.2 and higher must therefore first be made to version 1.14.0 and only then to 1.17.0.(956)!

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 1.10.0

Please note that with the release of version 1.17.2 an upgrade of versions older than 1.10.0 is no longer possible!

1.1. New Features

The following new features are available in version 1.17.2 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 1.17.2, the handling of SC sizes has been improved in the VDP Editor:

  • SC sizes – for EAN 13, ISBN, ISSN, and UPC, the checkboxes for adjusting the SC size and height have been removed. Instead, information about the required sizes according to the ISO regulations will be added with immediate effect.

Impose Editor: In the Impose Editor, existing functions for Tiling and Step & Repeat have been extended and improved with version 1.17.2.

  • Step & Repeat – Minimum Over- and Underproduction – In Step & Repeat mode, the functionality of the minimum overproduction and underproduction has been optimized. These functions were implemented in the previous version, and have been adjusted in terms of calculation in this version.
  • Tiling – Expose View – In Tiling mode, a new view has been integrated which allows users to display the individual tiles in the overall view of the Tiling.
  • Send to Printer – As of this version, the Print function is available in the new user interface of the Impose Editor. This function allows to send a Production Job directly from the Impose Editor to the printer.

Management and Use of Automation Jobs:In version 1.17.2, in conjunction with the new Workflow user interface, beta customers can use Automation Jobs for the first time. These Jobs also make use of so-called Automators which will be described in detail below. With these functions, users can define and schedule automated production processes completely according to their requirements. In these release notes, you will find a case study that illustrates the creation and use of such a job with the help of Automators.

Create and manage Approvals in an Approval Project: Since version 1.11.1, an Approval Dashboard that communicates with the local Workflow is available in Workflow as a cloud service. In this portal, accepting or rejecting reports and providing them with a corresponding comment is possible. With version 1.17.2, the new user interface allows users to create and manage approval projects for the first time and to define the required default values for reports via a system setting.

  • Create Approval Project – As of this version, it is possible to create Approval Projects. These projects are a collection of Approval Reports and various activities can be mapped in one project.
  • Dashboard Approval Projects – Approval projects are managed centrally in the dashboard and displayed clearly.

New Grid Chart types: With version 1.17.2 of the Workflow, two new Grid Chart types have been implemented in the Workflow. These types reflect user perception and include the following options for the creation of Grid Charts:

  • Chromatic – with this Grid Chart type it is possible to use a slider and thereby gradually adjust the brightness and saturation of the initial color.
  • Color Cast – with this type, users can adjust the blue-yellow and green-red axes with a slider to create graduated color areas in the Grid Chart.

Spot Color Report: As of this version, it is possible to generate a Spot Color report for all Spot Colors of a Print Item in the Workflow as well as to determine the threshold value for a ∆E value. Thereby the user can identify color values that are outside the gamut.

"Durst ARC" mark: The Durst ARC brand has been added to the Workflow in version 1.17.2 and can also be placed and saved for Impose Sheet templates.

Measuring device "Barbieri Spectro Swing QB": During the development of this version, another measuring device from Barbieri was integrated into the Workflow. This measuring device can be used for Color Setups and Spot Color measurement as well as for reprofiling or verification against standards.

Enhancement for Check-in Templates: In this version, new Checks and Fixups have been added to the Check-in process, and improvements to existing checks have been made.

  • Convert Registration Color to Rich Black: A Fixup to convert the Registration Color to Rich Black already during the normalization step was provided.
  • Determine Path Length: A Fixup to determine the effective path length for selected Technical Colors to allow the prediction of cutting time was provided.
  • Number of Path Points: A Fixup to determine the number of path points for selected Spot Colors to assess whether there are too many path points on a cutting path was provided.
  • Spot Color has no Lab color values: Spot Colors that are present as Technical Colors in the Print Item are excluded by this check.

Data Preparation: In the course of the development of version 1.17.2, existing Fixups were extended in their range of functions and the user guidance was improved.

1.2. Improvements

The following improvements to existing functions have been made in version 1.17.2 of the Workflow:

Improvements in the management of Die Cuts: Since version 1.17.0, Workflow users have been able to manage One-Ups and N-Ups, use the One-Up for data preparation, and impose a Die Cut (N-Up) with the appropriate Print Items. With version 1.17.2, further improvements have been made in this regard.

Enhancement of the Gamut View: From this version onwards, users can access a revised version of the Gamut Viewy in the Color Setup area. Furthermore, the Gamut View for the Spot Colors of a Print Item is accessible for Beta-customers using the new user interface. 

Inks: In this version, the list of Ink Families and Inks in Administration > Inks > All Inks has been updated and expanded.

Measurement condition of a Color Policy: The measurement condition for the Substrate profile is now displayed in Color Setup. This information is also displayed in the Grid Charts created with this Color Setup and when editing the Spot Color Definition.

Small improvements: Further small improvements have been implemented.

1.3. Fixed Bugs

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

Montage-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, find out which new features have been implemented in the Impose Editor, VDP Editor, and Workflow. In some cases, existing functions have been extended.

2.1. VDP Editor

A browser-based VDP Editor for creating and outputting variable data has been available since Workflow version 1.12.0. In version 1.17.2, one more improvement was implemented concerning SC sizes.

2.1.1. SC Sizes

When creating a barcode of either type EAN 13, ISBN, ISSN or UPC, the checkboxes for SC size and SC height have been removed. Instead, a link has been added to provide users with further information [1] about creating barcodes in conjunction with defined SC sizes.

Figure 1: The Format tab of the VDP Editor with the infobox regarding the code type EAN 13

2.2. Impose Editor

Existing functions in the Impose Editor have been expanded and improved with version 1.17.2. These include new features and improvements in Step & Repeat and Tiling.

2.2.1. Step & Repeat: Minimum Over and Underproduction

In Step & Repeat mode, the two new strategies Minimum Overproduction and Minimum Underproduction were provided.

In this version, the calculation of these strategies for Impositions in Step & Repeat mode has been optimized. For this purpose, several iteration steps are used for the calculation of the minimum repeat height. Subsequently, the minimum overproduction and underproduction for the Imposition is derived.

2.2.2. Tiling: Expose View

In the Impose Mode Tiling, the additional Expose view has been implemented in version 1.17.1. With this view, the individual tiles are displayed separately in the overall view. The Expose view allows users to inspect changes in the Bleed, the Overlaps, the Printed Overlaps, and the Edge Reinforcements on the entire Tiling. This was not possible until this version.

Proceed as follows to activate the Expose view:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Create a new Imposition in Tiling Impose mode.
  3. Add the desired Print Items from the File Manager to the Imposition.
  4. In the Artboard Settings tab, define the desired Overlap parameters.
  5. In the action bar of the Impose Editor, click on the Expose icon [2].
  6. The tiles are now displayed with all overlaps or reinforcements.

Figure 2: The Impose Editor with activated Expose view in the Tiling mode

2.2.3. Send to Printer

In case that you are a beta customer and already working with the new user interface, try out the new Print [5] function in the Impose Editor. The function allows you to send the Production Job to the Printer directly after saving an Imposition. Furthermore, the menu structure has been adapted to provide more space for other functions. The menu structure is now organized as follows:

  • Impose [3] – select the commands New, Open, or Save as.
  • Save [4] –  secure a revised Imposition.
  • Print [5] – transfer the current Imposition to a printer.
  • Close [6] – close a version that has already been saved. When the Imposition has not been saved yet, a dialog with a corresponding warning is displayed.

Figure 3: The Impose Editor with the new user interface in the menu bar

2.2.4. Marks

With version 1.17.2, a new mark has been added and marks have been improved. The following small innovations are available:

Durst ARC Mark

For the TAU printing system a new mark - Durst ARC - has been added for inspection units. This mark is required when the corresponding inspection system is available in the printer. With the mark, it is possible to set the inspection unit onto the position of the Substrate.

Orientation Marks for Cutter Devices

Note that as of this version, the orientation marks used for Cutter Devices such as ZUND, Kongsberg, etc. can no longer be included in the Auto Margin calculation. As a result, it is easier to set the distance of the mark from the edge.

Omet Mark

Only minor user guidance improvements were implemented for the Omet mark.

2.3. Create and Manage Automation Jobs

In the new user interface of version 1.17.2, beta customers are provided with the new option of creating Automation Jobs and defining and scheduling them completely according to their ideas. This can be done by using Production Automators, Production Configurations, and Production Schedulers. These Release Notes provide an overview of the functionalities that can be used to create and execute Automation Jobs.

The newly created functions include the following menu items in the Automation menu:

  • Production Automators [7]: Automators are at the heart of this automation process. Automators must be activated so that Automation Jobs can be processed in the Workflow. In this menu item, it is possible to start and pause Automators as well as to monitor the current workload of the individual "machines". The list of Production Automators will be continuously expanded in future versions.
  • Automation Jobs [8]: This menu item provides an overview of all current and already processed Automation Jobs. Users are also shown which steps the Automation Jobs have already passed and at which sub-step problems may have occurred.
  • Production Scheduler [9]: In this menu, the user can create time-based routines with which it is possible to fully automate production. The Production Routine determines which files are automatically executed in the Workflow. The necessary conditions, assigned Production Configuration, and intervals for the production are also taken into account.
  • Production Configuration [10]: In this menu item, it is possible to define the sequence of steps (operations) with which a Print Item should be processed for production. The configuration tab can therefore be used to determine the process itself and the individual routines for setting the point at which Print Items should be processed.
  • Overview Imposition Jobs [11]: This menu area lists all Impositions that are currently processed and gives you an overview which Impositions cannot yet be completed or are currently being processed.

Figure 4: The menu bar of the new user interface with the Automation menu selected for Automation Jobs

Availability of Automators

Please note that working with Automators is only possible in the new user interface and is only available for licenses with beta authorization.

If you want to test the first developments or give us feedback, please contact [email protected]. The beta authorization can be added at any time if you have a valid maintenance contract and are ready to update to the current version.

The following steps must be carried out:

  1. Setting up the Production Configurations.
  2. Setting up the Production Scheduler.
  3. Starting the Production Automators.
  4. Creating Production Jobs via a menu command or by starting an automation routine.
  5. Monitoring the Automation Jobs to ensure that all Automation Jobs have actually been fully processed.

The functionality is explained in more detail below using a poster production case study. Please note that some basic functions will be added in this area in the course of the next versions and the user guidance will also change.

2.3.1. Create Production Configuration

In Production Configuration [10] (Figure 4), select and compile the individual processes that need to be completed for the production of the desired product.

Proceed as follows to create a Production Configuration:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Production Configuration.
  2. Click on + Add [12].

Figure 5: The action bar of the menu Automation > Production Configuration

  1. The Add Production Configuration dialog opens with the General [13] tab.
  2. Enter the Name [14] for the Production Configuration.
  3. Optionally add a Comment [15].

Figure 6: The General tab of the dialog Add Production Configuration

  1. Select the Operations tab [16]  to configure the processing steps for the product that should be created.
  2. Use the + Add Operation [20] button to add operations that the Print Item should pass for the creation of the product. If processes are added in an inappropriate order, they are highlighted in red.
  3. The following processes have been added as an illustrative example:
    • Status Check [17]: With this process, files should only be passed on to the next process if the selected status is given for the Print Item. In our example, the status was set to "Normalized" (not visible in the figure). If the Print Item has a different status, e.g. "Preflight", then the automated processing for this Automation Jobs is stopped.
    • Data Preparation [18]: Select a Fixup Chain for production in the configuration area [19]. The individual Fixups in the Fixup Chain are also displayed.
    • Update Print Item details: The Print Item details can be updated here. For example, the status can be set to "Ready to print", the value of a user-defined field can be set and/or the name of the Print Item can be set.
    • Status Check:  By checking the status again, errors can be detected after a Print Item has been updated, thus preventing further automated processing.
    • Create Production Job and Impose: A Production Job is created and an Imposition is generated based on the selected Imposition parameters. This creates a finished Production Job, which then only needs to be rendered. A preliminary check can still be carried out visually before the rendering process is started. However, if an automated render is started, the render operation can be added at the end.
  4. Click on Save to save the Production Configuration.

Figure 7: The dialog Add Production Configuration with the Operations tab and the operation Data Preparation

  1. The Production Configuration that has just been created is displayed in the list of Production Configurations. This configuration is not currently used in any Production Scheduler [21].
  2. The next step is to create a Production Routine for this configuration. However, you can already use this production configuration by creating Automation Jobs for selected Print Items with this production configuration. Find out more about that in the next sections.

Figure 8: The list of Production Configurations of the menu Automatisation > Production Configuration

2.3.2. Start Production Automators

Before it is possible to create Automation Jobs for a Print Item, you have to start the Production Automators, i.e. the processing machines in the Workflow.

Proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Production Automators.
  2. Make sure that all Production Automators are activated, this is indicated by a tick symbol [22].
  3. Make sure that the Max. parallel executions [23] of your workload corresponds to the files that should be processed (see info box in the next paragraph). The default value is currently set to five parallel executions.
  4. If necessary, click on the Edit icon of the respective Automaton [25] to change these settings.

Figure 9: The list of Production Automators in the menu Automation > Production Automators

  1. The Edit Automaton dialog opens, in which you can set the desired changes.

Figure 10: The Edit Automaton dialog with the available options

  1. Change the settings according to your needs. You can use the following settings:
    • Max. parallel Executions [26] – Determines how many parallel Automation Jobs can be processed in this Automator at the same time. This value must be set depending on the available resources of your system.
    • Automator is active [27] – use this to activate or deactivate the respective Automator.
    • Manual Activation [28] – after restarting the Workflow, the Automator must be restarted manually. This option is for your own safety so that all pending Automation Jobs are not automatically processed again after the Workflow is restarted. This allows you to restart a system in a controlled manner.
    • Automatic Activation [29] – after a restart, this Automator is automatically reactivated.
    • Intervall in Seconds [30] – use this to determine the Spacing at which the Automator should continue its task.
  2. Save the changes by clicking Save.
  3. In the next step proceed to create a Production Scheduler.

Number of parallel Executions

Set all Automators - with the exception of Render, Data_Preparation, which should remain set to the default value - to 500 Max. parallel executions!

2.3.3. Add Production Scheduler

With the Production Scheduler the user can determine at which point in time and to which files a Production Configuration should be applied. This is done by time slicing and by specifying filters for various criteria.

Proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Production Scheduler.
  2. Click + Add [31] to add a new Production Scheduler.

Figure 11: The action bar of the menu Automation > Production Scheduler

  1. In the open Add Production Scheduler dialog, specify the following information in the General tab [32]:
    • Name [33] - Enter the name for your routine.
    • Description [34] - Alternatively, add a description.
    • Product Definition [32] - Select the Production Configuration that you have already created.

Figure 12: The dialog Add Production Scheduler with the General tab

  • Cron Expression [35] – determine when the Production Scheduler should be carried out. By clicking on an entry it is possible to exactly determine the point in time. The following possibilities are available:
    • Minutes – select the minutes of a whole hour in which the routine should be carried out.
    • Hours – select the hours of an entire day in which the routine should be carried out.
    • Days – select the days of an entire month on which the routine should be carried out.
    • Months – select the months of an entire year in which the routine should be carried out.
    • Weekdays – select the weekdays of an entire week on which the routine should be carried out.

Figure 13: The dialogs for setting the Cron Expression

  1. Switch to the Apply to tab [37] to determine which Print Items the routine should pick up and process when starting. To do that access the following options:
    • Source [38] - select whether the routine should seize Articles or Print Items (print data from Orders). In version 1.17.2, access is only available for Articles. In version 1.18.0, Print Items of an order can also be accessed.
    • Add Filter [39] - Select the criteria that should be used for filtering the files in the selection menu and subsequently define the values for each selected filter.
    • Query Result [40] - Depending on the selected filters, the current workload is visible here. This allows you to quickly check your entries in the filter.
  2. Once you have selected all the required filters, click Save. The Production Scheduler is now ready for use.

Figure 14: The Apply to tab of the dialog Edit Production Scheduler

Number of files higher than expected

If the number of files displayed is higher than expected, check the Trash for Articles and empty it. Articles in the trash that match the filter criteria are currently still included in the Production Scheduler. This behavior will be erased in future versions.

  1. Back in the Production Scheduler menu item, the newly created Production Scheduler is displayed with the corresponding workload and the used filters [41]. The different schedulers are not activated by default.
  2. A Production Scheduler can be edited at any time. To do this, click on the pencil icon [43].
  3. Two options are available for activating the Production Scheduler:
    • Execute immediately [42] - This allows you to run the scheduler at any time. This is particularly advantageous if there's a very high workload for the scheduler and you would like to prioritize certain productions.
    • Activate [44] - This activates the scheduler. The scheduler will automatically execute the processing with the set rhythm.

Figure 15: The list of Production Schedulers in the menu item Automation > Production Scheduler

2.3.4. Create Automation Job

In order to process Articles or Print Items automatically according to the set Operations, the user has the following options in version 1.17.2:

  • Start Production Scheduler - As mentioned above, the Production Scheduler can be started automatically or manually by clicking on Execute immediately.
  • Apply Production Scheduler to selected Articles - Select the desired files in Articles, navigate to the the More menu [45] and click the Create Automation Jobs [46] menu item .

Figure 16: The list of Articles with the opened menu More

2.3.5. Automation Jobs

If Automation Jobs have been created, it is now possible to view the current status and process of an Automation Job via Automation > Automation Jobs.

  • Operations [49] – Each operation is displayed separately. This allows you to see which step of the Production Configuration the current print file in the Automation Jobs is in.
  • Status of the Operation – The status of a operation is highlighted in color. The following three colors are possible:
    • Gray – The file has not yet gone through the Automation Jobs operation.
    • Green [47] / Dark green – Green means that the print file in the Automation Jobs has already successfully completed the operation. Dark green means that the print file is currently being processed in the Automation Jobs.
    • Red [48] – Red means that the print file has not been processed in the operation, various reasons are possible for this scenario.
  • Print Item preview – Display of the preview for the processed file. This was not yet implemented in version 1.17.2. With 1.18.0, however, the preview will be visible here.
  • Symbol in the chip [50] - The current status can be read out precisely using the symbols. If several sub-steps have been reached in a process, this is shown by the symbol. Typical sub-steps in addition to success and error are In queue, In processing or Waiting for files.

Figure 17: The list of Automation Jobs in the menu item Automation

Click on the preview to open the page navigation, where you can view the processing in more detail. Click on the process chip [47] to open a window in which additional information about the process and the status is displayed.

Figure 18: Information regarding the Process Overview

2.4. Create and Manage Approvals in Approval Projects

With version 1.17.2, the underlying concept for Approvals has been completely revised. Whereas previously Approvals were created and distributed in several steps, from this version onwards releases are combined and distributed in an Approval Project and new versions of an Approval are updated in the Approval Project.

The following statements are intended to provide a better understanding of the newly implemented function.

  • An Approval Project can contain any number of Approvals (Print Items that should be approved) with Approval Reports.
  • The Approval Project has an expiration date after which no more changes can be made to the Approvals. However, the expiration date can be changed by the user in the Workflow at any time.
  • An Approval Project can have different statuses, which are used to indicate the status of the creation and upload process, as well as the status of the individual approvals in the Approval Project.
  • An Approval for a Print Item is only possible in one Approval Project.
  • However, Approvals can be transferred to other Approval Projects.
  • The Approval Report for an Approval is generated asynchronously only when the download is requested. The completion of the Approval Report is announced via the message center.
  • Several versions of Approval Reports can exist for a Print Items Approval.
  • Changes to an Approval or the creation of a new version of an Approval Report are always updated in the Approval Project. This means that the link to the online Approval Dashboard for a project always remains the same.
  • Approvals can be removed from an Approval Project or a new Print Item to be approved can be added to the Approval Project at any time.
  • An overview of the status of Approval Projects and Approvals is provided in the Approval Dashboard

Availability of the online Approval Dashboard

The Online Approval Dashboard is currently unavailable due to the extensive reorganization. From version 1.18.0, the Online Approval Dashboard will have a new structure and a new design.

Availability of the new implementation

Please note that the new implementation in version 1.17.2 is only possible in the new user interface. Approval Reports are still created in the existing user interface in the previously known way.

With version 1.18.0, only the new implementation is available in both user interfaces plus the new look of the online Approval Dashboard.

2.4.1. Create Approval Project

An Approval Project is a collection of Approvals (Print Items that should be approved) that must be visually checked by a responsible person before production.

To create an Approval Project, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to the desired Print Items in Articles or in Orders.
  2. Select the Print Items in the list.
  3. Then select the Create Approval Project [53] entry in the More [52] menu.

Figure 19: The menu item Create Approval Project in the menu More in an Article

  1. The Create Approval Project dialog opens.
  2. In the General Settings tab determine the settings for the content of the Approval Project. The available options are the same as the previous options in almost all respects.
    • Print Item selection [54] – Select the Print Items that should be available as Approvals in the project. This option was already available in the current implementation.
    • Print Item Preview [55] – Select the color separations that should be displayed on the first page of the Approval Report. This option was already available in the current implementation.
    • Additional Pages [60] – Select the color separations that should be displayed in the Approval Report on the additional pages. This option was already available in the current implementation.
    • Project Name [56] – select the placeholders that should be used to generate the file name for the Approval Project. This option was already available in the current implementation, but the user had significantly fewer placeholders to choose from. The following new placeholders are available:
      • Comment of the Approval Project
      • External ID of the Approval Project
      • Expiration date of the Approval Project
      • Number of Approvals in the Approval Project
      • Approval Project created by
      • Approval Project created or modified on
    • Approval Report Name [57] – select the placeholders that should be used to generate the file name for the Approval Report. This option was already available in the current implementation.
    • Comment [58] – enter the desired comment that should be displayed to the viewer in the online Approval Dashboard. This option was not yet available in the current implementation.
    • External ID [59] – enter the order number of the customer order here so that the viewer can make a quick assignment in the online Approval Dashboard, among other things. This option was not yet available in the current implementation.
    • Expiry Date [61] – enter the expiration date and the expiry time for the Approval Project here. How many days into the future should be set by default can be set in the system settings for Approval Projects. This option was not yet available in the current implementation.

Figure 20: The General Settings tab of the dialog Create Approval Project

  1. In the Report Settings tab, determine the details for the creation and which additional content should appear in the Approval Report. The available options are similar to the previous options in almost all respects.
    • Report Generation [62] – select whether you want to create the Approval Report in landscape or portrait format. This option was already available in the current implementation. All other options in this area still have no effect.
    • Approval Report Information [63] – Enter the information that should appear on the Approval Report. This option was already available in the current implementation.

Figure 21: The Report Settings tab of the dialog Create Approval Project

  1. In the Share Options tab all options required for approval in the online Approval Dashboard are available.  Please note that this sub-step is executable only from version 1.18.0, as the online Approval Dashboard is not yet available in its new form.
  2. Skip this step in the current version and continue with Save.
  3. After you have created the Approval Project, the overview of this project is available in the Approval Dashboard.

Figure 22: The Share Options tab in the Create Approval Projects dialog

2.4.2. Dashboard Approval Projects

The Approval Projects Dashboard displays a list of all Approval Projects. The projects created can be efficiently filtered in this dashboard and checked according to the respective status before production. The dashboard is structured as follows:

  • Filter bar [64]: Use this to filter for Approval Projects by entering the search term in the Search input field or build any filter from the available options. The functionality corresponds to the common implementation in Workflow. The following filter options are available in version 1.17.2:
    • Expired Approval Project
    • Expiration date of Approval Projects
    • Status of Approval Projects
    • Approval Projects published on the Approval Dashboard
    • Approval Projects notified via e-mail
    • Status of Approvals
    • Created and modified Date of Approval Projects
    • Created by Date of Approval Projects
  • Function bar [65]: Quick filters, functions and page navigation are available here.

Separate quick filters have been implemented for Approval Projects so that the user can quickly find the desired or critical Approval Projects. The following quick filters are available:

  • My Approval Projects - Approval Projects that have been created by the current user of the Workflow.
  • Pending - Approval Projects that contain Approvals that have not yet been approved or rejected.
  • Expired - Approval Projects that have already exceeded the set expiration date.
  • Expiring soon - Approval Projects that are about to expire (in the next five days).

The following functions are available for the Approval Projects dashboard:

  • Edit - This function allows you to edit the Approval Project with regard to its Name, Comment, External ID and Expiration Date.
  • Refresh display - Updates the list view of Approval Projects.
  • More functions - This allows you to search for obsolete Approval Projects, close selected Approval Projects and select the Display Options for the list view.
  • List of Approval Projects [66]: Which Approval Projects are displayed in the list depends on the selected filter options. The order in which the projects are displayed in the list also depends on the sorting option selected.

Figure 23: The new Dashboard for Approval Projects

All filtered Approval Projects are therefore listed in the list of Approval Projects. For each Approval Project, the user can very quickly obtain a picture of the status of the project. The following information supports the user:

  • Preview [69] – Display of up to three preview images so that the desired Approval Project can be found quickly.
  • Information [71] – Display of additional information about the Approval Project. The information to be displayed can be defined by the user via the display options.
  • Approval Project Status [70] – Display of the status of the Approval Project. The status is partially derived from the content of the Approval Project and can also be partially influenced by the user. The following statuses are possible:
    • Empty – The Approval Project does not contain any Approvals.
    • Pending – At least one Approval is still pending.
    • Rejected – At least one Approval has been rejected.
    • Completed – All Approvals have been released or the Approval Project has been closed by the user.
    • Error - An error occurred when creating the Approval Project.
  • Number of Approvals [68] - As soon as the number exceeds three Print Items, the additional number of Print Items contained in the Approval Project is displayed here.
  • Approval Status [67] - Displays the total number of approvals in the respective status. The following statuses are available for Approvals:
    • Approved  - Number of Approvals already released.
    • Pending - Number of Approvals still to be released.
    • Rejected - Number of rejected Approvals.
    • Deprecated - Number of Approvals that are no longer up to date. By creating a new version of the Approval, the current Approval is set to deprecated, prompting the user to update the list of Approvals.

Figure 24: The new Dashboard for Approval Projects

The user can perform two more activities in the list of Approval Projects:

  • Delete Approval Project [73] – Deletes the Approval Project with all Approvals created with it as well as Approval Reports.
  • Download Approval Reports [72] – Start the creation process for the Approval Reports. The creation runs independently in the Workflow, the completion is displayed in notifications. After clicking on the function, the following dialog is displayed in which you can select the form in which the Approval Reports should be made available.

Figure 25: The dialog Create Collection of Approval Projects as well as the provided downloads in Task Notifications

2.4.3. Manage Approval Projects

To view an Approval Project in the Dashboard, simply click once on the preview stack to open the overview page for the Approval Project.

  • Approval Project overview page [74] – The overview page, like the dashboard itself, consists of the filter bar, the function bar - with the quick filters for Pending, Approved and Rejected - and the list of all Approvals.
  • Approvals – Approvals have a preview [76], further information [75] about the approval itself and an approval status [77]. The user can determine which information is displayed in the list via the display options. The following values can exist as release statuses:
  • Approved – The Approval has already been approved.
  • Pending – The Approval has not yet been approved.
  • Declined – The Approval has already been rejected.
  • Deprecated – The Approval has expired. A new version is available in the Workflow

Figure 26: The overview page of an Approval Project in the Dashboard Approval Projects

On the overview page of an Approval Project, the user can perform the following tasks:

  • Go To [78] - Jump to the Approvals tab of the Article or Print Item concerned.
  • Download Report [79] - Download the current Approval Report for the Approval (Print Item).
  • Delete Print Item from Approval Project [80] - Remove an Approval (Print Item) from the currently displayed Approval Project.
  • Approve [81] - Either approve or reject the Print Items.

2.5. New Grid Charts

Two new Grid Chart types - Chromatic and Color Cast - have been added to the classic Grid Charts in Workflow version 1.17.2. The values for these Grid Charts can be adjusted by up to ten percent during creation using user-friendly sliders.

As the Grid Chart tabs have been merged in version 1.17.1, it is also possible to create the new variants using the Create Grid Chart command.

Proceed as follows to create a Grid Chart of the Chromatic or Color Cast type:

  1. Navigate to a Print Item that has Spot Colors or go to the Color > Color > Color Books & Grid Charts menu.
  2. Select the Spot Color [82] from which you want to create a Grid Chart in the Spot Colors settings area in the detailed view of a Print Item.
  3. Select the Create Grid Chart [84] entry in the Grid Charts drop-down menu [83].

Figure 27: The settings area in the detail view of a Print Item

  1. In the open Add Grid Chart dialog, first enter the following parameters in the General [85] step:
    • Name [86] - Enter the desired name for the Grid Chart. The name of the selected Print Item is used by default. Optionally enter a Comment.
    • Output Configuration [87] - Select the Output Configuration for the Spot Color for which the Grid Chart should be created.
    • Additional Color [88] - Specify the additional color - White, Varnish, Primer, etc. - with which the Grid Chart should be created.
    • Tonal Value [89] - Specify the tonal value with which the additional color should be output.
  2. Click Next to switch to the next step of the Grid Chart Configuration.  

Figure 28: The General step in the Add Grid Chart dialog

2.5.1. Chromatic

  1. In the Grid Chart Configuration [90] step, the Grid Chart Type [91] option is available. First select the desired type. The following types are available from version 1.17.2:
    • Color Values - This type corresponds to the previous implementation, whereby a Grid Chart is generated by selecting the Process Colors  the X, Y as well as Z axes.
    • Chromatic - This new type makes it possible to create a Grid Chart by changing the brightness (light/dark) as well as the saturation (colored/uncolored).
    • Color Cast - This new type allows to create a Grid Chart by changing the red-green and yellow-blue axes.
  2. Select Chromatic [91] in the selection menu.
  3. Determine which Template [92] and which Patch Size [93] the color areas on the Grid Chart should have.
  4. In the middle of the Grid Chart the color field of the source color is located. This field is outlined with a green frame. The color value [94] and the resulting DeviceN values of the output color are displayed in the Channel Configuration area
  5. By moving the respective slider [95], the gradations for the X-axis, i.e. the brightness, or the Y-axis, i.e. the saturation, can be adjusted.

Figure 29: The step Grid Chart Configuration of the Add Grid Chart dialog with the selected Chromatic Grid Chart

2.5.2. Color Cast

When Color Cast [96] was selected in the selection menu of the Grid Chart Type option, only the two sliders in Blue - Yellow and Green - Red [97] change.

Figure 30: The step Grid Chart Configuration of the Add grid Chart dialog with the selected Color Cast Grid Chart

  1. Click Next to switch to the next step which is Layout [98].
  2. Determine the arrangement of the Grid Charts on the selected Substrate in terms of the Impose Sheet Size [99], Alignment [100], number of Columns and Rows [101] and rotation [102].
  3. Save the Grid Chart or click Send to Printer.

Figure 31: The Layout step of the Add Grid Chart dialog

  1. After saving the Grid Chart is displayed in the list of Grid Charts in Farbe Color > Color Books & Grid Charts > Grid Chart [103] with the respective symbol for Chromatic [104] and Color Cast [105].
  2. In case the Grid Chart was created in the detail view of an Article or Print Item, the corresponding link [106] is shown in the footer of a Grid Chart in the list of Grid Charts.

Figure 32: The list of Grid Charts in Color > Color Books & Grid Charts > Grid Chart

  1. In the list, perform the following functions for the selected Grid Chart:
    • Edit [107] - This allows you to display the Grid Chart again in the browser. You can read the color values for the individual color areas from the tooltip.
    • Delete [109] - Delete the Grid Chart irrevocably.
    • Send to Printer [110] - Transfer the Grid Chart to the printer again.
    • Download [108] - Download the Grid Chart as a PDF. Please note that as soon as you use additional colors such as OVG etc., the color depiction in Adobe Reader will not meet your expectations, as Adobe's color management does not work properly with 7C colors.
    • Copy GUID to Clipboard [111] - Copy the unique ID for this Grid Chart to the clipboard in case you need the ID to search in another dialog.
  2. The two new Grid Charts types are currently printed as depicted below. Only color patch numbers are available for the individual color patches, but currently no color values. The color values will also be output in version 1.18.0.

Figure 33: The list of Grid Charts in Color > Color Books & Grid Charts > Grid Chart

2.6. Spot Color Report

In version 1.17.2, the function for creating a Spot Color Report is available for the first time, allowing the user to document the current color deviations for all Spot Colors of the Print Item.

Proceed as follows to create the Spot Color Report:

  1. Navigate to the detail view of an Article or Print Item in an Article, Production Job or Order.
  2. In the action bar, select the menu item Process  > Create Spot Color Report [112].

Figure 34: The menu of the Process menu

  1. The corresponding Create Spot Color dialog is openend.
  2. Fill in the required information for your report in this dialog. The following options are available:
    • Report Name [113] - The name of the Print Item with the corresponding Print Item ID and the designation "Spot Color Report" is used for the report name by default.
    • Paper Size [114] - Choose between the paper sizes A4 and US Letter (8,5" x 11").
    • Without Company Logo [115] - By selecting or deselecting this checkbox, the Durst logo can be output or removed from the Spot Color Report.
    • Color Difference [116] - Choose between the units ΔE00 and ΔE76. The ∆E value for the respective Spot Color is displayed in the Spot Color Report for each individual spot color.
    • Tolerance [119] - Determine the tolerance limit for the ∆E value. The default value is set to 2. Spot Colors that have a ∆E value greater than the set value will be marked as "Out of Gamut" in the list of Spot Colors.
    • User-defined Fields [117] - For further information about Print Items or Articles on the Spot Color Report, add custom fields via this selection field.
    • Comment [118] - Add a comment that will be displayed in the report. Further information for documentation purposes can also be entered here.
  3. Click on Generate Report to start the creation process. The report is then downloaded.

Figure 35: The dialog Create Spot Color Report

  1. Open the downloaded Spot Color Report with your local PDF viewer. The report always consists of at least two pages. It contains the following information:
    • Overview page (page 1) - In addition to the name of the Spot Color Report, the QR code with the link to the respective Print Item is also available in the Workflow. The following information is also available:
      • Print Item Name - Displays the name of the Print Item or Article.
      • Created - Displays the creation date and the user who uploaded the Print Item or Article to the Workflow.
      • Profiling - Displays the underlying Color Setup at the time the Spot Color Report was created.
      • Color Policy - Display of the underlying Color Policy at the time the Spot Color Report was created.
      • Tolerance - The tolerance specified when the Spot Color Report was created and the selected color distance.
      • User-defined fields - Any user-defined fields that were added to the Spot Color Report when it was created are displayed here.
      • Preview - Displays a preview of the Print Item for which the Spot Color Report was created.
    • Spot Color List (Page 2) - This page lists all Spot Colors of the Print Item with additional information. The following information is available:
      • Color Circle - Displays the color value of the Spot Color.
      • Information - Display of the spot color name with the original color values of the alternative color space, the Lab color value used for printing and the resulting DeviceN color values.
      • Spot Color Definition - Display of the Layer on which the color definition for the spot color was created for printing. Typical entries could be: PDF, System, Library, Substrate, Customer or Print Items.
      • ∆E value - The Delta E value selected when creating the Spot Color Report is displayed here.
      • ∆E tolerance - Classification of the Spot Color, whether it is within the tolerance.

Figure 36: The Spot Color Report with the overview page and the page with the list of Spot Colors

2.7. "Durst ARC" Marks

The Marks type Durst ARC - a mark for registering a camera system - has been added to the Impose Editor in version 1.17.2. This allows users of a Tau printing system to use and save the required marks for ARC verification in the Imposition.

Proceed as follows to edit and save a Durst ARC mark for a Sheet Template:

  1. Open the Impose Editor in the desired Impose Mode.
  2. In the General tab [120], click on the Edit Sheet Configuration icon [121].

Figure 37: The General settings area with the possibility to edit the Sheet Configuration

  1. The corresponding Sheet Configuration dialog opens.
  2. Select the "Durst ARC" type [122] in the Marks settings area.
  3. Define the Stroke Width, Width and Height as well as the X and Y offset for the marker in the settings [123].
  4. Click on Color Options [124] to set color options for the marker.
  5. Click on Save Template to save the template.

Figure 38: The settings area Sheet Configuration with the possibility to add Marks of the type Durst ARC

2.8. Measuring Device "Barbieri Spectro Swing QB"

As part of version 1.17.2, another measuring device, the Spectro Swing QB from Barbieri, has been integrated into the Workflow. Find out more about this and other supported measuring devices in the Articles in the Measurement Devices chapter.

2.9. Check-in Template

The following new Checks and Fixups have been added to the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates in version 1.17.2 and the functionality of existing Checks and Fixups has been extended.

2.9.1. New Checks and Fixups

In v 1.17.2 special Checks for better prediction of cutting times on Cutter Devices as well as the Fixup to convert a Registration Color to Rich Black right at Check-in were added.

Convert Registration Color to Rich Black

This Fixup converts all Registration Colors that are within the selected PageBox [126] to Rich Black. The values for Rich Black [125] can be determined by entering the CMYK values.

Figure 39: The Fixup Convert Registration Color to Rich Black in the Preflight and Fixup Template

Number Path Points

This check can be used to identify complex cutting paths. This is helpful for drawing conclusions as to whether the cutting paths will significantly increase cutting times. By entering the Spot Color names in Determine for Spot Color Names [127], the check can limit to certain Technical Colors.

Figure 40: The Check Number Path Points in the Preflight and Fixup Template

Determine Path Length

This check can be used to identify the length of the cutting path. Thereby, the user can estimate the cutting time for the Print Item. By entering the Spot Color names in Determine for Spot Color Names [128], the check can be limited to certain Technical Colors. In Unit [129], select the unit in which the path length should be displayed in the user interface.

Figure 41: The check Determine Path Length in the Preflight and Fixup Template

Path length determines the total length

Please note that in version 1.17.2 always the entire path length is determined. This means that path segments beyond this are also included in the total length.

With version 1.18.0, you will be able to limit the determined path length to the visible area by selecting a PageBox. This should ensure that the cutting time is predictable!

2.9.2. Improvements in Checks

An existing check - Spot Color has no Lab color values - has been improved in this version.

Spot Color has no Lab color values

With version 1.17.2, the existing Check Spot Color has no Lab color values in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template has been extended by a significant factor - Technical Spot Colors are excluded from the check by default.

Figure 42: Die Prüfung Schmuckfarbe besitzt keinen Lab-Wert in der Check-in Prüf- und Korrekturvorlage

2.10. Data Preparation

In the course of developing version 1.17.2, existing Fixups were extended in terms of functionality and improved in terms of usability.

2.10.1. Improvements in Existing Fixups

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

Map CMYK Values to a Spot Color

With the Fixup Map CMYK Values to a Spot Color search for defined CMYK values including all tonal values and convert them to a Spot Color. Please note that this converts all CYMK values for each object (including texts, images, and vectors). The following new feature is available from version 1.17.2:

  • Include intermediate color values [130] - By activating this option, all tonal value gradations of the searched color value are included in the conversion, and tone values are created for the Spot Color.

Find out more about this Fixups in this article.

Figure 43: The edited dialog of the Fixup Map CMYK Values to a Spot Color

Embed missing Fonts

Use the Fixup Embed missing Fonts to search for missing fonts in the system's local font directory. The Fixup attempts to embed these fonts them completely.

In version 1.17.2, if two non-embedded fonts are present, one of which is in the font directory and the other is not, the following behavior is applied:

  • the font is present in the font directory and is embedded or
  • the font is not in the font list and is not embedded.

Read more about how this Fixup works in this article.

Figure 44: The dialog of the Fixup Embed missing Fonts

Map CMYK Values from Vector Objects to a Spot Color

With the Fixup Map CMYK Values from Vector Objects to a Spot Color, a vector and/or text object with defined CMYK values can be transferred to a Spot Color. It is also possible to set the Overprint State.

From this version onwards, it is possible to apply the Fixups only to certain objects. To do this, choose from the following options in the Apply to [131] selection field:  

  • Vector
  • Text
  • Text and Vector

Read more about how this Fixup works in this article.

Figure 45: The dialog of the Fixup Map CMYK Values from Vector Objects to a Spot Color

Remove Empty Pages

The Fixup Remove Empty Pages removes all empty pages from the document. From this version onwards only empty pages without content within the TrimBox will be removed. Registration marks that are normally located outside the TrimBox are ignored.

Read more about how this Fixup works in this Article.

Figure 46: The dialog of the Fixup Remove Empty Pages

Add Pole Pockets

Mit der Korrektur Hohlsaum hinzufügen kann ein Hohlsaum an der gewählten Kante des Motivs der Vorderseite hinzugefügt werden. Das Motiv der Rückseite wird dabei an das Motiv der Vorderseite angespiegelt. Welcher Bereich der Rückseite auf der Vorderseite überlappen soll kann bis zur maximalen Größe des Hohlsaums definiert werden.

In Version 1.17.2 wurde die Möglichkeit geschaffen eine Vorlage [132] zu erstellen und auszuwählen. Damit können Einstellungen, die im Dialog gewählten werden, als Vorlage gespeichert werden und somit auf andere Artikel/Motive angewandt werden.

Lesen Sie mehr zur Funktionsweise dieser Korrektur in diesem Artikel.

Figure 47: The dialog of the Fixup Add Pole Pockets with the selection menu for Templates

Rename Spot Colors

The Fixup Rename Spot Colors can be used to add one or more Spot Colors in order to rename them. It is also possible to use RegEx (regular expressions) to search and replace Spot Colors. The expression "(PANTONE)\s((?:.*))\sU" in "Spot color name - source" and "$1 $2 C" in "Spot color name - destination" would replace all Pantone Uncoated color names ending in "U" with Pantone Coated color names ending in "C". Special characters: If you want to use any of the following characters ()[]{}|\^$?.*+, they must be followed by a backslash "\".

The following new features have been integrated in version 1.17.2 of the Workflow:

  • It is possible to work with RegEx expressions.
  • Special characters must be preceded by a backslash.

Read more about how this Fixup works in this Article.

Figure 48: The dialog of the Fixup Rename Spot Colors

Redraw Dieline of the TrimBox

Use the Fixup Redraw Dieline of the TrimBox to remove an existing Dieline and add a Dieline in the size of the existing TrimBox.

From version 1.17.2, the Page Boxes are only changed when the Fixup is executed if the Offset [133] of the new Dieline is larger than the TrimBox.

Read more about how this Fixups works in this Article.

Figure 49: The dialog of the Fixup Redraw Dieline of the TrimBox with the opened Basic Settings tab

Renaming of this Fixup

The Fixup will be renamed to "Replace Dieline" with version 1.18.0, as the current description is somewhat misleading.

Create Bleed on Irregular Shape

With the Fixup Create Bleed on Irregular Shape, a bleed can be created by repeating pixels around an irregular shape. The Bleed is generated as a 300 dpi CMYK image and created in the background. Which pixel is used for the repetition can be determined by entering a value in "Starting point of pixel repetition". If Spot Colors are used in the design, a color difference in the output for the Bleed for Spot Colors cannot be excluded.

The following improvements have been made in version 1.17.2:

  • The input field Bleed Resolution [135] was added. Use this field to determine the resolution when mirroring with pixel repetition or when stretching.
  • The selection field Create Bleed on [134] was added and the options At the outer border and On outer and inner borders was integrated.

Read more about how these Fixups work in this Article.

Figure 50: The dialog of the Fixup Create Bleed on Irregular Shape with the new option

Delete Separation

Use the Fixup Delete Separation to delete selected color separations of objects of any type that are created in CMYK. This allows you to remove parts or the entire print image of the Print Items in order to retain only Spot Colors of the print image. Using the option Convert RGB objects to CMYK, RGB objects can be converted beforehand and thus also deleted.

In version 1.17.2, the user interface has been simplified by providing checkboxes with which the respective separations can be selected or deselected.

Read more about how this Fixup work in this Article.

Figure 51: The newly created dialog of the Fixup Delete Separation

3. Improvements

Further minor improvements have been implemented in version 1.17.2 of the Workflow - these are:

3.1. Dealing with Die Cuts

Print Item Editor – Position One-Up and customize Print Items

In the Print Item Editor of the Workflow, the One-Up tab offers further options for transferring Print Items that do not fit the One-Up exactly. This can be done by either positioning the One-Up on the Print Item or adjusting the Print Item on the One-Up.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Open the Print Item Editor for a Print Item to which you want to assign a One-Up.
  2. Switch to the One-Up tab [136].
  3. Select the desired One-Up [137] in the selection field. If the ImageBox of the Print Item matches the Final Size of the One-Up, you can continue without any further editing steps. However, if this is not the case, as in our example, the error message [138] will give you some hints. Editing is unavoidable if you want to have correct print data. The following solutions are available:
    • Scale Print Item - You have determined that the proportions of the ImageBox of the Print Item don't match the proportions of the One-Up. For this reason, the warning [139] indicates that the Print Item must be scaled down by the specified factor using the "Scale Page Content" Fixup so that the ImageBox of the Print Item matches the Final Size of the One-Up.
    • Position One-Up - By moving the One-Up - centering would be optimal in our case - on the Print Item, the One-Up can be positioned exactly on the Print Item.
    • Adjust Print Item - By moving or scaling the Print Item, the Print Item can be adjusted to fit the One-Up.
  4. Decide whether you want to position the One-Up [140] or adjust the Print Item [141].

Figure 52: The user interface of the Print Item Editor with the Fixups for the positioning of One-Ups and the adjustment of Print Item

  1. Click on Position One-Up [140] (Figure 52), which opens the corresponding settings area.
  2. Carry out the positioning of the One-Up either by
    • By entering the coordinates [143] to the selected starting point [142] or
    • By horizontal and vertical alignment [144] (centering) to the selected origin [145].
  3. Click on Apply to to set the new position.

Figure 53: The settings area Position One-Up

  1. Click on Adjust Print Item [141] (Figure 52) to open the corresponding settings area.
  2. Perform the positioning or scaling of the Print Item either
    • by entering the coordinates [147] to the selected starting point [147] - you can of course also move the position manually - or
    • by entering the desired width and height, which can be either relative or absolute [148] to the starting point [147], or
    • by simply scaling - fit proportionally, fill proportionally or distort - in the Fitting Options [149] or
    • by executing a Fixup [150] .
  3. Click on Apply to take over the new position and the scaling.

Figure 54: The settings area Adjust Print Item

Create One-Up for defined Shape

The existing option of creating a One-Up by entering the shape and size has been expanded in version 1.17.2 to include the function of selecting the Corner Type and by entering the Corner Radius.

Proceed as follows to determine a corner type:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library > One-Up.
  2. In the More menu, select the option Create One-Up for defined Shape.
  3. Enter all the necessary information. You can find more information in this section of the Release Notes 1.17.0.
  4. Select the entry Rectangle in Geometric Shape [151].
  5. In Corner Type [153], select the desired type; you can choose between the following options:
    • Corner
    • Rounded
    • Beveled
  6. Determine the desired Corner Radius [152] and select the Spot Color [154] that should be used.
  7. Click on Save to create the One-Up in the library.

Figure 55: The dialog Create One-Up for defined Shape with the new created option Corner Type and Corner Radius

"File Manger" in "Die" Impose Mode

With version 1.17.2, the File Manager for Die Cut mode now offers the option of displaying only those Print Items that match the selected N-Up, as well as displaying all other Print Items. This function is particularly advantageous for users in the label environment, as it allows them to quickly place Print Items in a Die Cut, even if they are not specially prepared for a N-Up.

Proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Create an Imposition in Die Cut Impose Mode and select a N-Up.
  3. Click on the Display all available Print Items [155] icon in the File Manager.
  4. If necessary, switch back to Display only Print Items which can be used for this N-Up [156].

Figure 56: The File Manager with the new option to switch between mapped Print Items of a One-Up and all Print Items

Create Article from One-Up

Version 1.17.2 provides users with the option of creating an Article quickly and efficiently from available One-Ups.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library > One-Up.
  2. Select the desired One-Up from the list of One-Ups.
  3. Open the More [157] selection menu.
  4. Click on Create Article from One-Up [158].

Figure 57: The selection menu More in the Die Cut Library > One-Up menu

  1. The Create Article form One-Up dialog opens.
  2. Check the Name, External ID and Bleed - if necessary, modify this information via Edit.
  3. Click on Create to create the Article in Article > Article and access it there.

Figure 58: The dialog Create Article from One-Up

3.2. Enhancement in "Gamut View"

The gamut view has been graphically revised in this version. More options have been created to use the gamut display in different contexts the Workflow.

3.2.1. Color Setups

The Gamut View in Color > Color Setups > Color Setup > Gamut Viewer has been revised in version 1.17.2.

The use of the available display area in the dialog has been improved by providing foldable dialogs for the display options. It is also possible to arrange the options in the display options more compactly from this version on.

Figure 59: The newly designed Gamut View in a Color Setup

3.2.2. Gamut Print Item

In the new Workflow user interface, beta customers can now also take a first look at the Gamut preview for Print Items.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. In the new user interface, navigate to a Print Item via an Article, Order or Production Job.
  2. Find the Gamut View for the Print Item in the Print Data tab in the Spot Colors settings area.
  3. Click on the Display Gamut icon [159] in the footer of the settings area.
  4. Click on this icon to open the corresponding dialog box.

Figure 60: The Print Data tab of a Print Item in the new user interface

  1. The Gamut View opens, where now also all Spot Colors of the Print Item are visible. This allows you to quickly assess how far the Spot Color is outside the gamut of the Color Policy. Please note that in version 1.17.2, the simulated positions of the Spot Color are currently displayed. A corresponding improvement is expected in version 1.18.0.

Figure 61: The Gamut View with the simulated color values

3.3. Ink Update

The supplied ink families and inks have been updated in the Administration > Inks menu.

The following inks are now also available in this version:

  • Tau RSC UV Ink 3 - Black
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - White
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - Violet
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - Orange
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - Magenta
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - Black
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - Yellow
  • Durst WT Food SP Ink - Cyan
  • DRU LED White Ink

3.4. Measurement Condition of a Color Policy

From version 1.17.2, the Measurement Condition [160] of a Color Policy for the Substrate profile is displayed. This is the condition that was used for the measurement in the "Color Setup" profiling step.  

The used Measurement Condition is also displayed as additional information in Print Item > Spot Color > Spot Color Definition and in Color > Color Books & Grid Charts > Grid Chart.

Figure 62: The Overview tab of a Color Setup with the Measurement Condition for a Color Policy

3.5. Small Improvements

The following improvements have also been implemented in this version.

One-Up creation - Clipping Path: From this version onwards, only one Spot Color can be used for the Clipping Path [161] when creating a One-Up, as selecting multiple paths can lead to undesirable behavior.

Figure 63: The dialog Color Mapping with the possibility to select a Spot Color for the creation of a Clipping Path

Impose Editor - Consideration of One-Up in a N-Up: In this version, the user guidance for editing One-Ups in a N-Up in the Impose Editor has been improved. The bar has been reorganized both visually and in terms of naming to make it clearer for the user whether the selected One-Up is taken into account in the N-Up or not.

Figure 64: The newly designed bar for considering One-Up in an Imposition

4. Fixed Bugs

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

4.1. Workflow

Die Cuts – Show One-Ups in the N-Up Editor: When creating a N-Up in the N-Up Editor, it could happen that the One-Ups on the N-Up could no longer be shown or hidden. This behavior has been fixed.

Die Cuts – Display of the Final Size and the Production Size in the N-Up Editor: In the N-Up editor, the values for the Final Size were displayed in the Production Size and vice versa. This error has been fixed.

Spot Color Definition - Create Process Color: When creating a new Spot Color Definition, it could happen that a Separation but no Process Color could be created. This error has been fixed.

Print Item Editor – Change PageBoxes: If Page Boxes were adjusted in the Page Geometry tab in the Print Item Editor, a system error could be displayed. This error has been removed.

Fixup – Create Bleed on Irregular Shape: With this Fixups it could happen that a yellow image was generated in the background. This error has been fixed.

Fixup – Create Dieline for Irregular Shape: With this Fixup it could happen that two Dielines were created, although only one was set for the settings. This bug has been fixed.

Grid Charts – Color Policy with Light colors: When creating Grid Charts with a Color Policy that included Light colors, it could happen that an error was displayed and the Grid Chart could not be created. This behavior has been fixed.

Printer configuration – Dither mode and Finishing options: The dither mode and finishing options settings were sometimes required for printers that could not be removed without these settings. This misbehavior has been fixed.

Die Cut Library – Usage of special characters: In the Die Cut library, it could happen that the naming of single or N-Up with special letters was not possible. This behavior has been fixed.

Grid Charts – Output Configuration: Up to this version, it was possible to edit the output configuration of a Grid Chart when a Grid Chart was created from an Article or Print Item. This behavior has been fixed.

Fixup – Add Pole Pockets: When applying this Fixup, it could happen that images were removed from a composite Print Item or PDF. This behavior has been fixed.

Hotfolder – rotate every second page 180°: When creating a Hotfolder, it could happen that after activating the option Rotate every second page by 180°, this option could no longer be deactivated. This behavior has been fixed.

Color Setup – Creation of a Color Policy: When creating a new Color Policy in the Color Setup step, the Substrate template Sublimation (Substrate) was selected by default up to this version. This behavior has been fixed, from this version onwards the Substrate template Standard is selected by default when creating the Color Policy.

4.2. Impose Editor

Step & Repeat – Add Dieline to outer edges: When adding the Dieline Columns | Rows, it was not possible to create the Dielines on outer edges using the corresponding checkbox. This error has been fixed.

Step & Repeat – Print Item placement: When placing Print Items on a Step & Repeat, it could happen that no Print Items were placed if the defined Substrate's dimensions were insufficient to place all Print Items. This behavior has been fixed.

Die Cut Mode – hide unassigned Print Items: When a Print Item was not assigned to a One-Up when creating a N-Up in the Die Cut Impose mode, it was not possible to hide the Print Item on the Imposition by using the Use One-Up for Imposition function. This behavior has been fixed.  

4.3. VDP Editor

Alignment of objects: In the VDP Editor, it could happen that variable objects could only be aligned with the origin Align to Selection. This behavior has been fixed.

5. Hotfixes

The name for the release of 1 July 2024 was "DW Build 1.17.2(987)". The following hotfixes were published in the subversions below.

Version 1.17.2.(997)

This Hotfix was provided on July 31st as the following errors occurred:

RIP: Due to an HHR error, some jobs were not output correctly to the printer, resulting in missing or incorrect separations. This error has been fixed.

Print Configuration with backlit White Under and Overprint: For a printer with both the options for White Under and Overprint, the corresponding checkboxes could not be selected in the Print Configuration. This error has been fixed.

Create Render Files Locally: When the option "Create Render Files Locally" was activated in Settings > General > RIP settings, the disk space was not cleared after successful rendering/copying. This error has been fixed.

Import Color Setup:  Errors could occur when importing certain Color Setups, this behavior has been fixed.

New installation file: DW_Release1.17.2.(997)-Setup_signed.exe

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