Release Date: 09/30/2024
In this article, you will learn about:
- New features that are available,
- Enhancements that were implemented for users,
- Fixed bugs for version 1.18.1 of the Workflow.
This article is also available for download as a PDF. Additionally, the release notes for all previously published versions can be found in the archive for download.
1. Overview
With version 1.18.1, users can take advantage of several new features in the areas of Impositions, automated processing of print data, and Approval Projects. Additionally, improvements have been made in Data Preparation, Printer integrations, and Print Data Management. Further translations have also been completed.
Below you will find an overview of all changes. Detailed descriptions can be found in the sections on New Features, Improvements, and Bug Fixes.
The following SDK versions are used in DW 1.18.1
- Callas software pdfToolbox 15.1.639
- Callas software pdfChip 2.5.084
- Color Logic CrossXColor 1.21.3
- Global Graphics HHR 14.0.0.b
- Global Graphics Mako 7.4
Installation of updates for versions higher than 1.17.0
Workflow versions 1.17.1, 1.18.0, and all future versions can only be installed if Workflow version 1.17.0 (956) or higher has been previously installed. This means that a direct update from earlier versions, such as 1.16.x, 1.15.x, or 1.14.x, cannot be performed without first installing version 1.17.0 (956)! This requirement is due to internal improvements in the migration logic introduced in version 1.17.0.(956) or higher. Before proceeding with this or any other future updates, please ensure that version 1.17.0.(956) is installed.
Additionally, to update from a Workflow version lower than 1.14.0 to version 1.18.0 or higher, you must first upgrade to version 1.14.0, followed by an update 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 into Workflow version 1.17.0.
If the system does not meet these requirements, a warning or message will be displayed in the System Status dialog under File Management starting from version 1.18.1. Failure to meet or address these requirements may result in certain Production Jobs being processed incorrectly or terminated with an error.
The following are the minimum requirements for your CPU´s instruction set:
- 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 1.18.0, upgrading from versions older than 1.10.0 is no longer possible!
1.1. New Features
The following new features are available in Workflow version 1.18.1:
Online Licensing: Online licensing, introduced in version 1.16.0, is mandatory starting with this version.
VDP Editor: Since version 1.12.0, the VDP Editor has been available in Workflow for creating and managing variable data directly in the browser. The following changes were made to the VDP Editor in version 1.18.1:
- QR Codes – Line Break in Text: It is now possible to create texts with line breaks within QR codes in the VDP Editor.
Impose Editor: In version 1.18.1, the existing Nesting functions in the Impose Editor have been expanded and improved.
- Nesting Optimization – Rotation of Print Items: Starting with this version, when creating a Nesting Imposition, identical Print Items are placed in a standardized rotated orientation.
- Shape Nesting – Improved Placement: The algorithm for placing individual Print Items with multiple copies in a Shape Nesting has been optimized for a variety of geometric shapes, such as pentagons, triangles, and beach flags.
- Shape Nesting based on Shape: Previously, Shape Nesting could only be created for Shapes with a Bleed. As of this version, Shape Nesting can also be created based on the Dieline.
Automation: Since version 1.17.2, beta customers have been able to use Automation Jobs, which leverage "Automators" in conjunction with the new Workflow user interface. This feature allows users to fully define and schedule production processes automatically, tailored to their specific preferences. In this version, additional features have been introduced, such as placeholders for naming, sending notifications, and advanced options, all of which can significantly enhance automation.
Task Notifications: Since version 1.18.0, a central notification center for task notifications has been available for the first time. In version 1.18.1, improvements have been made to enhance navigation to tasks within this notification center.
"Aleph LAFORTE" Printing Systems: With the release of version 1.17.0, integration of this printer type was introduced in the Workflow. In version 1.18.1, an additional option has been made available for controlling the printing system, enabling faster provision of print data to the Alepf printing system for the LFP area.
Fixup Templates – Import/Export: This version offers the ability to export entire Fixup Templates and import them into another system.
Fixup Chains – Import/Export: This version allows users to export entire Fixup Chains and subsequently reimport them.
Data Preparation: During the development of version 1.18.1, a new Fixup called Flatten FormX Objects has been introduced. Additionally, existing Fixups have been enhanced with expanded functionality, and user guidance has been improved.
1.2. Improvements
The following improvements to existing functions have been implemented in Workflow version 1.18.1:
Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates: The new Fixups “Remove Control Characters in Spot Color Names” and “Advanter ERP - Checks and Fixups” have been introduced, along with improvements to the user interface.
PDF Printers: This version includes enhancements to user guidance for the revised structure of the PDF printers introduced in the previous version.
DieCut Management: Improvements have been made to the Die Cut Impose mode within the Die Cut environment. Additionally, the user interface for merging One-Ups and the Die Cut has been enhanced.
Add Printer – Create and Edit Color Policies: Starting with this version, Color Policies can be edited for Durst and Vanguard printers, and users can create and edit Color Policies for Third-Party Printers.
X-Rite Print Charts: As of this version, Print Charts for X-Rite measuring devices are now numbered by page, lines and columns.
Small Improvements: Additional minor improvements have been implemented.
1.3. Bug Fixes
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 learn about the new features implemented in the Impose Editor and Workflow.
2.1. Online Licensing
With version 1.16.0, licensing was transitioned to the online license server. As of version 1.18.1, the use of this server is mandatory. For more information about using the online license server, please refer to the user manual under the Licensing section.
Offline use
If a workstation needs to be operated offline, the license must be updated on a monthly basis. For more information, please refer to the article on Offline Licensing.
2.2. VDP Editor
Since version 1.12.0 of Workflow, a browser-based VDP Editor has been available for creating and outputting variable data. In version 1.18.1, additional improvements have been implemented specifically for barcodes and QR codes. Continue reading to learn more about this new feature.
2.2.1. QR Code – Line Break in Text
In version 1.18.1 of the VDP Editor, users can now insert line breaks in the text used in a QR code, allowing for the creation of multiline text content.
To create text with line breaks, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the VDP Editor in the detail view of an Article or Print Item.
- Create a barcode with the Barcode Tool.
- In the Format [2] tab, open the Barcode Settings.
- Select Type QR Code [1].
- In the Content [4] tab, select String as the Data Source.
- In the String [3] input field, enter the desired text.
- Press the
Enterkey to insert a line break in the text. - Click Update [5].
- The information displayed on the scanning device will be shown in the Preview [6].
Figure 1: The Format and Content tabs in the VDP Editor, displaying the settings for the character string of a QR code
2.3. Impose Editor
In version 1.18.1 of the Impose Editor, existing functions have been extended and improved. This includes new features and enhancements in the Nesting Impose mode.
2.3.1. Nesting and Optimization – Rotation of Print Items
In earlier versions, when rectangular Print Items were placed in a Nesting, it was possible for the same Print Item to be positioned at either 0° or 180° and at 90° or 270°. This issue occurred only when the Non-Uniform Rotation option was selected in the Rotation [9] settings under Nesting Options [8], and an Optimization [10] was calculated for the Nesting.
As a result, too few duplicates were detected with the Remove Sheet Duplicates [7] option, which hindered optimized RIP performance.
With version 1.18.1, all versions of a Print Item in the Nesting are now rotated by default to either 0° or 180° and 90° or 270°. This adjustment allows for quicker creation of sheet duplicates when there is a large number of copies, ultimately reducing the total number of copies required.
Figure 2: The Artboard tab displaying the open Settings and Nesting Options dialog
2.3.2. Shape Nesting – Improvement for Placement
The algorithm for placing Print Items of various shapes has been improved in this version of the Impose Editor. As a result, the imposition is automatically optimized when shapes such as pentagons, triangles, rectangles, or beach flags, are placed in the imposition area.
Figure 3: Example of pentagons following the execution of Shape Nesting based on Shape
Figure 4: Example of hexagons following the execution of Shape Nesting based on Shape + Bleed
Figure 5: Example of triangles following the execution of Shape Nesting based on Shape + Bleed and Shape
Figure 6: Example of nested »U« following the execution of Shape Nesting based on Shape + Bleed
2.3.3. Shape Nesting based on Shape
Up to version 1.18.0, Print Items in Shape Nesting could only be imposed based on Shape + Bleed. However, starting with this version, users can also utilize the Shape option, which imposes the Print Items based on the defined Dieline (i.e., cutting path). The required Bleed must be specified in the Bleed settings area.
To use this option, follow these steps:
- Add the desired Print Item in the Impose Editor. The Print Item must have a Dieline with a Spot Color name suitable for Shape Nesting.
- Navigate to the Artboard [11] tab and open the Settings panel.
- In the Imposition based on section, select the Shape [12] entry.
- Specify the desired spacing between the shapes in the Spacing between Shapes [14] section of the Nesting Options settings area. With a value of 0, the Print Items will be arranged from Dieline to Dieline. Refer to Figure 6 for an example.
- Click on the Start Shape Nesting [13].
- The Print Items will be imposed along the Dieline with the specified spacing between the shapes. The specified Bleed will be automatically and dynamically applied along the open areas of the blue auxiliary line [15] in the Nesting.
Figure 7: The Artboard tab displaying the Settings and Nesting Options setting areas, showcasing a section of a Nesting with visible guide lines
2.4. Automation
Since version 1.17.2, the new Workflow user interface has provided beta customers with the option to create Automation Jobs, allowing users to define and schedule them entirely according to their preferences using Production Automators, Production Configurations, and Production Schedulers.
Below is an overview of the newly integrated functionalities and improvements in version 1.18.1, along with the components used and changes to the user interface.
2.4.1. Production Automators
The following improvement has been implemented for Production Automators:
Start Production Automators
From this version onward, Automators will automatically start by default after a restart, eliminating the need for manual activitation of the Automator active option.
If an Automator is paused unexpectedly, it will still start automatically when utilized for an Automation Job.
To activate or deactivate the respective Automator, proceed as described in this section [16].
Figure 8: The Edit Automator dialog, where an Automator can be activated
After activating or deactivating the Automator, the corresponding status will be displayed in the list of Production Automators, indicating whether the Automator is currently active [17] or inactive [18].
Figure 9: An activated or deactivated Automator in the list of Production Automators
2.4.2. Production Configuration
Improvements have been implemented for Production Configurations, specifically in the list of Production Configurations as well as in the various Operations.
Delete Selected Production Configuration
In the list of Production Configurations, users can now select multiple configurations and delete them using the corresponding icon [19].
Figure 10: The list of Production Configurations with the option to select and delete multiple configurations at once
"Status Check" Operation
When the Status Control operation is included in a Production Configuration, users can send notifications with this release. These notifications are triggered when a status is not found. The following options are now available:
- Notify Workflow User: In the Notify Workflow User [20] section, select the users who should be informed via the notification center when a status is not reached.
-
Send Email to Email Address: Enter the e-mail addresses that should receive notifications when a status is not reached in the Email Recipient [23] field. To enter recipients, first select the following entries:
- Email Account (Sender) [21]: Select the account that should be used to send emails in the Workflow. For more information on setting up an email account, refer to the release notes for version 1.11.1.
- Email Template [22]: The standard Default Template Automation Status Check is provided by default. for details on customizing the supplied email template or creating a new one, consult the release notes for version 1.11.1.
- Attach Preflight Report in Email and Notifications [21]: By activating this option, you can determine whether or not a test report (automatically created when checking the Print Item during upload into the Workflow) should be attached to the email and notification.
Figure 11: The settings area for the Status Check operation
Information about not reaching a status
It is worth noting that you can also choose to send either a single notification or an email. Activating both options should be carefully considered!
"Split" Operation
In version 1.18.1, the option Distribute number of copies among pages was added for the Split operation:
- Distribute number of copies among pages [25]: When this option is activated, the total number of copies is divided by the number of pages in the Multipage PDF, and the result is applied as the number of copies for each split page.
Example: If the number of copies for a seven-page PDF is 21, after splitting, the number of copies will be set to 3 for each new Print Item. Note: If the division results in a remainder, the existing number of copies will be applied to all split pages.
Figure 12: The settings area for the Split operation
"Impose" Operation
For the Impose operation, the following changes have been made to the placement logic for the Imposition Mode Step & Repeat:
- Print Items of the same height can now be placed next to each other in a substrate-optimized manner. This functionality optimizes substrate utilization for the Step & Repeat process.
"Create Production Job and Impose" Operation
The following changes have been made to the placement logic for the Create Production Job and Impose operations in Step & Repeat imposition mode:
- Print Items with identical heights can now be placed next to each other in a substrate-optimized manner. This functionality serves as the substrate optimization feature for Step & Repeat.
"Update Print Item details" Operation
It is now possible to use the Automator Update Print Item details multiple times within a production definition, enabling the repeated updating of Print Item details after a single operation.
Figure 13: The settings area for the Update Print Item details operation
2.4.3. Automation Jobs
Automation Jobs can be created in several ways. The current options include:
- Automation Routines: These allow for the creation of Automation Jobs at a predefined time for all Print Items/Articles that meet the filter criteria.
- Manual Creation of Automation Jobs: This option enables users to create Automation Job for selected Print Items/Articles directly from the list.
- Quick Print: This feature generates Automation Jobs for selected files uploaded through the Quick Print menu item.
At present, all these options share a commonality: the number of files for processing is a known quantity, referred to as a Collection in the automation environment.
With version 1.18.1, an Imposition or Production Job is not considered complete until all Print Items in the Collection are ready for collective processing. Consequently, the status of the operation remains at In Progress until all Print Items have successfully passed through the upstream operations of a Production Configuration.
Collections – List View
To provide an overview of current collections, version 1.18.1 offers users a compact list of collectively processed Print Items within an Automation Job. This list can be found under Automation Jobs in the Automation Job Collections [26] tab. This practical view allows you to monitor the processing of multiple Print Items that were either manually generated through a Production Scheduler or created as Automation Jobs via Quick Print.
To access this feature, please follow these steps:
- Create Automation Jobs using one of the previously mentioned options.
- Navigate to Automation > Automation Jobs and switch to the Automation Job Collection tab.
- Here, you will find a list of collections for Automation Jobs.
- Information for each collection will be displayed.
Figure 14: The Automation Job Collections tab displaying the list of collections for Automation Jobs
The following values are displayed in the list for each collection:
- Context Execution GUID: Internal unique identifier for a collection.
-
Context: Indicates the source from which the Automation Jobs for this collection were generated. The number preceding the context indicates the sequential number of the collection generated for that context today. The following values may currently be found:
- SCHEDULER: The collection was generated by a Production Scheduler (available from version 1.19.0).
- QUICK_PRINT: The collection was generated by a Quick Print (available from version 1.19.0).
- ENTITIES: The collection was generated by manually created Automation Jobs.
- Created: Indicates the time at which the collection was created.
- Finish Time: Indicates the anticipated completion time for the collection.
- Grouping Key: Displays all grouping keys used for the Automation Jobs, which will play a crucial role in imposition.
- Size of Group: Indicates the number of Print Items in the collection.
- Data Preparation Date: In future versions, this field will indicate the date by which data preparation should commence in the future.
- Impose Date: In future versions, this field will indicate the date when the imposition should begin in the future.
- Render Date: In future versions, this field will indicate the date when the RIP Operation should commence in the future.
- Modified: Indicates when the collection was last modified.
Collection - Detail View
Click on the symbol in the list of collections to open the detail view for the selected collection. The following information is displayed in the detail view:
- Automation Jobs: Displays the number of created Automation Jobs.
- Print Items: Displays the number of Print Items within the Automation Jobs.
- Production Jobs: Displays the number of created Production Jobs.
- Preview: Displays a preview of the Print Item processed by the Automation Job.
- Name of Automation Job: Displays the name of the Automation Job, which is typically the name of the Print Item.
- Progress / Status Bar: Shows the various operations of the Production Configuration being executed, along with the respective status of each operation.
- Link to Print Item: Provides a link to the relevant Print Item and displays the Print Item ID.
- Link to Production Job: Provides a link to the relevant Production Job and displays its ID.
Figure 15: Detail view of a Automation collection
Automation Job Collections from Manual Creation and Quick Print
From version 1.19.0, collections are automatically created for Automation Jobs when these Automation Jobs are created manually from Articles/Print Items or when utilizing the Quick Print function.
2.4.4. Production Scheduler
The following improvements have been implemented in version 1.18.1 for the Production Scheduler.
Updating Query Results
The query results in the Apply to tab are now updated immediately after adding multiple filters.
Figure 16: The Apply to tab of the Production Scheduler dialog
2.5. Task Notifications
Since version 1.18.0, users have had access to a central location for task notifications. In version 1.18.1, it is now possible to copy the GUID of the task for Approval Projects through this dialog and subsequently navigate to the dashboard of the Approval Projects.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to the Workflow header.
- Open the Task Notifications [29] dialog.
- Click the Copy to Clipboard to copy the GUID [27] for the desired Approval Project.
- Click the GoTo [28] button.
- The Dashboard for the Approval Projects will open.
- Use the search bar to locate the GUID for the project.
Figure 17: The notification window with the new buttons
2.6. "Aleph LAFORTE" Printer System
In version 1.17.0, the printing system was integrated into the Workflow for direct control. You can read more about the corresponding printer setup via the link.
In version 1.18.1, an additional method for controlling the printing system has been implemented. This new method is based on TIFF control, which allows for faster data transfer to the printing system. Furthermore, this implementation enables users to access the Ink Consumption Calculation for this printing system in the Statistics tab of an Article or Print Item.
To access the printing system using the new method, navigate to Administration > Printers > + New and select the Durst printer Aleph -LaForte TIFF.
Figure 18: The Add Printer dialog for the Aleph - LaForte TIFF printer type
2.7. Fixup Templates – Export and Import
With version 1.18.1, users can now export Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates, as well as custom templates in Fixups, for the first time, and import them on another system.
To export or import Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates, please follow these steps:
- Navigate to Administration > Settings > Preflight / Fixups [30]. Select the desired Preflight and Fixup Template [34].
- Click on the More Options menu [31].
- Select the Export [33] option. The selected template will be exported with the
.ptbtemplateextension. - To import a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template on the target workstation, follow the first three steps.
- Then, select the Import [32] option from the Additional options [31] menu.
- Choose the exported template with the
.ptbtemplateextension and load it into the Workflow.
Figure 19: The Preflight / Fixups tab in the Administration > Settings menu
Users can now save custom templates in nearly all available Fixups within the Workflow, and starting from version 1.18.1, they can also export and import these templates.
To export or import a template for a Fixup, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to the detailed view of an Article or Print Item.
- Open the Data Preparation tab.
- Select a Standard Fixup that utilizes a template, such as "Create Bleed by Mirroring".
- In the Templates [35] section, select the template you wish to export.
- Open the More options [36] drop-down menu.
- Select Export [38] to export the selected template with the file extension
.ptbtemplate. - Select Import [37] to import a saved template with the file extension
.ptbtemplate.
Figure 20: The Create Bleed by Mirroring dialog box with a custom template already selected
Possible conflicts when importing
Please note that you cannot import a duplicate of a template. To proceed, you must first delete the existing template before re-importing the corresponding template.
Additionally, you will receive a notification if you attempt to import a template from a different Fixup. Therefore, we recommend clearly naming the exported templates to ensure you can easily reference the desired template.
2.8. Fixup Chains
Version 1.18.1 not only allows for the export and import of templates for Fixups but also for Fixup Chains along with all their associated Fixups and values.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Administration > Fixup Chains.
- Select the desired Fixup Chain [40].
- Open the More options drop-down menu [39].
- Select the Export [42] option to export the entire Fixup Chain with all the values for the individual Fixups. The file extension for an exported Fixup Chain is
.ptbchain. - Select the Import [41] option to import a Fixup Chain into a target Workflow.
Figure 21: The Fixup Chains tab, where you can import and export Fixup Chains
2.9. Data Preparation
During the development of version 1.18.1, a new Fixup was added to the Workflow, and the functionality of existing Fixups was enhanced, improving their overall usability.
2.9.1. New Fixup
In version 1.18.1, a new Fixup was implemented based on requests from numerous customers in the label and large format sectors.
Flatten Form XObjects
The Fixup Flatten Form XObjects can be utilized to resolve all form XObjects in the page stream. While this process may significantly increase the file size, it enables access to individual objects for editing. This Fixup is especially beneficial when splitting a Multipage document into individual pages and removing overlapping vectors and images.
Find a detailed description of how this Fixup operates, please refer to the link provided here.
Figure 22: The dialog for the new Fixup Flatten Form XObjects
2.9.2. Improvements To Existing Fixups
For some existing Fixups, new functions have been added, and/or the user guidance has been improved.
Upscale Image Resolution
This Fixup upsamples the resolution of color, grayscale, or black-and-white images to the specified target resolution. This helps to reduce the sawtooth effect at the sharp edges of individual objects. You can learn more about this Fixup in the accompanying article.
The following improvements are available in version 1.18.1:
- Resample [43] [45]: These options can now be parameterized using Variable Content.
- Compression [44] [46]: These options can now be parameterized using Variable Content.
Figure 23: The Fixup Upscale Image Resolution
Add Grommets/Drillholes
This Fixup adds grommets/drillholes to the selected horizontal or vertical edges. You can specify the number of grommets to be placed, as well as the spacing between them. Additionally, the size and color of the grommets/drillholes can be defined in the Advanced tab. For more information about this Fixup, please refer to this article.
With version 1.18.1, the Advanced tab now offers the option to define the Shape of the Mark [47] as either a circle or a cross. Using a cross mark in conjunction with cutter devices facilitates the distinction between cut or register marks and grommets or drillholes.
Figure 24: The Advanced tab of the Add Grommets/Drillholes dialog
Add Pole Pockets
This Fixup adds a pole pocket to the front side at the selected edge of the Print Item. The Print Item on the backside is mirrored to the front side. You can define which area of the backside should overlap with the front side, up to the maximum size of the pole pocket. Learn more about this Fixup in this article.
With version 1.18.1, the following backside options are available in the Create Backside [48] feature.
- Frontside on the Backside is standard behavior when creating a pole.
- Create blank Backside when the file is double-sided.
- Create without Backside - the file remains single-page.
Figure 25: The revised Add Pole Pocket Fixup dialog
2.10. SDK Versions
Further bug fixes, new features, and improvements are also provided by updates from OEM partners, among others. The following SDK updates are included in version 1.18.1:
- Update to Callas software pdfToolbox 15.1.639
- Update to Color Logic CrossXColor 1.21.3
- Update to Global Graphics Mako 7.4
3. Improvements
In version 1.18.1 of the Workflow, several additional minor improvements have been implemented, including the following:
3.1. Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
In version 1.18.1, a new correction has been added to the Check-in Preflight and Fixup templates.
3.1.1. Improved User Guidance
The following options are now available in this dialog:
- Name of the template [49]: Displays the Check-in Preflight and Fixup template that is currently being edited.
- Search field [50]: Filter the list of all Checks and Fixups by entering a search term.
-
Tags [53]: Filter the list of all Checks and Fixups by selecting a category. The following categories are available:
- Document
- Object
- Page
- Font
- Color
- Image
- Text
- Page Box
- Page Content
- Layer
- PDF/X-1a
- PDF/X-3
- PDF/X-4
- PDF/X-6
- ERP
- All Checks and Fixups [54]: Display all Checks and Fixups.
- All Checks [55]: Filter the list for Checks.
- All Fixups [56]: Filter the list for Fixups.
-
Quick Filter [51]: Filter the list by activity status. The following quick filters are available:
- All – No filtering by activity status.
- Activated – Displays the currently active Checks and Fixups.
- Deactivated – Displays the currently deactivated Checks and Fixups.
- Activate/Deactivate [52]: Click to switch a Check or Fixup on or off.
- Open settings area [57]: Click to open the settings area, where you can find a description of the Check or Fixup and, in some cases, where you can also make settings.
- Close settings area [59]: Click to close the settings area.
- Settings area [60]: Set the desired parameters for the Check or Fixup.
-
Severity [58]: Select the severity level to be applied to the Checks. Choose from three levels:
- Error
- Warning
- Info
Figure 26: The new user interface of the dialog for configuring a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template
3.1.2. New Fixups
The new Fixups Remove Control Characters in Spot Color Names and Advanter ERP Checks and Fixups are available in version 1.18.1.
Remove Control Characters in Spot Color Names
The new Fixup Remove Control Characters in Spot Color Names replaces control characters, such as line breaks, page breaks, and tab characters in Spot Color names with a space.
Figure 27: The Fixup Remove Control Characters in Spot Color Names in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
Advanter ERP - Checks and Fixups
This check allows you to verify the print file´s width and height and height against the expected values, within a specified tolerance. Additionally, it provides options for a resolution warning and an error check.
Figure 28: The settings area for checking and fixing Advanter ERP Checks and Fixups in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
3.2. PDF Printer
The PDF Printer was completely revised in version 1.18.0 and now includes the option to create multiple Color Policies based on ICC print profiles available in the Workflow for the PDF printer.
Further improvements and enhancements have been introduced in version 1.18.1.
Pre-filled Ink Family
From this version onwards, when a PDF Printer is created, the Ink Family in the Printheads tab is automatically filled with the PDF Ink Family.
Figure 29: The Add Printer dialog with the Printheads tab pre-filled
Pre-filled Color Configuration
From this version onwards, the Type and Color Configuration are pre-filled in the Color Configuration tab when the printer is created.
Figure 30: The Add Printer dialog with the Color Configuration
Pre-filled values
The pre-filled values for the Ink Family and Color Configuration are available exclusively for the PDF printer. These values cannot be automatically assigned to other printer types.
3.3. Die Cut Management
Since version 1.16.0, it has been possible to manage One-Ups and N-Ups, utilize One-Ups for data preparation, and impose a Die Cut (N-Up) layout with the appropriate Print Items. For information on the functions in the respective sections of versions 1.16.0 and 1.17.0, please refer to the release notes of the previous releases.
The following new features have been implemented in this area in version 1.18.1:
3.3.1. Impose Editor
N-Ups – Shape-Nesting
Shape Nesting has been enhanced in this version for creating N-Ups from a One-Up in the Impose Editor.
A uniform rotation is applied to all placed One-Ups, and the newly implemented Based on Shape function allows an N-Up with One-Ups that are placed edge to edge.
Figure 31: A One-Up that was imposed as an N-Up in the Impose Editor
N-Up – Open Directly
From this version onwards, a N-Up can be opened directly in the Impose Editor from the Die Cut Library, facilitating the quick and easy imposition of Print Items in an N-Up.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library.
- Open the N-Up tab [61].
- Select the desired N-Up in the list of N-Ups.
- Open the More Options menu [62].
- Select the Open N-Up in the Impose Editor [63] option.
Figure 32: The list of N-ups with the function to open an N-up in the Impose Editor
- The New Imposition dialog box opens.
- The N-Up [65] is preselected, and the Repeat Size [64] (MediaBox) of the N-Up has been applied.
- Click on Create to generate the impose sheet with the selected Die Cut.
Figure 33: The New Imposition dialog with the pre-filled N-Up and the Repeat Size
3.3.2. Merge One-Up into Print Item
In version 1.18.1, the Merge One-Up into Print Item dialog box has been updated to improve its user interface. To access the revised dialog box, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to the list view of an Article or a Print Item.
- Select the desired Print Item from the list.
- Open the Process drop-down menu in the header of the Workflow interface.
- Select the Merge One-Up into Print Item entry.
- The following two options are available in two dialog columns:
- Add Spot Colors [66] – Use this option to specify which Spot Colors from the One-Up should be transferred into the Print Item.
- Remove Spot Colors [67] – Use this option to specify which Spot Colors from the One-Up should be removed from the Print Item.
- Select or remove the desired Spot Colors.
- Click Save to execute the merge or deletion of Spot Colors.
Figure 34: The improved Merge One-Up into Print Item dialog
3.3.3. Die Cut Library
The following new features have been implemented in Administration > Die Cut Library:
3.3.4. N-Up – Sheet/Repeat Size
The Sheet Size option has been added to the Display Options in the N-Up tab. This option displays the size of the MediaBox for the N-Up, which can be used in the Die Cuts Impose Mode to set the size of the Impose Sheet.
To display this information in the N-Up list, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Administration > Die Cut Library and select the N-Up [68] tab.
- In the More [69] menu, select the Display Options menu item.
Figure 35: The list of N-Ups with the displayed Sheet Size
- In the open dialog, select the Detail View [71] tab.
- Use the Add [73] button to add the information about the Sheet Size [72] to a desired block.
- Click Save.
- The Sheet Size [70] is now displayed as information in the desired block.
Figure 36: The Filter, Search, and Display Options dialog box with the Sheet Size option
3.4. Add Printer – Create and Edit Color Policies
In version 1.18.0, users could create and edit multiple Color Policies for a PDF Printer for the first time.
In version 1.18.1, it is now possible to create [74] and edit [75] Color Policies for printers from third-party providers in the new user interface. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Open the Administration > Printers menu.
- Select the desired Printer from the third-party provider in the list of Printers.
- Click on the name of the printer to open the dialog shown in Figure 37.
- If there is no Color Policy in the settings area of the same name, create a new Color Policy for this printer by clicking on Add [74].
- To change an existing Color Policy, select the desired Color Policy in the settings area of the same name, then click on Edit [75].
Figure 37: Color Policies in the third-party printer's detailed view
3.5. Color Setup Substrate Profile
When creating a substrate profile, the new option “Use maximally one additional Process Color (OVG)” is now available to users in the Spot Color tab starting from this version. This option is designed to prevent “bleeding” between CMYK and gamut-expanding Process Colors (OVG) for Spot Colors.
Figure 38: The Spot Color tab of the Create Substrate Profile dialog
3.6. Minor Improvements
The following minor improvements have been implemented in this version.
3.6.1. X-Rite Print Charts
Starting with this version, all Print Charts for X-Rite measuring devices are numbered by pages, as well as by lines and columns. This information simplifies the measurement process for users.
3.6.2. Include Captions
Additional information has been added to the Impose Editor for Captions to specify the "Include Captions" function integrated with version 1.18.0.
Note that the user has to create a Dieline around the Caption in the appropriate size to form a flap around the Caption. The Dielines of both the caption and the Print Item must overlap for them to be included.
Figure 39: The Finishing tab with information about the Include Captions function
4. Fixed Bugs
The following bugs have been fixed in this interim release:
4.1. Workflow
Settings – Output Template: When using a newly created PDF Printer with an Output Template, the Output Template was occasionally displayed as invalid. This error has been fixed.
Hotfolder – Deleting a Print Configuration: In some cases, it was not possible to edit a Hotfolder after deleting a connected Print Configuration. This issue has been fixed and users can now add a new Printer and a new Print Configuration to the Hotfolder.
Data Preparation – Input Fields: Due to excessively long placeholder labels, information in various Fixups was hidden. This issue has been fixed by implementing wider input fields.
4.2. Impose Editor
Crop Marks – Overlap: When adding crop marks to an Imposition with a Bleed, the crop marks would, in some cases, overlap the Bleed. This behavior has been fixed.
N-Up – Placement: When placing an N-Up on an Impose Sheet, it sometimes occurred that the N-Up was placed on the Final Size instead of the MediaBox. This bug has been fixed.
Tiling – Distortion: When a Tiling was created with a Substrate that included distortion, and the Tiling was split into separate Articles, the Articles also exhibited distortion. This behavior has been fixed. The distortion is no longer applied when splitting into separate Articles.
4.3. VDP Editor
CSV file with UTF-16: CSV files containing UTF-16 encoding were either not rendered by the Workflow or were rendered incorrectly. This bug has been fixed.
5. Hotfixes
The designation for this release was “DW Build 1.18.1(xxxx)”. No hotfixes have yet been released for this version.