User Manual – Durst

Release - 1.10

Updated on

Release Date: 12/09/2024

In this article, you will learn about

  • available new features,
  • which improvements have been implemented for users, as well as,
  • which bugs were fixed in version 1.10 of the PDF Editor.

1. Overview

With version 1.10, users can refer to some innovations regarding the visualization of print-relevant areas, the creation of PDF/X-compliant files, and Bleed mirroring. In addition, improvements have been implemented for layer management and in many other areas.

1.1. New Features

The following new features were implemented:

  • Visualize print-relevant areas: It is now possible to quickly visualize constructs that frequently lead to errors. [PPDPDF-1289, PPDPDF-1293]
  • Add Bleed: The option to create Bleed by mirroring has been added. [PPDPDF-1142]
  • Send status report to development: It is now possible to easily send error reports to the development team. [PPDPDF-1151]
  • Save PDF/X-compliant files: In the Save as dialog, users can now select PDF/X standards to save the selected file. [PPDPDF-985]
  • New layer handling: The layer editing has been redesigned to align more closely with the PDF standard. This resulted in improved behavior when assigning, creating, and copying objects associated with layers. [PPDPDF-1078], [PPDPDF-313], [PPDPDF-628], [PPDPDF-628], [PPDPDF-1155], [PPDPDF-1279], [PPDPDF-1153]
  • Remove overlapping images in the Optimize Document dialog: It is now possible to remove overlapping images in the Optimize Document dialog. Thereby, it is possible to remove non-displayed pixels within the enclosing rectangle for all images in the document. [PPDPDF-1201]
  • Create Dieline and Spot Color Separation from Clipping Paths: The option has been created to generate a Dieline or a Spot Color Separation from a Clipping Path. [PPDPDF-1225]

Underlying MAKO version

The PDF Editor version 1.10 uses MAKO 7.4.1.

1.2. Improved User Guidance

The following enhancements in the user guidance have been implemented:

  • Restructuring of the status bar: The status bar is now clearer and has new input options. [PPDPDF-566]
  • New buttons in the Images tab: Buttons regarding the context menu have been added. [PPDPDF-1171], [PPDPDF-1237], [PPDPDF-1268]
  • New buttons in the Inspect Objects tab: Buttons for faster handling have been added. [PPDPDF-1008]
  • Embed fonts: All non-embedded fonts can now be embedded in the Options settings area. [PPDPDF-563]
  • Smaller tiles in the transparency grid: The transparency grid is now displayed with smaller tiles for a better overview. [PPDPDF-1049]
  • Two decimal places for millimeters: To enable more precise entries, two decimal places are now available for millimeters. [PPDPDF-1212]
  • Spot Colors per page: Spot Colors are now solely loaded per page. If necessary, they can be reloaded per page. This significantly improves performance when opening Multipage PDF files with many Spot Colors. [PPDPDF-1224]
  • Color value range moved to the tooltip: The color space indication of where a color range  is situated has been moved to the tooltip. [PPDPDF-1047]
  • Display of comments: PDF comments are now hidden by default to always show the final print result. [PPDPDF-1290]
  • Path view per document: Path View is now activated per document and no longer for all documents at the same time. [PPDPDF-1213]
  • Width of the sidebar: The width of the sidebar can now be reduced to create more space for editing the document.

1.3. Bug Fixes

The following bugs have been fixed:

  • Unsigned "Uninstaller" on Windows: On Windows, only the installer was signed. This behavior has been fixed, now also the uninstaller is signed. [PPDPDF-1202]
  • CMYK white is not displayed transparently: CMYK white is now displayed as a white color area and no longer as a transparent object. [PPDPDF-681]
  • Transforming with percentage values led to errors: When objects were transformed with percentage entries, this could lead to unwanted effects. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-1084]
  • Changing Clipping Paths: When Clipping Paths were changed, this led to paths being duplicated. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-1214]
  • Irrelevant RGB and CMYK profiles were displayed in the preferences: RGB and CMYK profiles that are not relevant are no longer displayed in the selection menu. [PPDPDF-369]
  • Font embedding when saving: When saving a file all fonts were embedded. This behavior has been fixed. [PPDPDF-1062]
  • Problems with color calculation: The option Show simulated values of CMYK Working Color Space could be activated, but did not change the displayed values. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-326]
  • Crash after TIFF import: Importing a TIFF image caused the application to crash. This behavior has been fixed. [PPDPDF-1227]
  • Incorrect rotation angle: The Edit tab sometimes displayed incorrect rotation angles for objects. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-719]
  • Incorrect color preview in the Inspect Objects: The preview of Spot Colors and Process Colors in the Inspect Objects tab wasn't as accurate as necessary. This bug has been fixed; the correct color is now displayed. [PPDPDF-1273]
  • Scale Pages could not be executed with rotated files: Files that had been rotated caused errors when scaling the page. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-1283]
  • Text frame does not match text size: The size of the frames did not match the actual size of the text. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-1038]
  • Color profiles were displayed twice: Duplicate profiles were displayed in color profile selection lists. This bug has been fixed. [PPDPDF-369, PPDPDF-1301]

Below please find a detailed description of all changes regarding New Features and Improvements.

2. New Features

Version 1.10 offers a number of new features:

2.1. Visualization of Print-relevant Areas

PDF Editor version 1.10 offers new options to quickly visualize problematic print data. To analyze data, the following steps are required:

  1. Open the Visualize tab.
  2. The now open mode is activated automatically and shows an overlay [1] in the print file that marks problem areas.
  3. Select one of the desired methods for visualizing problem areas. The overlay is always adapted to the selected mode. The following options are available.
    • Combined View [2]: It is possible to set and display the options that are listed below together.
    • Total Ink Amount [3]: Use this mode to display areas whose ink coverage is above a certain threshold.
    • Image Resolution [4]: Use this mode to highlight images whose resolution is below a certain threshold.
    • Font Size [5]: Use this mode to highlight text that is smaller than a certain threshold.
    • Line Width [6]: Use this mode to highlight paths whose line width is below a certain threshold.

Thresholds can be adjusted. The overlay is adapted live to the selected threshold values.

Figure 1: Visualize tab with a selection of options

2.1.1. Visualize "Combined View"

The Combined View option allows you to visualize the following options together.

  • Total Ink Amount [7] – This option allows you to display areas where the ink coverage is above a certain threshold.
    • Information [8] – This option displays relevant information.
      • Preview Color – This color shows the problem areas in the overlay.
      • Range – This option displays the lowest and highest values of the current page.
      • Coverage – This shows the percentage of the affected area.
    • Warning [17] – Clicking on the warning triangle selects all affected objects.
    • Threshold value [18] – Determine the percentage value for the color application starting from which the area is highlighted.
  • Image resolution [9] – Highlight images whose resolution is below a certain threshold.
    • Information [10]  Relevant information is displayed here.
      • Preview color – This color indicates problem areas in the overlay.
      • Range – The lowest and highest values for the current page are displayed here.
      • Matches – This shows how many objects in the area are affected.
    • Warning [19] – Clicking on the warning triangle selects all problem areas.
    • Threshold value [20] – Determine the minimum number of dpi from which the area is highlighted.
  • Font size [11] – Highlight text that is smaller than a certain threshold value.
    • Information [12] – This is where relevant information is displayed.
      • Preview color – This color is used to display problem areas in the overlay.
      • Range – The lowest and highest values of the current page are displayed here.
      • Matches – This shows how many objects in the area are affected.
      • Warning [21] – Clicking on the warning triangle selects all problem areas.
    • Threshold value [22] – Determine the minimum size in pt at which fonts are highlighted.
  • Line Width [13] – Highlight paths whose width is below a certain threshold.
    • Information [14] – Relevant information is displayed here.
      • Preview color – This color is used to display problem areas in the overlay.
      • Range – The highest and lowest values of the current page are displayed here.
      • Matches – This shows how many objects in the area are affected.
    • Warning [23] – Clicking on the warning triangle selects all problem areas.
    • Threshold value [24] – Control the line width in pt from which the lines are highlighted.
  • Simulation Profile [15] – Determine which ICC profile should be used to calculate the color application for the document.
  • Visualize Gradient Settings [16] – Set the colors for the overlay.

Figure 2: Combined View in the Visualize tab

2.1.2. Visualize "Total Ink Amount"

Depending on the paper and ink, it is important to know how high the ink coverage of the objects in a print file is. To make this operation as smooth as possible, you can easily visualize the ink application. Use the following settings for this:

  • Values greater than [25] – This can be used to control the percentage of ink application from which the area is colored.
  • Range [26] – The lowest and highest values of the current page are displayed here.
  • Coverage [27] – This shows what percentage of the area is affected.
  • Simulation Profile [28] – Determine which ICC profile is used to calculate the color application for the document.
  • View Gradient Settings [29] – The following parameters can be set here:
    • Start Color – Determine the overlay color for the lower threshold.
    • End Color – Determine the overlay color for the upper threshold.
    • Max. Value – Determine the upper threshold in percent.

Figure 3: Visualizing the Total Ink Amount in the Visualize tab

2.1.3. Visualize "Image Resolution"

Depending on the printing process and viewing distance, it may be necessary to print more or less high-resolution images. By visualizing the image resolution, you can quickly identify all images below a certain value.

  • Values smaller than [30] – Control the number of dpi from which the area is colored.
  • Range [31] – The lowest and highest values for the current page are displayed here.
  • Matches [32] – This shows how many objects in the area are affected.
  • Settings Visualize [33] – The following parameters can be set here:
    • Start Color – Determine the overlay color for the lower threshold.
    • End Color – Determine the overlay color for the upper threshold.
    • Max. Value  – Determine the upper threshold in dpi.

Figure 4: Visualizing the image resolution in the Visualize tab

2.1.4. Visualize "Font Sizes"

Small fonts can be rendered illegible depending on the printing procedure. In addition, some rules for font sizes are important for package printing. Therefore, it might be essential to quickly find small texts in a file.

  • Values smaller than [34] – Control the minimum size in pt for fonts to be colored.
  • Value range [35] – The highest and lowest values for the current page are displayed here.
  • Matches [36] – This is where the number of objects that are affected is displayed.
  • Visualize settings [37] – Set the following parameters here:
    • Start Color – Determine the overlay color for the lower threshold.
    • End Color  – Determine the overlay color for the upper threshold.
    • Max. Value – Determine the upper threshold in pt.

Figure 5: Visualizing font sizes in the Visualize tab

2.1.5. Visualize "Line Width"

Thin lines may become invisible depending on the printing process and RIP. It is therefore now also possible to detect thin lines more quickly.

  • Values smaller than [38] – Control the line width in pt from which the lines are colored.
  • Range [39] – The lowest and highest values of the current page are displayed here.
  • Matches [40] – This shows how many objects are affected by the problem.
  • Visualize Gradient Settings [41] – The following parameters can be set here:
    • Start Color – Sets the overlay color for the lower threshold.
    • End Color – Sets the overlay color for the upper threshold.
    • Max. Value  – Sets the upper threshold in pt or the unit set for Line Width in Visualize Gradient Settings.

Figure 6: Visualizing line widths in the Visualize tab

2.2. Add Bleed

Version 1.10 of the PDF Editor introduced the ability to add Bleed to rectangular print data. The following options are available:

  • Width of Bleed [42] – This allows you to add Bleed to the print file on the selected side.
    • Left – Value for the left Bleed.
    • Right – Value for the right Bleed.
    • Top – Value for the top Bleed.
    • Bottom – Value for the bottom Bleed.
  • Lock [46] – Determines whether the Bleed is applied for left, right, top, and bottom evenly or different values can be applied.
  • Current Page [43] – This is used to create the Bleed for the selected page only.
  • All Pages [44] – This is used to create the Bleed for all pages.
  • Optimize Artwork for Nesting [45] – This creates the Bleed as Form XObjects, sets the MediaBox of the print file to the coordinates 0/0, and removes objects that lie entirely outside the BleedBox.

Figure 7: The Add Bleed dialog.

In the Edit tab, the Bleed can also be created in the Actions settings area by selecting the Add Bleed... [47] action.

Figure 8: The Add Bleed... in the Actions panel in the Edit tab

2.3. Send Status Report

PDF is a versatile, but also complex standard. If there are any problems with processing the print file, it is possible to immediately send a status report with an error description to the development team. The following options can be set when sending the status report:

  • Description [48] – The problem description can be entered here.
    • Step-by-step instructions on how the problem occurred are essential for the development team.
    • Adding an expectation helps the development team to identify the problem quicker.
  • Include Log Files [49] – This ensures that the software log files are sent to us, enabling us to analyze and correct errors quicker.
  • Add File [50] – Since the PDF standard allows many different constructs, it is advantageous for us if we can reproduce the faulty behavior in the problem file. Sending the print file is very useful for development.
  • macOS Crash Report [51] – macOS users can attach the contents of the crash report to the email. This gives us deeper insights into the encountered problems.

Figure 9: The Send Status Report dialog

2.4. Files with PDF/X Conformity

The option to save files in a PDF version or a PDF/X standard has been added to the Save File As... dialog.

  • Unchanged [52] – The file is saved with the same PDF version / PDF standard that is already stored in the file.
  • PDF version 1.3 [53] – The file is saved as PDF 1.3. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF version 1.4 [54] – The file is saved as PDF 1.4. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF version 1.5 [55] – The file is saved as PDF 1.5. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF version 1.6 [56] – The file is saved as PDF 1.6. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF version 1.7 [57] – The file is saved as PDF 1.7. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF version 2.0 [58] – The file is saved as PDF 2.0. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF/X-1a standard [59] – The file is saved as PDF/X-1a. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.
  • PDF/X-4 standard [60] – The file is saved as PDF/X-4. All necessary processing instructions are automatically executed.

What are PDF versions and PDF standards?

PDF versions define the development versions that the PDF standard has undergone over the years. The PDF/X standard, on the other hand, specifies an exact set of can, must, and should provisions for files to achieve uniform quality criteria. Find out more in this article.

Figure 10: The Save File As dialog with the option to select PDF versions and PDF/X standard

2.5. Handling Layers

Layers in PDF files are described as OCGs in the PDF specification and are becoming increasingly important in modern production environments, especially when used in combination with processing steps. Therefore, the following new features have been implemented:

2.5.1. Assign Layers

Layers can be assigned in the Attributes section of the Edit tab. To assign objects to a new layer, proceed as follows:

  1. Select the object you want to assign to a layer.
  2. Switch to the Attributes section in the Edit tab.
  3. Open the Layer drop-down menu.
  4. Select one of the existing layers.
  5. The object is assigned to the layer.
  6. You can now show or hide the layer in the Options section in the View and Analyze tab.

2.5.2. Create Layers

Layers can be created in the Attributes settings area of the Edit tab. To create a new layer, proceed as follows:

  1. Select an object that should be placed on a new layer.
  2. Switch to the Attributes settings area in the Edit tab.
  3. Open the Layer drop-down menu.
  4. Select the Assign Objects to a new Layer... option
  5. The Add new Layer dialog opens.
  6. Enter the desired name for the layer.
  7. Confirm with OK.
  8. The object is assigned on the newly created layer.
  9. Now you can display or hide the layer in the Options settings area in the View and Analyze tab.

2.5.3. Copy Layers with Objects

Often, die-cuts and print images should be merged. In this context, it is very helpful if layers that are contained in the source PDF are also maintained in the PDF in which the objects are inserted. The following situations may arise:

  • If an object is inserted with a source layer, this layer is created in the target document.
  • If an object is inserted with a source layer and a layer with the same name already exists in the target document, both objects are placed on the same layer.

2.6. Remove Overlapping Images

Unused images are one of the main reasons why PDF files become unnecessarily large. This not only delays processing, but also enormously increases processing and RIP times. With version 1.10, the PDF Editor provides customers with a quick and easy solution to remove this data effortlessly.

Remove overlapping images [61] – This allows that all pixels that are outside the image clipping path – and therefore not visible – are deleted.

Figure 11: The new option Remove Overlapping Images in the Optimize Document dialog

2.7. Creating Dielines and Spot Color Separations from Clipping Path

Irregular shapes and image borders in PDF files are usually mapped by clipping path. To create a Dieline or a Spot Color channel from these Clipping Paths, proceed as follows:

  1. Select an object with a clipping path. To check which objects have a clipping path, you can select the Show Clipping Paths option in the View and Analyze tab.
  2. Switch to the Edit tab and navigate to the Actions settings area.
  3. Select Add Dieline... or Create Spot Color Separation....
  4. You can now select the entry Clipping Paths for Selected Objects in the Origin drop-down menu [62].
  5. Configure the remaining settings as needed to create Dielines or Spot Color Separations.
  6. The Dieline or Spot Color Separation will be created in the desired size.

Figure 12: The new option Clipping Paths for Selected Objects

3. Improvements

In addition to the major innovations, some improvements were also implemented in version 1.10.

3.1. Restructuring Status Bar

he status bar is the central point for the most important information. Therefore, the following options have been added.

  • Display of rendering progress [63] – This shows how many objects in the print file have already been rendered or processed and the percentage that has been completed.
  • X cursor coordinate [64] – This shows the X coordinate of your cursor.
  • Y cursor coordinate [65] – This is where the Y coordinate of your cursor is displayed.
  • Zoom level [66] – This is where the zoom factor is displayed as a percentage. You can use the arrow to select a different factor.
  • Display mode [67] – This is where you can select the display mode. The following options are available:
    • Print Preview – This is where the PDF is displayed in a simulated print preview.
    • Outline View – This is where only the outlines of the PDF objects are displayed.
  • Connected server [68] – This is where the IP address of the connected Workflow is displayed.

Figure 13: The newly structured status bar

3.2. New Buttons in the "Image" Tab

Icons have been added to the Images tab for better usability. The icons refer to the following functions:

  • Fit to Height [69] – Images are adjusted to the height in the Clipping Paths.
  • Fit to Width [70] – Images are adjusted to the width in the Clipping Paths.
  • Fit to Clipping Path [71] – Images are fitted to the Clipping Path.
  • Remove Overlapping Images for selected images [72] – Pixels outside the clipping path are removed.
  • Export and open the selected image in an image editor [73] – Export the selected image and edit it in the default image editor.
  • Export Selected Image [74] – Export the selected picture in the desired file format and quality.
  • Replace Selected Image [75] – Replace the selected picture with another picture stored on your computer.

Figure 14: Buttons in the Images tab

3.3. New Buttons in "Inspect Objects" Tab

The following two buttons have been added to the Inspect Objects tab to help you work faster with large lists:

  • Collapse All Entries [76] – All hierarchical subgroups are closed, only the main nodes remain visible.
  • Expand All Entries [77] – All hierarchical subgroups are opened, and all existing objects can be seen in hierarchical and nested form.

Figure 15: The Inspect Objects tab

3.4. Embed Fonts in "View and Analyze" Tab

In the last version, the option to display non-embedded fonts in the View and Analyze tab was added. Version 1.10 now also provides the option to embed fonts that are not embedded.

Embed System Fonts [78] – This embeds all fonts that can be accessed on your device and are currently not embedded in the PDF.

Figure 16: The Options settings area in the View and Analyze tab

3.5. Color Value Area in Tooltip

The information about the range of color values was removed from behind the name of the corresponding color value and moved to the tooltip.

Tooltip with adjustable color value range [79] – This indicates the range of color values. If, for example, -127...128 is specified, then values from -127 to 128 can be entered.

Figure 17: The Color settings area in the Edit tab

3.6. Outline View per Document

It is now possible to activate the outline view separately for each document. This allows documents to be displayed and compared simultaneously in print preview and outline view. This makes it easier to switch between the different files without having to constantly change the view.

  • Print Preview activated [80] – The print preview is displayed as usual.
  • Outline Preview activated [81] – Outline view can be activated for individual objects.

Figure 18: View of two PDF files for comparison: on the left in print preview, on the right in outline view

3.7. Side Bar Width

The sidebar can be customized as needed to free up more space on the monitor for analyzing and editing the PDF file.

  • Narrow sidebar [82] – The sidebar has been narrowed, giving you more space to interact with the print file.
  • Wide sidebar [83] – The sidebar has been widened. You now have more space to make settings.

Tabs in the sidebar

It may happen that tabs are available but not immediately visible. You can best detect this behavior by the scrollbar at the bottom of the bar. Alternatively, you can expand the sidebar to make sure that all tabs are visible.

Figure 19: The Options settings area in the View and Analyze tab

Next Article Release – 1.9

Release Notes – PDF Editor

Release Notes - 1.x Versions 9

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