Release Date: 06/30/2025
This article provides a detailed description of
- the new features introduced in version 1.20.1, and
- the improvements that have been implemented for users.
An overview of the new functions is available in the article Release 1.20.1 (Minor Release).
1. New Features
This section provides a detailed description of the new features implemented in the Impose Editor, the Automation of processes, the user interface, Approval Projects, Routines, and in Data Preparation.
1.1. Impose Editor
With version 1.20.1, existing functions in the Impose Editor have been expanded and optimized. The following new features and improvements have been implemented:
1.1.1. Nesting – Framing of Groupings
Grouping and Sorting of Print Items within a Nesting has been available in the Workflow for some time.
As of this version, users now have the option to add a caption to a group of Print Items and to draw a line around the group. This ensures improved visibility of Print Items that belong together for an Order, Order line, or Article-Collection within a Nesting.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- Open the Impose Editor in Impose Mode Nesting and add the desired Print Items from an Order or an Article Collection to the Imposition.
- In the tab Artboard [1], open the section Settings [2].
- Under Imposition based on, select the option ImageBox + Bleed [3].
- In the dropdown menu of Sequence of Placement, select the option Grouping / Sorting [4].
Figure 1: The tab Artboard with the corresponding Settings
- In the dialog Group and Sort that opens, select the desired Grouping Criteria [5] – e.g. Order – Order Number; Order Line – Order Line Info; Print Item – Print Item Name, or any other criterion.
- Select the desired Wrapping Method [6] – e.g. Start the group in a new row or Continuous.
- Now activate the options Add Caption for Group [7] and Create Line around Group [8] as desired.
- Click Save to apply the settings.
Figure 2: The dialog Group and Sort with the new checkboxes for Groups
- The Print Items on the Artboard are now enclosed by a black line [10] corresponding to their group, with the Captions [9] of the group displayed on the line.
Figure 3: The Artboard with Line and Caption for the selected groups
1.1.2. Nesting – Shape Nesting with Faster Calculation
In this version, the processing time for Shape Nesting – especially when using the Strategy Keep exact ratio of copies [11] – has been significantly reduced through an improvement in the calculation logic.
Figure 4: The tab Artboard with the settings for Shape Nesting using the Strategy Keep exact ratio of copies
1.1.3. Tiling – Tile Number
In version 1.20.1, Tiling now includes, in addition to the existing sequential numbering of individual tiles, a column and row designation [12] – A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2, and so on. This information is also provided in the Mounting Instructions.
Figure 5: The new tile numbers in Tiling
Tile Number
The letter in the tile number [12] indicates the column, while the number specifies the row. Note that this tile numbering always starts from the top left and cannot be disabled.
1.1.4. Tiling – Expose View
Starting with this version, the Expose View [13] in the Imposition Mode Tiling, the individual tiles displays the individual tiles at their original size, even when the dimensions of the Impose Sheet are not cropped [14]. In previous versions, this was not the case – the individual parts of the Print Item were imposed together onto a single tile.
Figure 6: The individual tiles of a tiling in the Expose View
1.1.5. Die Cut – Start Position for "Marks and Captions"
The function Horiz. Origin for Marks and Captions, introduced in version 1.19.1, is now also available in the Impose Mode Die Cut. With this option, the entry "N-Up" [15] can now be selected as the start position.
Figure 7: An N-Up with the Horizontal Origin N-Up for placing Rectangle Marks
1.1.6. Dielines – Stroke Width less than 1 pt
When adding Dielines in the tab Finishing [16] of the Impose Editor, it is now possible to set the Stroke Width [17] to a value below 1 pt. Entering a Stroke Width less than 1 pt was not possible in previous versions.
Figure 8: The tab Finishing with the Stroke Width setting for a Dieline
1.2. Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates – New Features/Improvements
In version 1.20.1, the following new features for the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates have been implemented in the Settings in Preflight / Fixups.
1.2.1. Check "Glyphs missing in an embedded Font"
The check Glyphs missing in an embedded Font has been introduced in this version. All fonts embedded in a PDF file must contain glyphs for all characters used in the PDF file. This requirement is mandated by certain PDF-based ISO standards, such as PDF/X. Missing glyphs can result in unwanted symbols appearing in the text.
Figure 9: The check Glyphs missing in an embedded Font in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
1.2.2. Check "Text is smaller than"
The following options are now available for the existing check Text is smaller than:
-
Ignore objects outside [18] – This option allows the user to ignore objects outside a selected box – TrimBox, BleedBox, or CropBox.
-
Variable Content [22] – By enabling Variable Content, you can select the desired placeholder – Database Field or User-defined Field – from which the value for determining the text types will be retrieved. The following values must be present in the selected field for the text type to be ignored:
Inside_TrimBoxInside_BleedBoxInside_CropBox
-
Variable Content [22] – By enabling Variable Content, you can select the desired placeholder – Database Field or User-defined Field – from which the value for determining the text types will be retrieved. The following values must be present in the selected field for the text type to be ignored:
- Apply to text using Black - CMYK(0/0/0/100) | RGB(0/0/0) | Grayscale 0% | DeviceN Black [19] – When this checkbox is enabled, the check is applied to all text with the specified values.
- Apply to text using Rich Black - CMYK(30/30/30/80) up to (100/100/100/100) [20] – When this checkbox is enabled, the check is applied to all text within the specified value range.
- Apply to white text - CMYK(0/0/0/0) | RGB(255/255/255) | Grayscale 100% [21] – When this checkbox is enabled, the check is applied to all text with the specified values.
Figure 10: The check Text is smaller than in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
1.2.3. Other Improvements
In the context of the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates, several minor improvements have also been implemented. These include the following:
Hiding a Layer without Layer Name
Layers of type OCCD (Optional Content Configuration Dictionary) describe which layers are visible when the PDF file is opened. They do not have a layer name and therefore do not contain any objects. Starting with this version, such layers are no longer displayed in the tab Page Information within the detailed view of an Article or Print Item.
Preventing the Display of Errors when applying Fixups
Previously, the display of layers of type OCCD could cause an error when applying Fixups to layers. By ignoring these layer types, this error is no longer generated. Consequently, additional subsequential errors during the application of Fixups – such as no available layer for selection – have also been resolved and fixed with this update.
Optimization of the Fixup "Remove Spot Colors"
The Fixup "Remove Spot Colors" within a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template has been improved and optimized in its internal processing logic. As of this version, files containing a large number of Spot Colors can now be processed significantly faster.
1.3. Approval Projects
In this version, new options have been implemented in the Approvals area for creating Approval Projects within Create and Manage Approvals in Approval Projects.
1.3.1. Creating an Approval Project for all Print Items of an Order
This version provides the option to create an Approval Project for all Print Items of an Order – including across multiple order lines. Previously, this was only possible for the Print Items of a single order line.
To create Approvals for all Print Items across order lines, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Orders > Orders.
- Select the desired order containing multiple order lines from the list of Orders.
- Open the Order.
- Click on the newly implemented Reports [23] icon in the Order header.
- Select the entry Create Approval Project from the menu.
Figure 11: An Order with the icon for creating an Approval Project across multiple Order lines
- In the dialog Create Approval Project that opens, all Print Items from the various Order lines are now available for selection.
- After making your selections, proceed to create the Approval Project.
Figure 12: The dialog Create Approval Project with all Print Items from the various Order lines
1.3.2. Using Multipage PDFs in a Report
Starting with version 1.20.1, Approval Projects provide the option to add placeholders to a report for displaying up to six Print Items from Multipage PDFs. These placeholders [24] are included by default in the Report Templates PrintItemReportTemplate_HF (portrait format) and PrintItemReportTemplate_QF (landscape format) and are delivered with your Workflow.
For more information on customizing your reports and integrating them into the Workflow, refer to the article Customize Report Templates.
Figure 13: The newly available placeholders in a Report Template for the InDesign layout
Standard Report in Future Versions
Starting with version 1.21.0, a template for creating an Approval Project for Multipage PDFs will be provided.
1.4. Automation
Since version 1.19.0, users with the appropriate license have the option to create Automation Jobs. This allows individual Production Configurations for the manufacturing of print products to be defined and processed automatically.
1.4.1. Operations
In the Operations environment, two new Operations have been added, and some existing Operations have been partially improved.
Operation "Create Production Job for Tracks"
In this version, the operation Create Production Job for Tracks has been added. This Operation includes the following functions and enables the execution of the following tasks:
- The Operation offers all functions of the Operation Create Production Job from Imposition in the tab General [25].
- The tracks configured on the printer can be fed separately with Print Data in a defined sequence.
- The No. of Tracks [26] for the printer can be defined, allowing the total print width to be divided across these tracks.
- It is possible to define how many Files per Track [27] should be used and Define Track Sequence [28] by entering the sequence numbers per Print Track.
- Each Print Track has to be assigned to a separate target directory. These target directories have to be created under Administration > File Management as type Printer in order to be used as target directories. The created target directories must then be linked to the respective printers under Administration > Printers.
Figure 14: The dialog of the Operation Create Production Job for Tracks; Left: The tab General; Right: The tab Tracks
Operation "Send to Printer"
The Operation Send to Printer has been enhanced with the following changes:
-
Start Processing [29] – Allows users to determine when and in which sequence Production Jobs are sent to the printer. The following options are available:
- Create only (do not render) – The Production Job is created with all parameters for rendering.
- Processing sequentially – The Production Jobs are processed one after another in the order they were created, maintaining the sequence defined by the user when creating the Automation Job at the printer.
- Processing immediately – Starts the rendering process immediately to utilize all available rendering instances and provide print data to the printer as quickly as possible.
- If free Hard Disk space available on the Printer – Starts the rendering process immediately, but only if sufficient disk space is available on the printer. A minimum required free space in MB must also be specified.
-
Lead In/Out [30] – Allows the creation of a Lead In/Out for this Operation.
- Overwrite systemwide defined Lead In/Out Settings [31] – Activating this option allows to overwrite all Settings for the Lead In/Out.
-
Rotate 180° Every Second Page [32] – Enables rotation of every second page in the output by 180°. When enabled, this function can be applied to the following options:
- Even Pages – Render each even page rotated by 180°.
- Odd Pages – Render each odd page rotated by 180°.
-
Mirror – Automated mirroring for the output.
- Horizontal [33] – Horizontally mirrored rendering of pages.
- Vertical [34] – Vertically mirrored rendering of pages.
Figure 15: The dialog of the Operation Send to Printer
Operations "Create Production Job” and “Create Production Job from Imposition"
The Operations Create Production Job and Create Production Job from Imposition have been updated with the following changes:
-
Variable Content [35] for the Production Date and the Delivery Date – For both operations, it is now possible for users to assign a Variable Content for the Production Date and the Delivery Date. Users can select placeholders from the following categories:
- Order – Created
- Order Line – Due Date or Created
- Automation Job – Created
- Bundle – Created
- Global – Current Date or Current Date and Time
- Substrate – Created
- Substrate Definition – Created
- Substrate Category – Created
- Print Item – Created or Last Modified, and
- Production Job – Created.
-
Time Offset for Current Date and Time – For both operations, it is now possible to define a time offset for the Current Date or Current Date and Time, enabling the Production Date and Shipping Date to be set relative to the processing time. The following functions [36] are available for this purpose:
- Duration
- Begin with and
- End with
This allows the user to set, for example, the production date of the Production Job based on the current processing time to 8 hours from the current processing time.
Figure 16: The dialog of the Operation Create Production Job with Production Date and Delivery Date
Operation "Create Production Job"
The Operation Create Production Job has been updated with the following changes:
Options removed from the User Interface – the following options are no longer available:
- Select multiple Color Policies
- Select multiple printers
Operation "Create Impose"
The following new features and changes have been implemented for the Operation Create Impose:
- The option Preserve Processing Sequence [37] is provided to create Production Jobs according to the sequence of the created Impositions.
- The Plate Template [39] is available in the user interface depending on the license (please contact your sales representative).
- When the Impose mode Step & Repeat is selected, the checkbox Override Step & Repeat Parameter of the Impose Template is available in this version. Activating this checkbox allows to override the parameters of the Impose Template.
- Starting with this version, the unit of measurement for Roll Length [38] is now dynamically displayed according to the systemwide unit settings of measurement, e.g., inches.
Figure 17: The Operation Create Impose with the new features
Operation "Create Impose with Auto Nesting"
The Operation Create Impose with Auto Nesting has been newly added in this version. It allows the processing method known as Auto Nesting for Hotfolders to be used in the new user interface.
To use this Operation, please note the following:
- The Operation offers all functions of the Operation Create Impose with the Impose Mode Nesting selected.
- In addition, the option Optimize (depending on the license) can now be used, which was not possible in previous versions.
Figure 18: The Operation Create Impose with Auto Nesting
Migrating Auto Nesting Hotfolders
If Auto Nesting Hotfolders are used in the system, after manually triggering the migration from the old processing method to the new implementation in the new user interface, the Operation "Create Impose with Auto Nesting" will be used in the migrated Production Configuration.
Operation “Split Print Items”
The following modification has been implemented for the Operation Split Print Item:
- Starting with this version, it is now possible to use the Operation multiple times within a Production Configuration. This is useful, for example, when a file that should be checked in is first split, then processed with a Fixup – e.g., Add Pole Pocket – to create a multipage PDF, and then split and imposed again.
Figure 19: A Production Configuration with the Operation Split Print Item used multiple times
Operation "Check-in Artwork and Normalize"
The following change has been implemented for the Operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize:
- Provides the option to set the Scale Factor [40] globally during check-in.
Figure 20: The Operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize with the Scale Factor
1.4.2. Substrate Size Validation
Starting with this version, a warning is issued if the Substrate size set in the Operations Create Impose or Create Impose with Auto Nesting does not match the selected Substrate Size of the Substrate Definition in the Output Template used in the Operation Create Production Job from Imposition.
Figure 21: Validation of the Substrate Size in a Production Configuration
1.4.3. Production Configuration
For Production Configurations, two further minor enhancements have been implemented. These include:
Duplicate
Starting with version 1.20.1, it is possible to duplicate existing Production Configurations directly within the user interface.
To do this, select the Production Configuration you want to duplicate and click Duplicate [41]. The dialog that opens presents the same interface as described in the article Create a Production Configuration, allowing you to adjust settings for the Production Configuration being duplicated if needed.
Figure 22: The Production Configurations menu with the option to Duplicate
Groups for Operations
Starting with this version, Operations in the selection menu are grouped according to their functions. The groups are organized as follows:
- Operations for Print Items [42] – This group contains all Operations used to prepare the Print Items that should be processed.
- Operations for Impositions [43] – This group contains all Operations used to create Impositions.
- Operations for Production Jobs [44] – This group contains all Operations used to create Production Jobs.
- Operations for Output [45] – This group contains all Operations used to control output.
Figure 23: Groups for Operations
1.4.4. Automation Variables
Starting with this version, Automation Variables can only be used with license packages that include Automation. Please contact your sales representative if you would like to use Automation Variables in your production.
1.4.5. Impose Jobs – List View
The list view of the Impose Jobs has been enhanced with general list functions and new functions. These include the following:
- Delete Impose Jobs – Select one or more Impose Jobs and click Delete [46] to remove them.
-
Quick Filter [47] – For a better overview of extensive lists, quick filters are now available to filter Impose Jobs by progress. The following quick filters are available:
- Production Job created – Shows Impose Jobs that are currently being converted to a Production Job. This filter will no longer be available in future versions, as the conversion to a Production Job only takes a few seconds, meaning entries in this status are rarely present.
- Pending – Shows Impose Jobs that are not yet completed. The reason for the pending status could be that the Imposition was created for a Bundle of Print Items and cannot be completed because the remaining Print Items in the Bundle are still pending. In case you still want to complete the Imposition, click on Create Impose [48].
- Imposed – Shows Impose Jobs that have already been imposed. This status currently only occurs if no Operation Production Job from Imposition exists in the Production Configuration. In future versions, this status will be used to evaluate the efficiency of the Impositions. The Imposition will then be filled with additional individual Print Items to complete them.
- Success – Shows Impose Jobs for which a Production Job has already been created.
Figure 24: The menu of the Impose Jobs with the new List view
1.4.6. Automation Jobs – List
Two new features have been added to the list of Automation Jobs.
Errors and Warnings
It is now possible to display warnings and errors with corresponding messages for an Automation Job. To view them, click on Error [49] for the respective Automation Job.
Figure 25: The processing results of the Automation Job
Next Execution
By hovering the mouse pointer over a process step [50] displays when the next step will start or be executed again.
Figure 26: The tooltip for the Next Execution
1.5. New User Interface
With version 1.20.1, various enhancements and some long-planned improvements have been implemented in the new user interface:
1.5.1. Cutter Devices
Starting with this version, the menu Administration > Cutter Devices is solely available in the new user interface. Cutter Devices that are already existing in the system are automatically migrated to the new user interface.
In addition to the migration to the new structure, the following new features have been implemented:
- Barcode Content – Several placeholders are now available for encoding the barcode content. For information on how to edit them, refer to the section Placeholders for Barcode Content and Name of the Cut File.
- Assigning Spot Colors to Tools – The option of assigning the same Spot Color to multiple tools and using the same assignment for multiple Cutter Devices has been disabled. For more information, refer to the section Tools – Mapped Colors.
- Rotate Cut Data – Unit – Starting with this version, the unit for the cut data rotation is displayed in degrees. For more information, see the section Rotate Cut Data – Unit.
User Interface
In the new implementation, the user interface for the Cutter Devices menu is divided into three areas:
- List of Cutter Devices (gray area) – All Cutter Devices created in the system are displayed here. To add a new Cutter Device, click New [54]. To Edit [55] or Delete [56] a Cutter Device, click the corresponding icons.
-
Function Areas (green area) – Depending on the selected Cutter Device, various functional areas can be selected. The following functional areas are available as options:
- Parameter Set: List of all saved parameter sets – templates for selected parameters – of the selected Cutter Device. It is possible to Add [51], Edit [52], or Delete [53] a parameter set.
- Materials of the Cutter Device: List of all Materials – formulas (Figure 28), if supported by the Cutter Device.
- Tools: List of all Tools (Figure 29) offered by a Cutter Device. This allows you to assign Spot Color names for the Cutter Device.
- Parameters (blue area) – This area displays all parameters and options, which may vary depending on the selected functional area and Cutter Device. Parameters can be edited by clicking Edit [57].
Figure 27: The menu item Cutter Devices in the new user interface
In the Cutter Materials functional area of the Cutter Device, cut formulas provided by the Cutter Device manufacturer's software can be imported and then hidden or shown [59] as well as deleted [58]. By hiding or showing them, you can determine which Cutter Materials can be selected within the program.
The corresponding Parameters [60] stored for a cut formula are displayed in the settings area. These parameters have to be edited in the manufacturer's Cutter Device software and then updated in the program by re-importing them.
Figure 28: The functional area of Cutter Materials with possible parameters
In the Tools functional area, Spot Colors in the program can be linked to the Cutter Device's tools, ensuring the corresponding tool is used in the Cutter Device during cutting.
Spot Colors are linked to the Tools by selecting the Tool [62] and clicking Edit [63]. Individual Spot Colors can be added in the dialog Edit Parameters that opens. You can view which Spot Colors are ultimately assigned to the Tool in the dropdown list of Mapped Colors [61].
Figure 29: The Tools section with available parameters for a PDF Cutter
Placeholders for Barcode Content and Name of the Cut File
To specify which information should be used to generate the Barcode Content and the Cutfile Name it is now possible to use placeholders.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- In the menu item Administration > Cutter Devices, select the desired Cutter Device.
- In the dialog Parameters that opens, click Insert Placeholder in Barcode Content [64] or Cutfile Name [65].
- The dialog Select Placeholder opens.
Figure 30: The dialog Edit Parameters with the option to edit Placeholders for the Barcode Content and the Cutfile Name
- In the dialog Select Placeholder that opens, choose placeholders from the following categories:
- Order – Order-related placeholders, such as Order Name, External ID of the Order, or Order Number.
- Print Configuration – Print Configuration related placeholders, such as the Name or ID.
- Color Policy – Color Policy related placeholders for use in the Barcode Content or Cutfile Name.
- Global – Global placeholders such as the current Date and Time, a GUID, or the User Name.
- Substrate Definition – Substrate Definition placeholders, such as the Name and ID of the Substrate Definition.
- Production Job – Production Job placeholders, such as the Name, ID, External ID, and various Time and Date information about the Production Job.
- Cutter Job – Cutter Job related placeholders, such as the ID, the Job Ticket Name, and the Page Number for the Cutter Job.
- Select from these different placeholders to use them for the Barcode Content or the Cutfile Name.
Figure 31: The dialog Select Placeholder with the various available categories
Tools – Mapped Colors
The option of assigning a Spot Color to multiple Tools has been disabled. The selection of an already assigned Spot Color [66] – in this example, the KissCut Tool – is no longer available. Even if users enter the name, this Spot Color will not be mapped. This prevents duplicate assignment of a Spot Color through any workaround.
Figure 32: The dialog Edit Parameters when entering an already assigned Spot Color
Rotate Cut Data – Unit
Starting with version 1.20.1, the unit for rotating cut data [67] is displayed in degrees °.
Figure 33: The dialog Edit Parameters with the option Rotate Cut Data
1.5.2. Hotfolder
Starting with this version, the new implementation of Hotfolders is also available in the new user interface under Automation > Hotfolder. Refer to the linked article for more details on the new Hotfolder – User Interface Design. In addition, note the following new features:
- Creating a new Hotfolder – Except for XML Hotfolders, new Hotfolders must be created exclusively in the new user interface.
- Editing existing Hotfolders – Editing existing Hotfolders can still be done in the old user interface.
- Migration Service – Hotfolders can be migrated manually to the new user interface. There is also an option to undo the migration if problems occur. Migrated Hotfolders are processed using a Production Configuration that was created when the Hotfolder was migrated. This allows you to monitor the Hotfolder in Automation > Automation Jobs. More details about the migration are provided in the section Migration Service.
- Hotfolder Types – In Debug Mode, it is possible to restore a migrated Hotfolder to the old user interface of the Workflow under Automation > Hotfolder. This allows you to resolve any issues that may arise. More details can be found in the section Hotfolder Types.
- Quick Filters in Automation Jobs – In Automation Jobs, the Hotfolder Quick Filter has been created to display currently processed Hotfolders and show their status. More details are provided in the section Quick Filters in Automation Jobs.
Migrate Hotfolders to the New Implementation
Please use the option to manually migrate existing Hotfolders to the new structure as soon as possible. If this is not done, an automatic migration will be performed during the transition to the new user interface starting in version 1.22.0.
Migration Service
To migrate existing Hotfolders to the new user interface, proceed as follows:
- Navigate in the new User Interface to Automation > Hotfolder.
- In the action bar of this menu item, open the menu Additional Functions [68].
- There, select the function Migrate existing Hotfolder [69].
Figure 34: The function Migrate existing Hotfolder in the new interface under Automation > Hotfolder
- In the dialog Migrate existing Hotfolder that opens, you can a Hotfolder from the list of available Hotfolders.
- Use the Select Hotfolder to migrate [70] dropdown to select the desired Hotfolder.
- Click Migrate.
Figure 35: The dialog Migrate existing Hotfolder
- The Hotfolder is now added to the list of Hotfolders in the new user interface and hidden from the list of Hotfolders in the old user interface.
- Now click Edit [71] to view the Production Configuration and review the sequence of Operations that the Hotfolder executes during processing.
Figure 36: The list of Hotfolders with the migrated Hotfolder and the function Edit
- In the dialog Edit Hotfolder that opens, you can review the Operations [73] of the Production Configuration.
- If you want to use a different Production Configuration, you can select it under Production Configuration [72] or edit it under Automation > Production Configurations.
Figure 37: The dialog Edit Hotfolder displaying the assigned Production Configuration
Restore migrated Hotfolder
In Debug Mode – which is available in the upper right corner under User Account > Edit User Account > User Settings > Debug Mode – you can enable the option to restore a migrated Hotfolder under Automation > Hotfolder in the old user interface of the program. This allows you to revert to the previous state in case of problems.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- Select the affected migrated Hotfolder [76] in the list of Hotfolders of the new user interface.
- Click on Additional Functions [74].
- Select the entry Restore migrated Hotfolder [75].
Figure 38: The list of Hotfolders in the new user interface with a migrated Hotfolder selected
- In the dialog Restore migrated Hotfolder that opens, click OK.
- The Hotfolder will then no longer be available in the list of Hotfolders of the new user interface.
- Navigate to the old user interface to review the Hotfolder configuration again and make any necessary adjustments.
Figure 39: The dialog Restore migrated Hotfolder in Debug Mode
Hotfolder Types
In version 1.20.1, only two Processing Modes [77] are currently available for processing files from a monitored directory. These include the following:
- Processing Files – With this Processing Mode, individual Print Items as well as multiple Print Items in Auto Nesting can be processed. Files are processed either as a bundle or continuously, depending on the selected Production Configuration.
- Processing ZIP Files – With this Processing Mode, the contents of ZIP files can be processed either as a bundle or continuously. This option also depends on the selected Production Configuration. Furthermore, this mode includes the processing of ZIP files with multiple print tracks, which are mapped through the Operation "Create Production Job for Tracks".
Figure 40: The dialog Add Hotfolder with the two available Processing Modes
XML Hotfolders in version 1.20.1
In version 1.20.1, "XML Hotfolders" can only be created and edited in the old user interface. It will be possible to use it in the new user interface in the next version of the Workflow, which will also include an extended range of functions.
Quick Filters in Automation Jobs
Starting with this version, the list of Automation Jobs under Automation > Automation Jobs can also be filtered by Hotfolders. To do this, click the dedicated integrated icon [78].
Additionally, the status [79] of the Hotfolder can now be viewed in the detail view.
Figure 41: The list of Automation Jobs, filtered by Hotfolders
1.6. Production Job – Check-in of Print Items
A small improvement has been made to the user guidance for Productions Jobs: a loading symbol [80] has been added to indicate that Print Items are being loaded into a Production Job.
Figure 42: The Productions Jobs with the newly integrated loading symbol
2. Improvements
Further improvements have been implemented in version 1.20.1 of the Workflow.
2.1. Cutter Devices – Summa L-Series
In version 1.20.1, the Summa L-Series has been added in addition to the previously implemented Summa S-Series Cutter Devices. Information about the necessary crop marks is provided in an SGP cut file so that it can be processed with the GoProduce Cutter Device software. Users can also import the material list of the Summa Cutter Device.
To add the Cutter Device, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Administration > Cutter Devices.
- Under Devices, click Add [86].
- In the dialog Add Cutter that opens, select the Device Type [81] Summa L-Series (SGP Format).
- Enter the Name [82] for the Cutter Device – note that each name must be unique and can only be assigned once to avoid confusion.
- Optionally, enter a Comment [83] and the Serial Number [84].
- Select the Target Directory [85] to be used.
- Click Save to add the Cutter Device to the list of Cutter Devices.
Figure 43: The dialog Add Cutter under Administration > Cutter Devices
To import Materials for the Cutter, proceed as follows:
- First, export the Materials from the GoProduce control software for the Summa Cutter.
- In Administration > Cutters, select the desired cutter from the Summa L-Series.
- Navigate to the tab Cutter Materials [87] in the functional area of the Cutter.
- Then select Import Materials [88] from the Advanced Functions.
Figure 44: The tab Cutter Materials with the function Import Materials
- In the dialog Import Cutter Materials that opens, select the material file that you previously exported.
- The uploaded material file is displayed below the upload area [89] in the dialog.
- Click Import [90] to upload the material list.
- The material list will now be displayed in the tab Cutter Materials. You can determine which materials are available in the program by toggling Show/Hide in the menu Additional Functions [91].
Figure 45: Left: The dialog Import Cutter Materials; Right: The uploaded materials in the tab Cutter Materials
2.2. System Settings – Hiding Menu Items and Tabs
Starting with this version, a system setting is provided that allows hiding menu items and tabs in the new user interface. The menu items and tabs accessible to users depend on the license in use and can additionally be controlled by Administrators through permissions assigned to teams and individual users.
If you want to use additional functions within the application, please contact your sales representative.
To view the role permissions set under Administration > Users and Roles, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Administration > Settings > General.
- In the tab Display Options, click Edit [93] in the User Interface Layout Settings section.
- In the dialog User Interface Layout Settings that opens, enable the option Only display menu items for the User Role [92].
- Click Save to apply the settings.
Figure 46: The dialog User Interface Layout Settings in the Settings menu
2.3. Extracting Metadata from File Names
In version 1.20.1, the option to enter information from the file name into fields on the Print Item (system fields) or user-defined fields was added. A dedicated configuration area is provided for this purpose under Administration > Settings > Extracting Metadata Templates, where variables can be defined using RegEx Expressions. The templates can be selected in various points – Quick Print, Dropzones, Article Creation, Print Item Creation – during the upload process.
To create a template for extracting metadata, proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Administration > Settings.
- Open the new menu item Extracting Metadata Templates [94].
- In the header of the section, click Add [95].
Figure 47: The new menu item Extracting Metadata Templates in Administration
- In the dialog Add Template for extracting metadata that opens, you need to enter the following information and define the following settings:
- Name [96] – Enter a name for your template.
- Comment [97] – Optionally, provide a description in the form of a comment for the template.
- Definitions [98] – Define the RegEx definitions for selected System Fields [99] or User-defined Fields [100] by clicking on Add [100].
- Example of a File Name – Enter an expected file name here to get live feedback while defining the regular expressions, showing which value will be extracted from the example string for the selected input field.
- Click Save to close the dialog.
Figure 48: Left: The dialog Template for extracting metadata; Center: The selection menu for determining Definitions; Right: Definitions for extracting metadata
- To upload Print Items into the application and extract the values from the file names, navigate to Articles > Articles.
- After adding the desired Print Items, click Settings [102] in the dialog Add Article.
- In the dropdown menu Template for extracting metadata [103], select the previously created template.
- Click Save to add the Articles to the Article list.
Figure 49: The dialog Add Article with the option to select a Template for extracting metadata
- Now open one of the uploaded Articles.
- In the Document Information [105] of the tab Print Data [104], you will now see the Copies [106] for the Print Item, which were extracted from the file name.
- In the Page Information [107] of the tab Print Data, you can also review the Dimensions [108] of the Print Item.
Figure 50: Left: The tab Document Information; Right: The tab Page Information
Availability of the "Template for Extracting Metadata"
The template is available in the following contexts:
- Article > Article – The template can be selected in the drop zone under "Settings".
- Order > Print Items – The template can be selected in the drop zone under "Settings".
- Production Job > Print Items – The template can be selected in the drop zone under "Settings".
3. Minor Improvements
Several minor improvements have also been implemented in this version.
3.1. Routines
Small enhancements have been made to the routines. These include the following:
3.1.1. Routine "Move to Trash" – Filters for "Tags" and "Tiling Articles"
Starting with this version, it is possible to exclude Articles, Print Items, Orders, and Production Jobs from being deleted in the Routine Move to Trash if they have a specific "Tag" [108]. To select the "Tag", simply add the filter "Tags" [110] and set it to "Exclude".
In addition, starting with version 1.20.1, the Routine Move to Trash can be used to filter by "Tiling Items" [111] in Articles [109] to delete them within the specified time frame.
Figure 51: Left: The dialog Edit Routine with the filter Tags; Right: The dialog Edit Routine with the filter Tiling Items
3.1.2. Routine "Move to Trash" – Deleted Print Items
Starting with this version, Print Items that have been moved to the trash via this Routine can be reviewed in detail. This allows administrators to precisely analyze which Print Item was deleted by which Operation. To view the details, click the corresponding icon [112] in the Routine.
Figure 52: The detail view of deleted Print Items in the Routine Move to trash
By clicking the Go to icon [113] (Figure 52) the Print Item is displayed in the detail view with a notification indicating that the Print Item is located in the trash. If a Print Item was deleted by mistake, it can be restored from the trash by clicking Restore [114].
Figure 53: The Print Item Detail View for Print Items in the Trash
3.1.3. Routine "Entity Cleanup" – Impose Jobs Queue
In the Routine Entity Cleanup, an entity has been introduced that deletes Impose Jobs that are either empty or have been in the queue for an extended period. The entity is called Impose Jobs Queue [115].
Figure 54: The function Impose Jobs Queue in the Routine Entity Cleanup
3.1.4. Routine "Entity Cleanup" – Exclude Function
In the Routine Entity Cleanup, it is no longer possible to exclude a filter from processing as of this version. This affects the entity Output Files in "File Management" [116]. Consequently, only the file types listed in the filter File Types are processed by the Routine.
Figure 55: The entity Output Files in "File Management", which includes File Types
3.2. VDP Editor
Minor enhancements have been implemented in the VDP Editor. These include the following:
3.2.1. Color Value Display
Starting with this version, the color value is automatically set to 100% during rendering when it was initially higher than 100% due to a misconfiguration. This value is also displayed in the User Interface when rendering. In previous versions, % percentage values for CMYK for background and stroke that exceeded 100% due to a misconfiguration were reported as errors.
3.2.2. Saving and Editing a VDP Job
Starting with this version, it is no longer possible to save or edit a VDP Job if it does not contain any VDP element. The functions Save, Cut, and Copy [117] are grayed out in this case.
Figure 56: The header of the VDP Editor with the functions for saving and editing without a VDP element
3.3. Grid Charts
Additional minor improvements have been made to the Grid Charts in this version.
3.3.1. Display of Color Elements
Starting with this version, the color values are always displayed in the information area [119] on the printed Grid Chart. If the Grid Chart is in A3 format (297 mm x 420 mm), the color areas [118] are also displayed below the color patch. This is intended to make it easier for users to identify which color corresponds to which color value.
Figure 57: Excerpt from a Grid Chart with color areas for the color values
3.3.2. Axis Labels
Starting with this version, the captions for both the X and Y axes are included in the output. Thus, for a Grid Chart of the following types:
- Chromatic – X: Light - Dark | Y: Achromatic - Colorful
- Color Values – X: Cyan | Y: Magenta – or the selected colors for the axes
- Color Cast – X: Green - Red | Y: Yellow - Blue
- Tint Value – Y: Tint Value
- Overprint – Y: Tint value of the overprinted Spot Color
Figure 58: A Grid Chart of the type Chromatic with labeled axes
3.4. Preparing Multipage Print Items
In this version, the user guidance has been improved so that after applying the dialog "Prepare Pages of Print Item", the current page [120] of the Print Item remains displayed in the user interface.
Figure 59: The dialog Prepare Pages of Print Item
3.5. Print Item Detail Information – Winding Type
Starting with this version, the option is provided to specify the Winding Type of Print Items in the tab Print Data of an Article or Print Item under Production Information > Winding Type [121].
Figure 60: The Production Information with the Winding Type for a Print Item
3.6. Spot Color Definitions – Improved User Guidance
In this version, colors created under Color > Spot Colors for the Origin [122] Customer and Substrate can no longer be set with the Spot Color Type [123] Output as Separation or created as Technical Color.
Additionally, existing colors from the old user interface are also migrated to the new user interface. Colors that were set for the Origin Substrate and Customer with the Spot Color Type Output as Separation will not be migrated.
Figure 61: The dialog Create Spot Color Definition with the Origin set to Substrate and disabled options shown grayed out
3.7. Orders – Filter for Customers
The option to filter the list of Orders by Customer has been added in the new user interface.
Figure 62: The dialog Filter Options in the Orders with the option to filter by Customer
3.8. Interfaces – Third-Party Printers
Starting with this version, the timestamp for the Last Alive [124] information is displayed in the Interface for Third-party Printers.
Figure 63: The menu item Interfaces with information about the Third-party Printer interface
3.9. PDF Printers – Placeholder
For PDF Printers, placeholders for the Order Line [125] are provided to generate the file name. This ensures that all placeholders available for generating the file name of a Production Job can now also be used for PDF printers.
Figure 64: The dialog Select Placeholder for a PDF printer with the category Order Line
3.10. Placeholders – Logic Standardization
To ensure a consistent logic for the use of placeholders in the Workflow, an internal placeholder service has been developed from which all placeholders are generated. This guarantees consistent behavior of placeholders throughout the application.
3.11. Cutter Device "Fotoba XLA" – Print Item Width
Starting with this version, it is possible to create a valid Imposition for the Cutter Device Fotoba XLA, even when Print Items of different widths are used in the Imposition. The calculation of the necessary information for the Cutter Device is also performed – for example, determining the positions where the cut knives have to be set or generating different barcodes at the beginning or end, depending on the origin of the cut information.
3.12. Inks – Creating an Ink Family
Starting with this version, the list of inks is sorted alphabetically, allowing all inks belonging to the same family to be selected more quickly. In previous versions, inks were sorted by the Process Color.
Figure 65: The dialog Add Ink Family with alphabetical sorting of ink names
3.13. Ink List – Update
The list of available inks for printing systems has been updated with version 1.20.1.