User Manual – Durst

Release – 1.21.0 (Description)

Updated on

Release Date: 09/30/2025

This article provides a detailed description of

  • The new features in version 1.21.0, and
  • The improvements that have been implemented for users.

An overview of the new features can be found in the article Release 1.21.0 (Major Release).

1. New Features

This section provides a detailed description of the new features implemented in the Impose Editor, Automation of processes, Shares, the User Interface, and in Data Preparation.

1.1. Impose Editor

In version 1.21.0, existing functions in the Impose Editor have been expanded and optimized. The following new features and improvements are included:

1.1.1. Impose Multipage Print Items

From this version onward, it is possible to use Multipage Print Items in the Impose Editor. This eliminates the need to split Multipage Print Items into individual pages prior to the Imposition. Instead, using the complete Print Item, the individual pages can now be used as Impose elements.

The following areas are affected by this improvement:

  • Preparation of Multipage Print Items: To use Multipage Print Items in the Impose Editor, the individual pages of a Multipage Print Item must first be prepared. Preparation extracts all metadata of each individual page, generates Preview Images for each page, and identifies errors and warnings so that they can be displayed in the user interface. This ensures that all Preview Images are displayed correctly in the Imposition.
  • To prepare multiple pages automatically upon upload, set the desired number of pages in the default setting Prepare Multipage Files during Check-in under Administration > Settings > General > Multipage Files.
  • Add Print Items from the File Manager: Prepared pages are displayed in the dialog, with the option to prepare any missing pages – see Figure 2.
  • Tab "Print Items": Displays Preview Images of the each page of a Print Item, indicating the page number relative to the total number of pages – see Figure 4.
  • Backside Assignment: For double-sided Nesting, the option "Backside Assignment" can be used to assign the Frontside and Backside of Multipage files automatically. The following options are available from this version onward:
    • A/A – The same page is used on both Frontside and Backside.
    • A/B – Frontside and Backside are assigned alternately (odd/even).
    • Manual – The Backside can be freely selected, as before.

Not yet available for Production Configurations

Please note that fully automated processing of Multipage files using the Operations Create Impose and Create Production Job is not yet possible in this version. This feature will be available starting with version 1.21.1.

1.1.2. Double-sided Nesting – Backside Assignment

As previously mentioned, enabling the use of Multipage Print Items in the Impose Editor, especially when creating double-sided Impositions, opens up new production possibilities. With the option Backside Assignment, double-sided products can now be created quickly and efficiently by the user.

Follow these steps to prepare a Multipage Print Item and assemble it in a double-sided Nesting with the desired Backside:

Step 1: Prepare Multipage Print Items

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Select the Impose Mode Nesting – you can also work with Step & Repeat – and create a new Imposition.
  3. Add the desired Multipage Print Item [1] to the Imposition by dragging it from the File Manager [2] to the Artboard area.

Figure 1: The empty Artboard area with the Multipage Print Item in the File Manager

  1. The dialog Add Print Item opens.
  2. In the column Prepared / Total Pages [3], you can see how many pages of the Multipage Print Item have been prepared.
  3. Click Start Preparation [4] if not all pages of the document are prepared and you want to use all pages in the Imposition.
  4. The dialog Prepare Pages of Print Items opens. Here, you can specify in the field Prepare up to and including page [5] how many pages should be prepared.
  5. Click Apply [6] to start the preparation process.
  6. Once the preparation is complete, enter the number of copies [7] to be imposed for the Print Item, and hide any pages you do not want to use by clicking the eye icon [8].
  7. Click Apply [9] to confirm.
  8. In the tab Print Items, the pages selected for the Imposition are now displayed.

Figure 2: Left: The dialog Add Print Item; Center: The dialog Prepare Pages of Print Item; Right: The dialog Add Print Item with prepared pages

Different Copies per Page

Please note that it is possible to assign different numbers of copies to each page within an Imposition. However, all calculations – such as the status – are performed for the Print Item as a whole, not for the individual pages. This may result in incorrect calculations regarding whether the ordered quantity has already been reached.

Advice: Enter the number of copies for the entire Print Item, rather than for individual pages. This ensures an accurate overview of the pages to be printed in production. If you still need to assign different numbers of copies, split the Print Item into separate Multipage Print Items and enter the adjusted number of copies for each individual Print Item.

Step 2: Backside Assignment

To assign the desired Backside to your Print Items, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to the tab Artboard [10].
  2. Open the area Settings [11].
  3. Activate the button Double-Sided Output [12].
  4. In the now active selection field Backside Assignment [13], you can choose from the following options:
    1. A/A – The same Print Item will be placed on both the front and the back (A side) for all Impose elements.
    • A/B – The Impose elements are used alternately: the first Impose element is used for the front (A side) and the second Impose element is used for the back (B side).
    • Manual – This option allows you to freely assign the Backside for each individual Print Item. This is the default setting.
  5. If you do not want to use the A/A or A/B Backside Assignment and instead want to assign Backsides manually, select the option Manual.

Figure 3: The tab Artboard with the selected setting Double-Sided Output and the Backside Assignment

  1. Then navigate to the tab Print Items [15]. Here, the Print Items are displayed with their Frontside and Backside.
  2. Select the desired Print Item or Print Items from the list and click Edit Selected Print Items [14].

Figure 4: The tab Print Items with the option to Edit selected Print Items

  1. In the dialog Edit selected Print Items that opens, go to the tab Backside [17].
  2. Using the selection menu, you can either assign the Backside to all Print Items [18] or define it individually for each Print Item using the respective selection menu [19]. If you need to mirror or rotate the Backside, these settings can also be saved in a Print Item Template [16].
  3. Click Apply to confirm the settings.

Figure 5: The tab Backside in the dialog Edit selected Print Items

1.1.3. Nesting – Grouping Print Items

Since version 1.20.1, it has been possible to add a caption for a group of Print Items as well as a surrounding line for that group. This functionality has been expanded in this version.

To do this, navigate to the area Settings and select the entry Group / Sort under the option Placement Order, then choose the desired criterion for the group. Next, expand the settings area [22] for the selected criterion.

The following improvements have been implemented:

  • You can now define the Font Size [21] and Stroke Width [20].
  • The caption is now placed inside the surrounding line [23].

Figure 6: Left: The dialog Group and Sort with Stroke Width and Font Size; Right: The Artboard with grouped Print Items and captions placed inside

1.1.4. Captions – Placeholders Impose Editor Options

New placeholders – Sheet Height, Sheet Width, and Total Impose Length – are now available for creating Captions.

Figure 7: The dialog Select Placeholder with the new options

1.2. Approval Projects

In this version, extended capabilities for managing Approval Projects have been implemented.

1.2.1. Multipage Print Items in an Approval Report

The functionality introduced in version 1.20.1 for using Multipage Print Items in an Approval Report has been expanded with a new Report Template in this version. This allows the Frontside and Backside of a two-page Print Item to be displayed in a single report.

Customizing Report Templates

Use this new template for Multipage Print Items as a basis for creating your own Report Templates. Following the same logic, you can also create Report Templates for multi-part products – for example, a cube with six different designs.

1.2.2. Resending a Notification

Starting with this version, the functionality to resend an e-mail notification is provided as soon as a new version of an Approval Report for a Print Item has been created. This notification is sent to all e-mail addresses listed under Approval Options > E-Mail Recipients [26] for the respective Approval Project.

The following requirements must be met for this function to work:

  • Single-page Print Items – The Print Items to be approved must be single-page. The ability to approve Multipage Print Items via the Approval Portal will be provided in a future version.
  • Publish to Approval Portal [24] – The Approval Project must have been created via the Approval Portal.
  • E-Mail Template [25] – The desired E-Mail Template must be selected.
  • E-Mail Recipients [26] – All recipients who should be informed about the progress of the Approval Project must be listed here.
  • Upload and Send E-Mail [27] – The option must be enabled.

Figure 8: The dialog Edit Approval Project with the list of E-Mail Recipients

1.2.3. Using Annotations

Starting with version 1.21.0, it is possible to work with Annotations within the Approval Process. A system setting allows the use of Annotations in the process to be either enabled or disabled. Annotations can be created and displayed in the Approval Portal using various configuration options and can also be viewed in the comment timeline.

Enabling the Use of Annotations

To enable Annotations in the Approval Process, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Settings > Reports.
  2. In the settings area Information to be transferred to the Approval Portal, activate the option Allow to use Annotations [28].
  3. Click Edit [29] and enable the use of Annotations.

Figure 9: The settings area Information to be transferred to the Approval Portal with the option Allow to use Annotations

Authorization to use Annotations

Authorization to work with Annotations in the Approval Portal is tied to access to the Approval Portal itself. If you do not have access to this function, please contact your sales partner.

Adding Annotations in the Approval Portal

Annotations can only be added in the Approval Portal. Once one or more Print Items have been uploaded to the Approval Portal, Annotations can be added there.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. First, create an Approval Project from the Print Items/Articles that will be published via the Approval Portal, and then navigate to Dashboard > Approval Projects.
  2. Wait until the synchronization of the Approval Project with the Approval Portal is complete and all e-mails have been sent.
  3. Open the Approval Project in the Approval Portal. For testing purposes, the fastest way to do this is by clicking Open Approval Project in Portal [30].
  4. The Approval Portal will open.

Figure 10: The Dashboard with an Approval Project

  1. In the Approval Portal, all Print Items now have the status Pending [31].
  2. Select the desired Print Item and click the button Open Viewer to Analyze [32].
  3. The dialog Analyze will open.

Figure 11: The Approval Portal with the button Open Viewer to Analyze

  1. In the now opened dialog Analyze, select the Annotation Tool [33] from the toolbar.
  2. The toolbar offers three different shapes – Rectangle, Circle, and Freehand / Line – which can be used to add an Annotation.
  3. Select the desired shape and drag it over the area of the Print Item where you want to add the Annotation.
  4. In the tab Annotations [34], choose the desired color [35] for the Annotation to improve the contrast with the background or Print Item.
  5. Enter the corresponding Annotation in the input field [38]. The text can still be edited [36] or deleted [37] as long as the status of the Print Item remains Pending.
  6. Click Save [39] and Close the dialog.

Figure 12: The dialog Analyze with the Annotations

Rejecting the Print Item

Once the Print Item has been annotated as described in the steps above, the overview will indicate that Annotations [41] are present for the Print Item. To transfer the Annotations into the Workflow, you now need to reject the Approval. To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Select the desired Print Item in the Approval Portal.
  2. Click Reject [44].
  3. In the now opened dialog Reject, enter a Reason for Rejection [40] and your Signature [42] or initials. Optionally, you can also Upload new Artwork [43], although this is usually unnecessary if you have only added an Annotation.
  4. Click Reject [45] again in this dialog.
  5. Navigate back to the Dashboard.

Figure 13: The Approval Portal with the dialog Reject

Displaying Annotations in the Workflow

  1. Navigate to the Dashboard or switch to the tab Approvals for the Print Item.
  2. In the Dashboard, open the respective Approval Project by clicking on the Print Item Preview [46].
  3. Click Display Annotations [47] – this option is only active if the Print Item was previously rejected in the Approval Portal.
  4. In the now opened floating window Annotations - [Name of Print Item], you can view all Annotations. The window can be freely positioned on your screen.
  5. Review the Annotations and perform the required corrections, either by applying a Fixup or Fixup Chain, or by using the PDF Editor.
  6. Click Mark as done [50] once the Fixup has been completed. If multiple Annotations exist, you can easily show or hide them using the provided filters: All, Done, and To be done [49].

Figure 14: Left: The Dashboard with an opened Approval Project containing Annotations; Right: The opened dialog Annotations – [Print Item Name] with filters

  1. Click the icon Timeline of Comments [48] (Figure 14).
  2. The dialog History of all Approval Report Versions will open.
  3. In the column Actions of the Users, you can track whether the user has added any Annotations.

Figure 15: The Timeline of Comments with Annotations

1.3. Fixups and Fixup Chains

As part of the development of version 1.21.0, a new Fixup has been added. In addition, the functionality of three existing Fixups has been expanded, and improvements have been implemented for Fixup Chains:

1.3.1. New Fixup

In this version, the Fixup Add Grommets/Drillholes along Irregular Shape has been added.

Add Grommets/Drillholes along Irregular Shape

The Fixup Add Grommets/Drillholes along Irregular Shape can be used to add Grommets/Drillholes along irregular shapes. You can choose whether to set a specific number of Grommets or specify the spacing between them. The size and color of the Grommets/Drillholes can be specified in the tab "Advanced".

A detailed description of how this Fixup works can be found in the article Add Grommets/Drillholes along Irregular Shape.

Figure 16: The tabs Basic Settings and Advanced of the dialog Add Grommets/Drillholes along Irregular Shape

1.3.2. Improvements to Existing Fixups

In this version, three existing Fixups have been enhanced.

Add Caption

The Fixup Add Caption allows you to add text to the selected edges in the specified position, font, size, and color. In addition, you can add a custom Dieline to this caption in the Advanced settings.

A detailed description of how this Fixup works can be found in the article Add Caption.

With version 1.21.0, the following improvement is available for this Fixup:

  • Provides the option to generate the unit of measurement (e.g., millimeters) and the number format (e.g., 1,234.00) for captions according to the respective length unit and defined number format set in the system.

Figure 17: The tab Basic Settings and the tab Advanced of the dialog for the Fixup Add Caption

Create Bleed

The Fixup Create Bleed can be used to create a Bleed at the selected page edges by repeating pixels, mirroring, or stretching the document content starting from the ImageBox or the ImageBox + Bleed.

A detailed description of how this Fixup works can be found in the article Create Bleed.

With version 1.21.0, the following new feature is available for this Fixup:

  • The Fixup has been renamed from Create Bleed by Mirroring to Create Bleed. This change reflects that the Fixup now offers various options that go beyond mirroring.
Flatten Transparency

The Fixup Flatten Transparency can be used to flatten all transparent objects as well as any affected objects, based on the values set in the Transparency Flattening settings.

A detailed description of how this correction works can be found in the article Flatten Transparency.

With version 1.21.0, the following improvement is available for this Fixup:

  • Spot Colors that have been assigned to a Processing Step Group or Processing Steps Type are automatically excluded from flattening. These include Technical Spot Colors, OAS colors, and Hybrid Colors.

Figure 18: The dialog for the Fixup Flatten Transparency

1.3.3. Improvements to Fixup Chains

The user interface for Fixup Chains has been simplified, making it easier to create a Fixup Chain and providing a better overview.

To access the changes, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Fixup Chains.
  2. Select the desired Fixup Chain from the list.
  3. In the opened dialog, apart from a wider header [51], no other changes have been made to the Fixup Chain.
  4. Click Edit [52] in the area Added Fixups.
  5. The dialog Edit [Name of Fixup Chain] opens.

Figure 19: The menu Fixup Chains

  1. In the dialog that opens, you can configure the following settings:
    • Add [53] – Add additional Fixups by simply clicking on the Fixup Chain.
    • Display Fixups – Starting with this version, Fixups are displayed in their own box [54] along with the icon representing their category (Image, Layer, Color, LFP, Object, Font, Page, Page Content, PageBox, Text, Packaging). A Fixup can be deleted by clicking the "x" [55].
    • Advanced Functions [56] – By clicking the three dots, you can Duplicate the respective Fixup, Move to the Beginning, or Move to the End within the Fixup Chain. Fixups can also be moved to any position by dragging and dropping them at the desired position in the Fixup Chain.
    • Select Fixup Settings [60] – The specific settings of a Fixup can be configured by clicking on it in the same dialog. Additionally, the following extended information is available for each Fixup:
      • Description [57] – A short description of the Fixup is displayed when you hover over the icon.
      • Article in the Manual [58] – Clicking the icon opens the corresponding article in the manual for this Fixup in a separate window.
      • Show Variables [59] – Clicking the icon displays all variables within the Fixup. This function is particularly useful for integrators who need to reference or reuse corresponding parameters within a Fixup.

Figure 20: The dialog for a Fixup Chain to be edited with the new user interface

1.3.4. General Information and Errors

The following general information on Fixups should be noted:

  • EOL for XML-based Fixups – Very old Fixups from versions prior to 1.7.5 (XML-based) will be set to "Outdated" in this version due to migration. As a result, these Fixups can no longer be used in the application. XML-based Custom Fixups must be updated at least to the current description logic for XML. Relevant instructions and an overview of available parameters can be found in the articles related to the article Creating and Uploading Custom Fixups.
  • Fixup "Add Edge Reinforcement" – Up to this version, this Fixup caused the CropBox and MediaBox to be set ten times larger than the entered value. Starting with this version, the positions of both PageBoxes are now set correctly according to the entered value.

1.4. Automation

Since version 1.19.0, users with the appropriate license have the option to create Automation Jobs. This enables the definition and automatic processing of individual Production Configurations for the manufacturing of print products.

1.4.1. Operations

In version 1.21.0 four new Operations have been added – Export Print Item | Export Imposition Report | Export Ink Consumption Report | Export Spot Color Report.

Operation "Export Print Item"

The Operation Export Print Item allows Print Items to be automatically saved to a file server in a specific directory. This Operation can be used, for example, to store Print Items on a data server in a freely definable folder structure once they reach a certain status.

The Operation can be added multiple times as a sub-step for a Print Item within a Production Configuration. Please note that this process cannot be used after the Operations of the Groups in Operations for Impositions, Operations for Production Jobs, and Operations for Output.

The following options are available for using this Operation:

  • Target Directory [61] – Select the target directory in which the Print Item should be saved. Please note that a corresponding directory must first be shared via Administration > File Management > Shares.
  • Hierarchical Archiving [62] – By entering a "/", you can define the directory hierarchy of the directories that should be created in the file system.
  • Example: ${global.year_4digit}/${global.month_2digit}/${contact.display_name} creates the directory "Four-digit year" in the selected target directory, a subdirectory for "Two-digit month", and within that, a directory for the "Customer Name". This allows storing all print data that passes through the Production Configuration by year and month in the customer directory. Add the desired placeholders for the directory by clicking Insert Placeholder [63].
  • Filename after Export [64] – Enter the desired filename for the Print Item after export. Add a placeholder for the filename by clicking Insert Placeholder [65]. By default, the placeholder ${motif.name} is inserted.
  • Apply Fixup(s) to the Print Item during Export – The option allows you to apply any available Fixups in the system to the exported Print Item. Please note that the Print Item transferred to another Operation in the Production Configuration cannot be modified with the selected Fixups! To apply one or more Fixups to the exported Print Item, you must:
    1. Select the Fixup in the Add Fixup and select Template [66] drop-down list.
    2. Select an available Template.
    3. Add further Fixups in the same way and determine the order of the Fixups.

Figure 21: The Operation Export Print Item

Placeholders for Hierarchical Archiving and File Name after Export

By clicking Insert Placeholder [63] [65] (Figure 21), the dialog Select Placeholder opens, displaying the available placeholders for the options Hierarchical Archiving and Filename after Export. The same placeholders can be selected for both options.

The following placeholders are available:

Figure 22: The dialog Select Placeholder

Useful Placeholder Configurations for Hierarchical Archiving

The variety of placeholders can make the configuration complex. Below, we would like to introduce some useful placeholder configurations:

  • ${global.year_4digit}/KW ${global.week_2digit}/${print_order.order_number} – Stores the Print Item per year and calendar week and creates a subdirectory for each Order Number.
  • ${contact.display_name}/${global.year_4digit}/${print_order.order_number} – Stores the Print Item per customer and year and creates a subdirectory for each Order Number.
  • ${print_order.external_id}/${production_job.production_date} – Stores the Print Item per external Order ID and creates a subdirectory for the Production Date within it.

Useful Placeholder Configurations for File Names

The variety of placeholders can make the configuration complex. Below, we would like to introduce some useful placeholder configurations:

  • ${global.random_guid} – Generates a Print Item name with a unique number – e.g., a3328987-ac65-4a48-a29d-82c89ee1d471.
  • ${factory_job.file_ref.plain_name} – Generates a Print Item name that matches the file name but without the file extension – e.g., Inaccurate_TrimBox_End.
  • ${global.random_guid}_${factory_job.file_ref.name} – Generates a Print Item name consisting of a unique number and the current file name with file extension – e.g., a3328987-ac65-4a48-a29d-82c89ee1d471_Banner.pdf.
  • ${factory_job.file_ref.plain_name} #${factory_job.quantity} – Generates a Print Item name that matches the file name but without the file extension, followed by the number of copies – e.g., Inaccurate_TrimBox_End #30.
Operation "Export Imposition Report"

The Operation Export Imposition Report allows you to create an Imposition Report for Operations that include an Imposition – Create Imposition with Auto-Nesting, Create Imposition, or Create Production Job from Imposition, Create Production Job – and save it to a file server in a specified directory.

A detailed description can be found in the article Operation "Export Imposition Report".

Figure 23: The Operation Export Imposition Report

Operation “Export Ink Consumption Report”

The Operation Export Ink Consumption Report enables the automated calculation of ink costs for a Print Item and the creation of an Ink Consumption Report for the Print Item. This report can then be saved on a file server in a specified directory.

For a description, see the article Operation "Export Ink Consumption Report" which will be available soon in this chapter.

Figure 24: The tabs General, Report Settings, and Color Settings of the Operation Export Ink Consumption Report

Operation "Export Spot Color Report"

The Operation Export Spot Color Report enables the automated creation of a Spot Color Report for a Print Item. This report can then be saved on a file server in a specified directory.

For a description, see the article Operation "Export Spot Color Report" which will soon be available in this chapter.

Figure 25: The dialog for the Operation Export Spot Color Report

1.4.2. Print Item Detail View for Automation Jobs

The Print Item Detail View for Automation Jobs, available since version 1.20.2, has been enhanced in this version. The following enhancements are included:

Automation Jobs – Open in PDF Editor

Users now have the option to jump [67] from the application to the PDF Editor, allowing them to analyze and edit Print Items there.

Figure 26: The Print Item Detail View of an Automation Job with the option to jump to the PDF Editor

Displaying of ∆E Values

If no Color Policy is assigned to the Article or Print Item, the system-wide Color Policy is now used as a fallback starting with this version.

1.4.3. Display of Error Messages – Improvements

Several improvements have been implemented in this version for the display of error messages, including the following:

Display of Validation Results

When creating an Automation Job, all parameters used in the Production Configuration are validated to ensure that the print file does not get stuck in the process. Information about any detected issues is displayed in a clear, readable format and highlighted prominently.

Figure 27: The dialog Add Production Configuration with a validation

Validation for "Quick Print", "Batch Processing" and "Hotfolder"

Starting with this version, the system checks whether the Operation "Check-in Artwork and Normalize" is available in the selected Production Configuration [68] in Quick Print, Batch Processing, or Hotfolder. The Production Configuration can only be selected if this Operation is present.

Figure 28: The Batch Processing menu item with the list of Production Configurations, all of which include the Operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize

Operation "Create Impose" – Error Messages

Starting with version 1.21.0, the following error messages that may occur in the Operation "Create Impose" are displayed in a clear, readable format if:

  • The Cutter Device in the Operation does not match the value in the Operation "Create Production Job from Imposition".
  • The Height in the Operation does not match the value in the Operation "Create Production Job from Imposition".
  • The Width in the Operation does not match the value in the Operation "Create Production Job from Imposition".
  • The Roll Length in the Operation does not match the value in the Operation "Create Production Job from Imposition".
  • The optimal Roll Length in the Operation does not match the value in the Operation "Create Production Job from Imposition".

1.4.4. Improvements in the Print Item Detail View for Automation Jobs

Starting with this version, the following two improvements have been implemented for the Print Item Detail View for Automation Jobs:

Display of the Print Item Name

From this version onwards, the Print Item name is displayed in full in the Print Item Detail View of an Automation Job.

Figure 29: The Print Item Detail View with the full name of the Print Item

Page Navigation

Starting with this version, a Page Navigation [69] has been added to the Print Item Detail View for Automation Jobs, allowing users to navigate through a Multipage Print Item. The Page Navigation can be moved manually or pinned in the position shown in the figure using the Pin [70] icon.

Figure 30: The Print Item Detail View of an Automation Job with Page Navigation

1.4.5. Search Option When Adding Operations

Starting with this version, a search field [71] is available in the selection menu when adding Operations. This allows users to search the list for the desired Operation. Due to the already extensive list of Operations, the user interface will be further customized in the next version.

Figure 31: The list of Operations with the new option Search

1.4.6. Creating Automation Jobs From Selected Print Items

In version 1.21.0, an asynchronous call for the validation of Print Items to be produced has been introduced. Previously, the validation of all Print Items took a long time to complete, delaying the creation of the first Automation Job.

1.5. API

The following extension has been added to the API in version 1.21.0:

1.5.1. Production Job – Status Change

Using PATCH, it is now possible to change the status of a Production Job in addition to its existing metadata.

An example of a corresponding API call:

PATCH pms/api/v1/productionJobs/{jobId}

{

"status": "PRINTED"

}

1.6. New User Interface

In version 1.21.0, various enhancements and several long-planned improvements have been implemented in the new user interface:

1.6.1. Measurement Devices

Starting with this version, Measurement Devices can be created and managed under Administration > Measurement Devices in the new user interface. Compared to the old user interface, no new functions have been added; only improved options for searching and setting parameter sets are available.

The user interface is designed as follows:

  • Header [73] – Allows users to quickly see which menu item is currently selected. The display of breadcrumbs [72] can optionally be disabled in the system settings.
  • Devices [74] – This area displays all Measurement Devices created in the system. An action bar is available with the functions Add [80], Edit [81], and More Functions [82] for Delete and Set as default.
  • Parameter Sets [75] – This area displays the parameter sets created for the selected Measurement Device. An action bar is also available here with Add [76], Edit [77], and under More Functions [78], options to Delete and Set as Default.
  • Parameters [79] – This area displays the parameters for the selected parameter set. The parameters can be easily edited using Edit [83]. The structure of this area has changed significantly, as shown in Figure 33.

Figure 32: The Measurement Devices menu item

Figure 33: The dialog Edit Parameters

1.6.2. Production Jobs – Change Output Template

Starting with this version, the Output Template for multiple Production Jobs can also be changed simultaneously in the new user interface.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Production Jobs > Production Jobs.
  2. Select the desired Production Jobs from the list.
  3. Click Edit [84].
  4. In the dialog Edit Production Job that opens, select the icon [85] to apply the changes to all selected Production Jobs.
  5. Navigate to the Template [86] settings area and select the desired Output Template.
  6. Click Save [87] to apply the settings to all Production Jobs.

Figure 34: The dialog Edit Production Job

1.6.3. Measuring Spot Colors

In this version, the option to measure Spot Colors has been implemented in the new user interface. In addition, manual positioning for the Barbieri Spectro LFP qp Measurement Device is now possible using the control arrows.

1.6.4. List of Production Jobs

When a Production Job is currently being rendered, the entry in the Production Jobs list is dimmed and marked with a progress icon [88]. This prevents any changes to the Production Job in the new user interface while it is being processed.

Figure 35: The list of Production Jobs during the transfer of a Production Job to the printer

1.6.5. Substrate – Substrate Definitions

Starting with this version, Comments [89] are displayed in the list of Substrate Definitions under Administration > Substrates. This was not the case in previous versions.

Figure 36: The menu item Substrate Overview showing a Substrate Definition with a Comment

1.6.6. Dark Mode

All areas where Dark Mode for the user interface was previously not fully optimized have now been adjusted. This includes, among others, the Preview for an Imposition in Production Jobs > Production Jobs > Impose, as well as the background in the tabs Page Geometry, Barcode / QR Code, and One-Up in the Print Item Editor.

Figure 37: Left: Preview of an Imposition; Right: The tab Barcode / QR Code

1.6.7. Display of Extensive Lists

Extensive lists are now displayed more quickly because subsequent entries are dynamically reloaded. The performance issues, e.g., speed losses, previously criticized by customers have thus been resolved.

1.7. Enfocus Switch Connector for Workflow

Please note that version 1.21.0 is the minimum requirement to connect the connector, which is available in the Enfocus Switch App Store, with the application. The following processes can be performed via the connector:

  • Transfer of single or multiple print data files, as well as the contents of entire directories.
  • Transfer of metadata information such as Expected Size, Bleed Size, Number of Pages, and Number of Copies.
  • Transfer of print data to Production Configurations available in the Workflow.

Prerequisites for Using the Connector

The Enfocus Switch App is free for users. However, the following prerequisites must be met to use the app:

  • Use of a Workflow version greater than or equal to 1.21.0.
  • The functionality for using XML/Job Ticket Hotfolders must be included in your license.

2. Improvements

In version 1.21.0 of the Workflow, further improvements have been implemented.

2.1. Print Item Editor – Barcodes / QR Codes

In the Print Item Editor, the tab Barcode / QR Code now provides the option to extract additional information from the barcode content. The following additional information is now displayed:

  • Color of the QR Code / Barcode [91] – Displays the color values of the barcode as well as the color space or Spot Color Name. This allows you to quickly determine whether the readability of a barcode may be affected by the Print Output, especially if it is composed of CMYK values.
  • Background Color of the QR Code / Barcode [92] – Displays the color value or color space of the background of the barcode. This helps assess whether the contrast is sufficient to ensure readability.
  • Quiet Zone [90] – Displays the size of the safety zone to evaluate whether it is adequate according to the specification.

Figure 38: The tab Barcode / QR Code with the new overview

2.2. Quick Print – Simplified User Guidance

The function Quick Print under Automation > Quick Print has been equipped with simplified user guidance in this version to ensure fast processing of the Print Items.

The Quick Print consists of the following sections:

  • Upload Artworks [93] – Compared to previous versions, this section remains unchanged. You can specify the following information here:
    • Choose Files
    • Change Print Item name – Please note the options available by using the variables $ and #
    • Enter the number of copies
    • Select the User Unit
    • Enter the external ID for the Print Item
    • Determine the order of the Print Items
    • Select the Preflight and Fixup Template that should be used
    • Select the Metadata Extraction Template that should be used
  • Production Job [95] – Specify entries for creating a Production Job here. Additional settings such as Order Name, Comment, and Ext. ID can be displayed via the menu Additional Functions [99]. The menu also offers users the possibility to create a Production Job via the button Create Production Job [97] and to store it in the list of Production Jobs. Additionally, the possibility to directly send the Quick Print to the selected printer [98] is provided.
  • Impose [96] – Specify selections for creating an Imposition here. The menu Additional Functions [99] can be used to display settings such as Plate Template, Sheet Template, and Print Item Template for selection.
  • Tab "History Quick Prints" [94] – This tab provides an overview of all Automation Jobs that have been created in the Quick Print environment. The progress of each individual Print Item is displayed, allowing you to view user-defined processes and any errors that have occurred.

More information about the newly integrated menu is available in the chapter Quick Print – Sending Print Data to the Printer.

Figure 39: The menu item Quick Print in the new version

Quick Print processes Files as Bundles

Quick Print Print Jobs are always processed as Bundles. This means that when creating an Imposition or a Production Job, the system will always wait until all Print Items have successfully completed all previous Processing Steps.

2.3. Batch Processing

The menu item Batch Processing under Automation > Batch Processing has been newly added in this version.

The goal of this menu is to process print data as Articles or Production Jobs as automatically as possible. The data can be normalized and – depending on the license – prepared for printing. In addition, a fully defined Production Configuration can be applied to the uploaded files through this menu.

Batch Processing therefore offers you greater flexibility in your daily work. The configuration options have been significantly expanded and are therefore somewhat more complex in structure. However, once you have defined the desired configuration, you will not want to miss this functionality again.

Batch Processing consists of the following areas:

  • Upload Artworks [101] – Compared to Quick Print, nothing has changed here. You can define the following information:
    • Choose Files
    • Change Print Item names – Please note the options available by using the variables $ and #
    • Enter the number of copies
    • Select the User Unit
    • Enter the external ID for the Print Item
    • Determine the order of the Print Items
    • Select the Preflight and Fixup template that should be used
    • Select the Extracting Metadata Template that should be used – The availability of this option depends on your license.
  • Production Configuration [103] – This function represents the main difference compared to Quick Print, described in section 2.2. You can
    • Select all Production Configurations that include at least the Operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize, as well as modify the selected Operation for the subsequent process [104]. Changing and saving an entire Production Configuration must be done in the menu Automation > Production Configurations.
    • Add any Operation available in your license.
    • Create a new Production Configuration [105].
    • Determine whether the individual print data should be processed as a Bundle [100] or continuously.
  • Output Template [108] – If the selected Production Configuration includes an Operation Create Production Job [107], this area displays which Output Template is currently selected. You can temporarily modify the Output Template here for the subsequent process.
  • Display of Printer Name [106] – If the Operation Send to Printer is used in the Production Configuration, the name of the selected printer will be displayed on the button.
  • Batch Processing History [102] – Here, you can view all Automation Jobs that have been generated via Batch Processing and monitor their progress. A general overview of all Automation Jobs can be found under Automation > Automation Jobs and quickly filter for Automation Jobs [109] (see Figure 40) that were created in the selected context – via Quick Print, Batch Processing, Hotfolder, etc.

Further information can be found in the article Batch Processing – Quickly Processing Print Data.

Figure 40: The menu Batch Processing in the new version

Figure 41: The Batch Processing filter in Automation Jobs

2.4. PDF Printer – Extending the Print Configuration

In this version, the option has been introduced to store the print PDF generated via a PDF printer in a target directory with a hierarchical directory structure.

To save the print file in a defined folder structure when exporting a PDF using the command "Send to Printer", proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Printer.
  2. Select a PDF Printer from the list.
  3. Open the Detail View.
  4. In the settings area Print Configuration, click Edit.
  5. The dialog Edit Print Configuration opens.
  6. In the area Store hierarchically [110], you can define the directory hierarchy of the directories that should be created in the file system by entering a "/". Example: manual/${global.current_date} creates a directory named "manual" in the selected target directory, and within it, a subfolder a directory with the "current date".

Figure 42: The dialog Edit Print Configuration with the option Store hierarchically

  1. Add a placeholder for the directory to be created by clicking Insert Placeholder [111].
  2. Select the desired placeholders.

Figure 43: The placeholders available for hierarchical file storage

2.5. Extracting Metadata Template

The function for creating and applying Templates for extracting metadata, which was made available in version 1.20.1, has been further expanded in this version. This includes the following functions:

2.5.1. Expected Bleed

Starting with version 1.21.0, the option to extract the Expected Bleed [112] for the Print Item directly from the File Name was added. The extracted value can then be accessed within Fixups as well as in Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates.

Figure 44: The dialog Add Template for extracting metadata with the option to specify the Expected Bleed

Expected Bleed – Further Changes

During development, the option to set the Expected Bleed when adding Articles and Print Items has been implemented. In addition, the Expected Bleed can now also be set within the system settings as well as in the Print Item Detail View.

2.5.2. Export / Import

In version 1.21.0, the option to export or import Templates for extracting metadata was also added.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Settings.
  2. Open the menu Extracting Metadata Templates.
  3. Select the desired Template.
  4. Click More Functions [113].
  5. Select Export [115] or Import [114] from the dropdown list.

Figure 45: The menu Extracting Metadata Templates with the option to Import and Export

2.6. User-defined Fields – Numeric Fields

In this version, the option to select the unit for input and display has been added for the Numeric type. The type of User-defined Fields cannot be changed retrospectively.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Settings.
  2. Open the settings area User-defined Fields.
  3. Select the desired Category for which the custom field should be created.
  4. Click Add to create a new custom field.
  5. In the dialog Add User-defined Fields that opens, select all the desired settings.
  6. Set the Field Type [116] to Numeric and select the desired Numeric Type [117].
  7. In the field Unit entered Value [119], specify which unit is entered or transferred. This function is particularly useful for integrations – for example, enter inch for the length of a roll.
  8. In the field Display Unit [118], specify the unit in which the User-defined Field should be displayed in the user interface. This allows, for example, the length of a roll to be displayed in feet in the user interface.

Figure 46: The dialog Add User-defined Fields with the new Fields

Field Type of the User-defined Field

Please note that the Field Type of the User-defined Field – e.g., Numeric – cannot be changed afterwards.

3. Minor Improvements

In this version, several minor improvements have been implemented.

3.1. Substrate – New Fields

The two columns Substrate UUID and Substrate Type have been added to the printer Substrates in the Workflow in this version. The information in these two columns is retrieved from Analytics and stored in the two columns in the application.

Subsequently, when the Substrate is used in a Production Job and sent to the printer, this information is carried over into the Job Ticket of the Production Job.

3.2. Create Production Job – Resolve References

Starting with version 1.21.0, it is possible to remove references from an Article when creating a Production Job, so that no connection remains between the Article and the Production Job.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Articles > Articles.
  2. Select the desired Article(s) from the list of Articles.
  3. Click More Functions [120] and select Create Production Job.
  4. In the dialog Create Production Job that opens, activate the function Split Article Reference [121].
  5. Click Save to apply the settings and create a Production Job with a separate Article Reference.

Figure 47: The dialog Create Production Job with the function Split Article Reference

3.3. Printer Name in Dialog "Send to Printer"

Starting with version 1.21.0, the option to display the printer name [122] is available in all dialogs where data is sent to the printer. This affects the following areas:

  • Quick Print
  • Batch Processing
  • Send to Printer dialog
  • Transfer Color Book
  • Transfer Grid Chart

Figure 48: The dialog Print Grid Chart showing the selected Printer

3.4. Cutter Devices – Importing Substrates

This version provides the option to use user-defined IP addresses to import materials/recipes from Zund and Optiscout Cutter Devices.

To set up the IP addresses, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Cutter Devices.
  2. Select a Cutter Device of the type Zund or Optiscout.
  3. Navigate to the tab Cutter Materials [123].
  4. In Additional Functions [124], select the entry Import Cutter Materials [125].
  5. In the dialog Import Cutter Material that opens, activate the option Use custom "IP" to import Materials [126].
  6. Enter the desired Host [127] and Port [128].
  7. Click Import – the materials/cut recipes will be imported.

Figure 49: The menu item Cutter Devices with the dialog Import Cutter Material

3.5. Shares – Selection of Shares

This version provides the option to select multiple Shares in the list of Shares and add them all to the Shares list simultaneously.

Figure 50: The dialog Add Share with multiple shares selected

3.6. Ink Consumption Calculation – Volume Unit

Starting with this version, it is now possible to change the Volume Unit [129] used in Ink Cost Calculations from milliliters to liters and to use this value in a report afterwards.

Figure 51: The dialog Create Ink Consumption Report with the Volume Unit

3.7. Ink Consumption Report – ml/m2

In version 1.21.0, the Ink Consumption Report was enhanced to include the information "ml/m2" [130].

Figure 52: An Ink Consumption Report with the new unit

3.8. Spot Color "White Over" – System-Wide Spot Color

In this version, the Spot Color "White Over" is included in the standard installation and made available as a system-wide [131] Spot Color.

Figure 53: The dialog Spot Colors with White Over

3.9. Fluo Inks – Color Configuration and Independent Separation

In this version, it is now possible to include Fluo inks (Fluo Pink and Fluo Yellow) in a Color Configuration. In addition, Fluo Inks can also be Output as an independent separation.

This functionality can be selected when setting up the printer under the Printhead Configuration. Users must decide whether the Fluo Inks should be Output as Process Color or as Separation Color.

Figure 54: The Print Color Configuration for a printer with Fluo Inks

3.10. Color Setup – Total Ink Coverage Chart

In some areas of the Total Ink Coverage Chart, incorrect color patches had been created. These have been corrected in this version.

3.11. Print Item Detail View – Prepare for Shape Nesting

Starting with this version, it is possible to apply Shape Nesting [132] to multiple selected Print Items in an Order or Production Job within the new user interface.

Figure 55: Multiple Print Items from a Production Job that can be prepared for Shape Nesting

3.12. Information – ZuniComm Version on Render Satellite

Starting with this version, a warning is displayed in the tab Interfaces [133] of the dialog Information if the ZuniComm version on the Render Satellite does not match the main instance.

Figure 56: The tab Interfaces with the ZuniComm Instances that are valid and active

3.13. Ink Update

The list of available inks for Durst printing systems has been updated again in version 1.21.0.

Previous Article Release - 1.7.9 (Minor Version)
Next Article Release – 1.20.2 (Description)

Release Notes - Workflow

Release Notes 1.21 versions 1
Release Notes 1.20 versions 3
Release Notes 1.19 versions 3
Release Notes 1.18 versions 3
Release Notes 1.17 versions 3
Release Notes 1.16 versions 3
Release Notes 1.15 versions 3
Release Notes 1.14 versions 3
Release Notes 1.13 versions 3
Release Notes 1.12 versions 3
Release Notes 1.11 versions 3
Release Notes 1.10 versions 3
Release Notes 1.9 versions 2
Release Notes 1.8 versions 3
Release Notes 1.7 versions 9
Release Notes – Detailed Description 6
Archive 1

Other Resources
Print Article
Still Need Help? Contact Us