User Manual – Durst

Release – 1.21.2 (Description)

Updated on

Release Date: 30.11.2025

This article provides a detailed description of the

  • new features in version 1.21.2 and the
  • improvements that have been implemented.

1. New Features

This section provides a detailed description of the new implemented features in the Impose Editor, in the Automation of processes, in the Approval Portal, in Color Management, in the area of Preflight and Data Preparation, and in the Print Item Protocol.

1.1. Impose Editor

In version 1.21.2, existing functions in the Impose Editor have been expanded and optimized. The following new features and improvements have been implemented:

1.1.1. Multipage Files – Consistent Support in the Application

With the implementation of the Impose Multipage Print Items function in version 1.21.0, multipage files can now be used in the user interface— i.e., in the Print Item Detail View and in the Impose Editor. With version 1.21.2, it is now possible to use multipage Print Items consistently throughout the application and thus also in Automation Jobs and Hotfolders when an Imposition is created.

Exceptions for processing multipage Print Items

Please note that although multipage files can be processed throughout the application, the following exceptions still apply:

  • Creating Ink Consumption Reports
  • Creating Approval Projects and Approval Reports

1.1.2. Multipage Print Items – Preparation Strategies

With version 1.21.2, when uploading the file to the application, it is determined whether all pages or only the first page of a Multipage Print Item are prepared. The following two strategies are now available:

Prepare all Pages of a Multipage File

To ensure preview images are available for all pages of a multipage Print Item in the Impose Editor, no additional steps are needed. From this version on, when you upload the file to the application, all pages of a multipage Print Item will be prepared for consistent use in the application.

The following steps are carried out during preparation:

  • All required preview images are created for each page of a multipage file and saved with the Print Item.
  • All metadata – sizes, Page Boxes, Layers, Fonts, Spot Colors, etc. – is determined for the respective page and saved to the corresponding page.
  • All pages are corrected and checked according to the selected Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates [1], and the Preflight Results are saved for the respective page.

Please note the following logical exceptions:

  • Check only (without Fixups) [2] – When this option is selected, no Fixups will be applied to the respective pages when the file is uploaded to the application.
  • Split Multipage Files [3] – Activating this option splits multipage Print Items into individual Print Items. In this case, there is no need to prepare a multipage file, as the pages are now separated.

Figure 1: The Upload and Normalization Settings dialog with options that affect the preparation of Multipage files

Processing times when preparing multipage Print Items

Please note that when uploading multipage Print Items, the processing time for the normalization process will increase slightly. However, it should be noted that the total time is significantly less than if you were to upload and prepare individual Print Items.

You should therefore decide in advance whether you want to prepare Print Items with several hundred pages. Technically, this is possible, but you should consider whether it makes sense from a practical point of view. If you do not want to do this, select the strategy described below.

Prepare Only the First Page of a Print Item

From this version on, the user can even ensure that 1000-page Print Items can be imposed in the Impose Editor and provided with Marks and Captions. On that account, it is possible to prepare only the first page. The prerequisite for doing so is that all subsequent pages have to possess the same size, orientation, and Spot Colors.

To do this, activate the option Check and fix the first page only [4] in the Upload and Normalization Settings. This option is available in all dialogs in which files are uploaded to the application, as well as a parameter in the API when files are transferred.

Figure 2: The Upload and Normalization Settings dialog with the enabled option Check and fix the the first page only

Displaying Print Items in the Impose Editor

Depending on the selected strategy, Print Items are displayed differently in the Impose Editor. Take a look at the following two illustrations.

All pages have been prepared – Preview images are available for every page of the multipage Print Item. This means that you can see a preview image for pages 2 and 3 [6] in the Print Items tab, as well as the preview images [5] in the Impose Editor.

Figure 3: The Print Items tab and an Imposition using a Print Item in which all pages are prepared

Only the first page has been prepared – A preview image is only available for the first page of the Multipage Print Item. This means that you will not see a preview image for pages 2 and 3 [8] in the Print Items tab, nor will you see any preview images [7] in the Imposition. Only the number of the entry for the page in the Print Item list is displayed in the Imposition.

Figure 4: The Print Items tab and an Imposition using a Print Item in which only the first page is prepared

1.1.3. Warning for Unprepared Pages

When opening a multipage PDF file in the Impose Editor, files that were uploaded before version 1.21.2 and contain unprepared pages will display the warning "Incomplete multipage Print Item" found.

Figure 5: The warning for a Multipage file with unprepared pages

1.1.4. Placement Logic – Roll Substrate

In version 1.21.2, the placement logic for Roll Substrate has been changed. Starting with this version, the longest Print Item is placed first on the Roll Substrate instead of the Print Item with the largest area. This allows for more optimal use of the Substrate.

1.1.5. Scaling Print Items

Create the option to scale a Print Item in the Imposition, not only in percentage but also in absolute terms. This is necessary to bring any Print Item that has the correct proportions to the desired size in the imposition without having to duplicate and scale the Print Item beforehand.

To scale Print Items to the desired size 320 x 214 mm in the Imposition, proceed as follows:

  1. Create a new Imposition in Impose Mode "Nesting". The size of the Imposition area is irrelevant.
  2. Add the desired Print Items from the File Manager to the Imposition. In our example, Print Items measuring 140 x 80 mm are added.
  3. Switch to the "Print Items" tab [9].

Figure 6: The Print Items tab with the three original Print Items added in size 140 x 80 mm

  1. Select all Print Items [11] and click on Edit [10].
  2. The Edit Selected Print Items dialog opens. In the Scaling column [13], enter the percentage value [12] for scaling all or each Print Item.

Figure 7: The Edit Selected Print Items dialog with the option to scale Print Items by percentage

  1. To enter the absolute value of the desired target size – 320 x 214 mm – click on the icon [14].
  2. Enter the desired target size [16] in the header, which will then be used as the absolute value for all Print Items. Of course, you can also specify any other value for each Print Item.
  3. If you want to use this size in other Nestings, save a Print Item Template [15] and then select this Template in Quick Print and in any Production Configuration that creates an Imposition.

Figure 8: The Edit Selected Print Items dialog with the option to scale Print Items to a specific target size

  1. Confirm your entry by clicking Apply.
  2. Back in the Impose Editor, you will see the result. The Print Items have been scaled and now have the desired target size [17].

Figure 9: The Print Items tab with the three Print Items scaled to the target size

Print Items are scaled to absolute size

Please note that the Print Items are scaled to absolute size. If the proportions are incorrect, the Print Item will be distorted when imposed on the Imposition!

1.1.6. Shape Nesting – Improved Calculation

In cases where the side edges of angular Print Items — e.g., Tetris blocks — are not always available, the algorithm has been improved by adding negative rounding accuracy. This has significantly improved utilization.

1.1.7. Mark "Vision Hybrid" – Enhancements

The use of the Vision Hybrid Mark in connection with a laser Cutter Device requires the presence of a Dieline. The information that a Dieline is present on the Repeat also needs to be reflected in the Circle Mark of the Vision Hybrid Mark.

With version 1.21.2, the existing Vision Hybrid Mark has been enhanced. From now on, the Mark also includes the option of using the Spot Color of the Dieline in the circle mark. To do this, the Dieline has to

  • be drawn in the innermost circle of the Circle Mark
  • have a special shape [18] – not a continuous circle

The corresponding color can be activated in the Color Dieline (inner Circle) [19] area.

Figure 10: The parameters of the Vision Hybrid Mark with the new area for setting the color for the Dieline

1.1.8. "Finishing" Tab – Add Dielines

Previously, in the Final Processing tab [21] of the Impose Editor, it was possible to create a Dieline on the ImageBox or on the ImageBox + Bleed and specify an offset value. With version 1.21.2, it is now possible to create the offset of the Dielines separately on all four sides [20].

Figure 11: The parameters of the Dieline section of the Finishing tab with the four input fields

1.1.9. Impose Mode "Nesting" – Additional Option for "Uniform Rotation"

In Nesting, the additional option Allow in exceptional cases is provided for the Uniform Rotation option. This allows a Print Item to be rotated in the Imposition even if the Print Item cannot be placed due to the Substrate width or height being too short.

To activate the option, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Impose Editor.
  2. Create the Imposition in Impose Mode Nesting and add the desired Print Items from the File Manager to the Imposition.
  3. Open the Artboard tab [24].
  4. Open the Nesting Options settings area [21].
  5. In the Rotation option, select the Uniform Rotation [22] entry. This will display the Allow in exceptional cases [23] option. Activate the option.
  6. The Print Item that cannot be placed in the original rotation due to the narrow width of the Substrate is rotated 90 clockwise.

Please note that for now this option is only available for Multipage Output!

Figure 12: The Artboard tab with the option Allow in exceptional cases

1.1.10. Step & Repeat Impose Mode – One Print Item per Column/Row for Multipage Impositions

Starting with this version, a function is provided that, in the case of a Multipage Output [24] in Impose Mode Step & Repeat, Print Items can be kept consistent across multiple pages by selecting the option One Print Item per Column/Row [27].

The following illustrations show how the layout of the repeats would look with the options Multipage Output [24] and Remove sheet duplicates [26] activated. Another prerequisite for the illustrations is to either activate or deactivate [25] the option One Print Item per Column/Row.

Example:

  • 3 Print Items – all have the same size
  • Print Item 1 should be printed 100 times
  • Print Items 11 and 12 should be printed 200 times

Result – with the option One Print Item per Column/Row deactivated – left illustration [25]

  • Four layouts – with different copies
  • The total length of the Step & Repeat is shorter than in the other case
  • It is not possible to divide into three rolls of the same type

Result – with the One Print Item per Column/Row option enabled – right illustration [27]

  • Two layouts – with different copies
  • The total length of the Step & Repeat is longer than in the other case
  • It is possible to divide into three rolls of the same type

Figure 13: The Grid Settings section with (right image) and without (left image) the One Print Item per Column/Row option enabled.

1.1.11. Impose Mode "Bound Product" – Saddle Stitching

Starting with this version, it is possible for the first time to create, edit, manage, and use Bound Products with Saddle Stitching in the Impose Editor.

The creation of such an Imposition usually involves the following two steps:

  1. Creation of the Signature – The size of the Signature is determined by the size of the product plus the necessary Bleed.
  2. Placement of the Signature – The created Signature is placed on an Impose Sheet, including all necessary Marks.

The following functions are available for the first time in automatic double-sided Mode. Read more about this in the following sections:

  • General Settings – A separate Impose Sheet and an Impose Template for Saddle Stitching are available, allowing Bound Products to be imposed efficiently. The front and backside of the created Impositions can be displayed.
  • Parameters for Saddle Stitching – Provide the parameters for defining the N-Ups and the Shingling.
  • Crop Marks – Choose between Signature and Signature N-Up for positioning the Crop Marks.
  • Page Preview – Browse through the finished imposed brochures in a page preview.
General Settings

Before you start using the new Impose Mode, please read the following notes:

  • Bound Products should be created double-sided
  • Only one Print Item can be used for a brochure
  • The Print Item has to be multipage
  • The number of pages in the Print Item must be divisible by 4.

For the general settings of the Impose Mode Bound Product, please note that some default settings are already provided for use.

To create an imposition in Impose Mode Bound Product, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Impose Editor.
  2. In the New Imposition dialog, select the entry Bound Product [28] under Impose Mode.
  3. In Impose Template [29], you can now choose between the Templates
    • Default Template Bound Product and
    • Default Template Bound Product 2-UP.
  4. Select the appropriate template depending on whether you want to place a One-Up or an N-Up.
  5. In Sheet Template [30], select the supplied Template Default Bound Imposition - Gripper bottom - Top Left aligned. This template is used to place Marks and Captions that are typically used in practice.
  6. Then click on Create.

Figure 14: The New Imposition dialog with the Bound Product Mode and the Impose Templates

  1. Now add the desired files from the File Manager to the Imposition.
  2. In the Add Print Item dialog, you will see preview images and the page number of the respective page for the multipage Print Item. In this case the file has 16 pages.
  3. Click Apply [31] to start imposing the brochure.

Figure 15: The Add Print Item dialog with the list of individual pages expanded

  1. Adjust desirable further settings for your use in the Artboard tab [33].
  2. In order to switch between the front and backside, click on the respective icon [32].

Figure 16: The Impose artboard with a 2-Up

Parameters for Saddle Stitching

In the Artboard tab, you will find the Saddle Stitching [34] settings area. There, it is possible to configure the settings for the N-Up Requirements and Shingling.

Figure 17: The Artboard tab with the Saddle Stitch selection field

N-Up Requirements – The following parameters are available in this area:

  • N-Up Production [36] – Choose between One Up or Two Up.
  • Fill Method [37] – Choose between Single Copy or Multiple Copies. However, this selection is only available when in N-Up Production "One Up" is selected.
  • Spacing horizontal | Spacing vertical [38] – Use the entry fields to specify the spacing between the N-Ups (Signature).

Figure 18: Comparison between One Up (left) and Two Up or One Up with Fill Method "Multiple Copies" (right)

Shingling – The following parameter is available in this area:

  • Calculation Method [39] (Figure 16) – Choose between the methods
    • From Substrate Thickness – The thickness set for the Substrate under Administration > Substrates > Substrate Definition is used, or
    • Absolute Value – Enter the value you have calculated yourself or wish to use.
Crop Marks

To position the Crop Marks, choose from the following values in the Origin [40] field in the Marks [41] tab:

  • Per Print Item – The Crop Marks are created per double-sided page (the cropped format of a Signature).
  • Signature – The Crop Marks are created for the Signature (including the Bleed).
  • N-Up of Signature – The Crop Marks are created for N-Up of the Signature (including the Bleed).

Figure 19: The Marks tab with the three options in the Origin option

Page Preview

For an easier oversight, users can refer to a page preview to review the correct Imposition once again.

To do so, click on the Open Page Preview for Booklet icon [42] in the action bar.

Figure 20: The header in the Impose Editor with the option Open Page Preview for Booklet

In the open dialog, you can scroll through the uploaded booklet using the arrow keys or the page navigator [43].

Figure 21: The Page Preview for Bound Products in the Impose Editor

1.1.12. Sheet Template – Flicker Nesting

Version 1.21.2 offers the option of randomly shifting the Imposition by a defined Step Size on the X and Y axes up to a maximum Offset.

This ensures that cutting on a Cutter Device does not always start at the same position (usually the top left). This feature ensures that the cutting mat is not damaged too quickly during production and significantly extends the life of the mat.

To activate flicker Nesting, proceed as follows:

  1. Create an Imposition and select the Impose Mode Nesting.
  2. To activate that the Imposition on the Impose Sheet is shifted, edit the currently selected Sheet Template. To do this, click on Edit Sheet Template in the General tab. This will switch to the Sheet Configuration input area.
  3. Open the General [44] settings area.
  4. Activate the Shift the Imposition [45] option.
  5. Enter the possible Range and Step Size [46] below. These values randomly recalculate the Offset on the Impose Sheet each time the Imposition is changed.
  6. Save the template to apply these settings to other Nestings. To do this, click on Save Template [46] and enter a meaningful name for the template.

Figure 22: The General settings area of the Sheet Configuration

1.1.13. Impose Templates – Grouping

The Impose Templates are grouped in each drop-down menu and in the system settings of the Impose Editor so that users can quickly see what a template contains. The grouping is as follows:

  • Single Page Output → one Sheet – frontside only
  • Double-Sided Output → one Sheet – frontside and backside
  • Multipage Output → multiple Sheets – frontside only
  • Double-Sided and Multipage Output → multiple sheets – front and backside

Figure 23: The list of grouped Impose Templates in Administration > Settings > Impose Editor > Impose Templates

1.1.14. Zooming and Scrolling – Enhanced Possibilities

Version 1.21.2 of the Impose Editor now offers the same shortcuts for zooming and scrolling that are familiar from browser applications. The following options are now available:

  • Move the Imposition up or down – Turn the mouse scroll wheel
  • Zoom in or out of the Imposition – Turn the mouse scroll wheel while holding down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Ctrl + Alt key (macOS) (macOS)
  • Move Imposition up or down – Pan on the trackpad by moving two fingers on the trackpad
  • Zoom in or out of Imposition – Zoom (pinch) on the trackpad by moving two fingers apart or together on the trackpad

1.2. Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates – New Features/Improvements

With version 1.21.2, the following new features have been implemented in the area of Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates.

1.2.1. Import Template – Validation

This version provides improved user guidance for error cases when importing Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates. Such an error case occurs, for example, when a template is imported that refers to user-defined fields that are not available on the current system.

The interaction with the user for the described use case is as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Settings > Preflight / Fixup.
  2. Open the tab Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates [48].
  3. In the menu Additional Functions, select the entry Import [49].

Figure 24: The Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates tab

  1. In the dialog that opens, upload the template with the user-defined fields that should be imported.
  2. In case an error occurs, a warning [50] is displayed, clearly indicating that user-defined fields are missing on this system.
  3. Clicking on the arrow [53] displays the validation results for the uploaded template.
  4. Click Download [52] to download a .txt file with the errors.
  5. By activating the option Accept Errors and Import Template [51], it is still possible to upload the template. Subsequently, the corresponding user-defined fields have to be created in the system. Furthermore, the mapping to the fields in the template has to be reestablished.

Figure 25: The Import Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates dialog with the displayed warning and the occurred errors

1.2.2. "Size Check" with new Option

For the check Size Check version 1.21.2 adds the additional option Rotate 90 clockwise if only the Orientation is incorrect [54]. By activating this option,

  • the Print Item can be rotated by 90° during upload if only the width and height are reversed.
  • a user-defined description is written to the PDF, allowing such files to be processed accordingly for further data preparation (see changes to the Fixup for Rotate and/or Mirror Pages).

Figure 26: The Add Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates dialog with the new option

1.3. Profiling Project (GMG) – Profiling Charts

Starting with version 1.21.2 beta customers will have access to the first implementation of the upcoming implementation for GMG Color Management.

The focus of this first function lies on Profiling Charts. The user is enabled to create various Profiling Charts for Characterization, Linearization, Linearization for Additional Color or Additional Fluids, and G7 Linearization. Subsequently, the charts are utilized for different Measurement Devices and Color Configurations available on the system. Finally, you can download the charts as PDF files with a CGATS reference file.

To create a Profiling Chart, select the menu item Color > Profiling Charts. There, you will see a list of all Profiling Charts that have already been created by users in the application. The following notes on the list should be mentioned in advance:

  • Add [56] – Use this to create a new Profiling Chart. All four types of Profiling Charts are offered in the menu.
  • Edit [55] [63] – A created Profiling Chart can no longer be changed. It is oOnly the name of the Profiling Chart can be changed via Edit.
  • Delete [57] [64] – The selected Profiling Charts are irrevocably deleted from the system.
  • Filter Type [60] – Quick filter for pre-filtering the list by chart types. All four types of Profiling Charts are available in the menu.
  • Color Configuration [58] – Display of the Color Configuration for which the Profiling Chart was created.
  • Additional Colors and additional fluids [59] – Display of the additional colors (White, Varnish, etc.) that were additionally selected when creating the Profiling Chart.
  • Download [61] – Both the PDF and CGATS files for the Profiling Chart can be downloaded here.
  • Analyze Profiling Chart [62] – Display of the final Profiling Chart that should be printed, and provision of the option to analyze the Profiling Chart in terms of structure.

Figure 27: The list of Profiling Charts in the Profiling Charts menu item

1.3.1. Creating a Profiling Chart

Profiling Charts can be configured and generated in advance in this menu item using the desired parameters. Alternatively, they are automatically created in the quality predefined by us as soon as a Profiling Project is created. You will learn more about Profiling Projects in the next versions.

To create a Profiling Chart for Characterization, proceed as follows:

  1. Go to the menu item Color > Profiling Charts.
  2. Under Add [56] (Figure 27), select the entry Create Characterization Chart.
  3. The Add Characterization Chart dialog opens with the General [65] tab, where default values are already pre-filled. The following values have to be selected by the user to create a Profiling Chart:
    • Name [67] – Predefined placeholders are already available for naming the Profiling Chart. However, you can also combine these individually to define your own naming conventions. The following placeholders are available for this purpose:
  • Profiling Chart Type (Short) – Short name of the Profiling Chart type
    • Color Channel Configuration – Short form of the Color Configuration, e.g., CMYK
  • Profiling Chart Size – The effective size of the Profiling Chart
    • Measurement Device Type – Short form of the type of the selected Measurement Device, e.g., LFP-R (reflective)
    • Additional Colors – Color name of the additionally selected colors
    • Additional Description on the Profiling Chart [68] – Enter the desired additional text here, which should appear on the Profiling Chart.
    • Color Configuration [69] – The Color Configuration is one of the key factors that affect the structure of the Profiling Chart. For the following example, we have selected the CMYKOVG Color Configuration, as this allows us to explain all of the below-described parameters in Expert Mode [66].
    • Additional colors [70] – Select the additional color – White, Primer, Varnish, etc. – from the list when the Profiling Chart should be created with an additional color.
    • Measurement Device [71] – The selection of the Measurement Device essentially determines how the Profiling Chart is structured. The corresponding parameters (restrictions) of the Measurement Device manufacturer are automatically used to structure the Profiling Chart.
    • Parameter Set [72] – By selecting a parameter set that matches the Measurement Device, both the measuring mode and the measuring aperture used are taken into account when structuring the Profiling Chart.

Figure 28: The General tab of the Add Characterization Chart dialog

  1. You can already create the Profiling Chart with the settings you have made. However, if you want to have more control over the advanced parameters, switch the dialog to Expert Mode [66]. This will display the second tab, Advanced.
  2. Switch to the Advanced [73] tab. Here, experts can further customize the Profiling Chart for the respective application using various parameters. The following parameters are available:
    • Quality [74] – Use this to specify the quality at which the Characterization Profile should be created. The more measurement fields are measured, the more accurately ICC profiles can be calculated, as more reference points are included in the ICC profile. You can select from the predefined quality levels – Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Maximum – in the selection menu.
    • Field Width/Field Height [75] – Specify the size of the color patches. The default value is derived from the selected Parameter Set for the Measurement Device. The permissible size range for the measurement fields is displayed below the input field.
    • Maximum Page Width/Maximum Page Height [76] – Use this to determine the maximum size of the Profiling Chart. This setting is particularly relevant when printing on narrower Substrates. Note that the Profiling Chart will have a different size after creation, as the effective size of the Profiling Chart is based on the maximum number of color patches that can be placed on a chart.
    • Total Ink Coverage [77] – Use this to determine the maximum Total Ink Coverage with which color patches should be created in the Profiling Chart. This function allows you to take into account the maximum Total Ink Coverage of a printing system, e.g., especially for water-based printing systems, which means that contamination of the printing system can be ruled out in advance.
    • Maximum number of colors [78] – Use this to determine how many Process Colors may be used to create color patches in the Profiling Chart.
    • Max. additional Process Colors (ECG) [79] – Use this to determine how many additional Process Colors may be used to create color patches in the Profiling Chart.
    • Overprint rules [80] – Use this to determine which color combinations in the Profiling Chart may be used for overprinting to create color patches. The behavior can be adjusted by clicking on the respective label. The following options are available:
      • All – All tonal values of the Process Color (column) can be used together with all tonal values of the Process Color (row) in color patches.
      • Solid – Only the 100% color value of the Process Color (the column) can be used together with the 100% color value of the Process Color (the row) in color patches.
      • "—" – No color combination of the Process Color (the column) can be used together with the Process Color (the row) in color patches.

Figure 29: The Advanced tab of the Add Characterization Chart dialog

  1. By clicking Save, the Profiling Chart is created in the application together with the associated reference file.

Limit the number of color patches and thus the pages that should be measured

The total number of color patches on the pages of the Profiling Chart is determined based on the selected values for the options Quality | Patch Width and Patch Height | Total Ink Coverage | Maximum Number of Colors | Max. Additional Process Colors (ECG) and the Overprint Rules.

Why is it advisable to save Profiling Charts?

When creating a Profiling Project, a Profiling Chart is automatically generated when no chart exists for the respective combination of Color Configuration, Measurement Device, and Parameter Set. Therefore, if you want to use Profiling Charts that differ from our default settings, you should first create the corresponding Profiling Charts in the menu item Color > Profiling Charts.

Creating a Profiling Chart for other color combinations

Please note that only Color Configurations created for the currently available printing system in the application are displayed in the General tab under the Color Configuration option.

If you still want to create a Profiling Chart for a different Color Configuration, simply activate Expert Mode. You will then have access to all Color Configurations available in the application in the selection list.

1.3.2. Analyzing a Profiling Chart

Clicking on Analyze Profiling Chart [62] (Figure 27) opens a dialog that provides two different functions.

Analyzing the Color Patches

Hovering the mouse pointer over a color patch displays the color values used in it [82]. By using the quick filter [81] – which you can display by clicking on the arrow [84] – also determine which color patches on the currently displayed page should be shown or hidden. With the Page Navigation [83], jump to the next or previous page to continue your analysis there.

Figure 30: The Analyze Profiling Chart dialog with the Color Patches option selected

When the Profiling Chart option is selected, the Profiling Chart that should be printed is displayed.

Figure 31: The Analyze Profiling Chart dialog with the Profiling Chart option selected

1.3.3. Types of Profiling Charts

There are four types to choose from for creating Profiling Charts.

Characterization Chart

Characterization Charts are required for the Color Setup of a Substrate profile. You should always profile the maximum Color Configuration of a printing system, as subsets of Color Configurations can be calculated within a Color Setup project.

Figure 32: The General tab for a Characterization Chart for CMYK

The Advanced tab is only accessible once you have enabled Expert Mode.

Figure 33: The Advanced tab for a Characterization Chart for CMYK

Linearization Chart

Linearization Charts are used in a Profiling Project to ensure the basic state of linear behavior of a printing system and to control the transitions between light and dark ink.

With a Profiling Project, you can now complete the creation of Linearization and Transitions in one step, instead of the previously required two steps!

In Expert Mode, you also have access to some of the parameters that are available for Characterization Charts. For a detailed explanation of these parameters, see the section Creating a Profiling Chart.

Figure 34: The General tab for a Linearization Chart for CMYKcmk

The Advanced tab is only accessible once you have enabled Expert Mode.

Figure 35: The Advanced tab for a Linearization Chart for CMYKcmk

Linearization Chart for Additional Colors or Additional Fluids

Linearization Chart for Additional Color or Additional Fluid is used in a Profiling Project to perform linearization for additional colors, such as White, or for additional fluids such as Neon Pink and Neon Yellow.

The Linearization of White has to be performed in a Profiling Project before performing linearization for CMYK with light and additional Process Colors. Linearization for Neon Pink and Neon Yellow can be performed at the same time as the linearization of CMYK with light and additional Process Colors.

The difference to the Profiling Charts described above is that the color channel for which the linearization chart should be created must be selected. This means that a separate Profiling Chart should be created for each additional color or additional fluid.

Figure 36: The General tab for a Linearization Chart for Additional Colors or Additional Fluids for White

The Advanced tab is only accessible once you have enabled Expert Mode.

Figure 37: The Advanced tab for a Linearization Chart for Additional Colors or Additional Fluids for White

G7 Linearization Chart

G7 Linearization Charts are used in a Profiling Project to make the linearization G7-compliant.

G7 linearization is performed after successful linearization according to SCTV. However, this additional step is only necessary if G7 compliance is not achieved despite correct settings when creating the characterization.

Figure 38: The General tab for a G7 Linearization Chart

Figure 39: The Advanced tab for a G7 Linearization Chart

1.4. Approvals, Approval Projects, and Approval Portal

Changes have been implemented to improve user guidance when handling Approvals and displaying them in the Approval Portal. The following three areas are affected:

1.4.1. Uploading Separations

In version 1.21.2, the user guidance in the settings area, Information to be transferred to the Approval Portal under Administration > Settings > Reports, has been revised. From now on, determine whether and which Separations should be uploaded to the Approval Portal and which specific Separations should be excluded.

Determine which Spot Colors should be uploaded as Separations. You can configure this separately for individual color types.

  • Output as Separation Colors [85] – Use this to specify whether White should be displayed to the end customer at all.
  • Hybrid Colors [87] – Use this to specify whether Gold or Silver Foil should be displayed to the end customer at all.
  • Technical Colors [89] – Use this to specify whether Dielines should be displayed to the end customer at all.

Also specify which Spot Colors should not be uploaded as Separations. You can configure this separately for

  • Output as Separation Colors [86] – For example, exclude the color Permeo, which is only used for better reproduction of colors on textiles in production.
  • Hybrid Colors [88] – For example, exclude the color Primer, which is only used for better reproduction of colors on the Substrates used in production.
  • Technical Colors [90] – For example, exclude colors such as Crease, Kiss-cut, etc., if only the Dielines are relevant to the end customer.

Figure 40: The settings area Information to be transferred to the Approval Portal in the menu item Administration > Settings > Reports

1.4.2. Displaying Separations in the Approval Portal

In connection with the new changes when uploading, two further improvements have been implemented in the Approval Portal. The two changes are:

Separate Areas for Color Types

A separate area is displayed for each color type — Spot Colors, Hybrid Colors, Output as Separation, and Technical Colors. All colors are displayed in the preview.

Figure 41: The preview display in the Approval Portal with the categorized Spot Colors

Hiding Color Types

When analyzing a Print Item in detail in the viewer, Technical Colors [92] and Output as Separation Colors [91] are automatically hidden. Thereby, the viewer is not distracted by the Dielines or the bluish/pinkish tone of the white color during analysis. However, the hidden colors can be displayed again by the user at any time.

Figure 42: The preview display in the Analysis dialog with the color types hidden by default

1.4.3. Deleting Approval Projects

Up to version 1.21.2, only individual Approval Projects could be deleted one after the other. From this version onwards, it is possible to select several Approval Projects at the same time in Dashboard > Approval Projects and then delete them. Please note that deletion is irreversible: the selected Approval Projects are deleted immediately and are not moved to the recycle bin.

Figure 43: The Delete Approval Project dialog with a list of the Approval Projects that should be deleted

Automatically delete Approval Projects

Starting with version 1.21.2, it is possible to automatically delete Approval Projects. For more information, see Routine "Entity Cleanup".

1.5. Checks and Fixups

As part of the development of version 1.21.2, existing Fixups were optimized, general improvements were made to Fixups and Fixup Chains, and new Checks were implemented:

1.5.1. Improvements to Existing Fixups

In this version, changes have been made to the Fixups Add Pole Pocket, Rotate and/or Mirror Page, and Set Scale Factor.

Add Pole Pockets

The Fixup Add Pole Pockets can be used to add a Pole Pocket to the selected edge of the front Print Item. The backside Print Item is mirrored onto the front Print Item. The area of the backside Print Item that should be added as part of the Pole Pocket can be defined up to the maximum size of the Pole Pocket.

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

With version 1.21.2, the new option Remove Technical Spot Color is available for this Fixup:

  • By activating the option Remove Technical Spot Colors [93], technical Spot Colors are automatically deleted during processing.

Figure 44: The dialog of the Fixup Add Pole Pocket fixup with the new option

Rotate and/or Mirror Page

With the Fixup Rotate and/or Mirror Page, pages can be rotated 90° clockwise, 90° counterclockwise, or 180°, and/or the page can be flipped horizontally or vertically.

For a detailed description of how this Fixup works, see the article Rotate and/or Mirror Page.

Starting with version 1.21.2, a new option is available for this Fixup: Rotate 90 counterclockwise if the Orientation was changed during Check-in:

  • By activating the option Rotate 90° counterclockwise if the Orientation was changed during Check-in [94], the Print Item is reset to the original rotation it had when it was uploaded to the application.
  • Whether the Print Item is rotated back 90° depends on whether the orientation of the Print Item was changed during check-in by the option Rotate 90° clockwise if only the Orientation is incorrect in the check Size Check.

Figure 45: The dialog for the Fixup Rotate and/or Mirror Pages with the new option

Set Scale Factor

The Fixup Set Scale Factor can be used to adjust the scale factor for a Print Item. If the scale factor is set to 1:10 (user unit entry), for example, the effective size of the page is increased tenfold. The scale factor allows you to define pages larger than 5.08 x 5.08 meters.

With version 1.21.2, additional scale factors are available for this Fixup in the Set Scale Factor option:

  • The scale factors 1:25, 1:50 and 1:100. have been added.

Figure 46: The dialog for the Fixup Set Scale Factor with the newly added scale factors

New Scale Factors

The new Scale Factors have not only been added to the Fixups, but also adjusted accordingly in Quick Print and Batch Processing.

1.5.2. General Improvements for Fixups

Version 1.21.2 includes general improvements to Fixups – Descriptions for standard templates | equipping all Fixups with templates | extension of the XML description for Fixups.

Description of Standard Templates

Starting with version 1.21.2, it is possible to store a description in the respective .xml file for Fixups provided by standard templates [95].

For this purpose, the row masterTemplateComment locale="en_US"/masterTemplateComment [96] was added for the English translation.

Figure 47: Left: The Fixup Add a Dieline to the ImageBox with additional description; Right: Excerpt from the .xml file with the newly added row

Providing all Fixups with Templates

Templates enable faster selection and application of settings in Fixups and Operations. Until version 1.21.2, there were still some Fixups available in the application where the user could not save settings in a template. This gap had to be closed to ensure consistent usability.

The Fixups listed below were equipped with templates in version 1.21.2. A detailed description of the respective Fixups can be found in the chapter Standard Fixups – Technical Description.

  • Add Colored Bleed
  • Add Edge Reinforcement
  • Create a Knockout Rectangle
  • Create Outline for Text
  • Create a Spot Color Separation for objects using the selected Spot Color
  • Add White Outline for Colored Areas
  • Convert Registration Color
  • Convert Lab to RGB
  • Convert to CMYK
  • Convert to Grayscale
  • Crop to Visible Area
  • Day and Night Output
  • Remove unused and/or hidden Layers
  • Delete Pages
  • Extract Print Items from Page
  • Derive PageBoxes from Crop Marks
  • Derive a PageBox from Colored Objects
  • Duplicate all Pages
  • Dye Background
  • Add Background
  • Remove Printing Objects in Defined Area
  • Hide Selected Layers
  • Make Selected Layers Visible
  • Map CMYK Values to a Spot Color
  • Convert Spot Color to CMYK 0/0/0/0
  • Merge Pages
  • Mirror the Print Item on a Specific Edge
  • Extract text (OCR)
  • Move Spot Color Objects to the foreground
  • Replace Dieline for Regular Shape
  • Derive a Dieline from Spot Color
  • Remove Selected Layers
  • Remove Objects outside PageBox
  • Flatten or Remove Annotations
  • Scale Page Content Absolute
  • Scale Page Content by Percentage
  • Scale Page Content
  • Change "Overprint" to "Multiply"
  • Synchronize Selected PageBoxes
  • Set PageBoxes
  • Change Overprint-State of a Spot Color
  • Set White Objects to Knockout
  • Split a long Print Item into several pages
  • Assign Source Profile for RGB objects
Extension of the XML Description for Fixups

The XML description for Fixups is available from version 1.21.2 onwards with extended functionality. The aim of the extension was to provide conditions with which the user can control the design of the Fixup dialog. Thereby, the following possibilities are available:

  • Creation of the possibility to generate tabs within a Fixup or a Fixup. This allows, for example, to logically group options together in two or more tabs, e.g., General and Advanced.

Figure 48: The Adjust Sizes Fixup dialog, in which the available options are divided into four tabs

  • Create the option to only display options in the dialog if they are relevant depending on the activation of another option. For example, input fields can be hidden if entering a value would have no effect on the result after the Fixup has been executed see the following illustration.

Figure 49: The dialog for the Fixup Downsample and/or Compress Images, where no further options are displayed for Color/Grayscale images because the No Downsampling option is selected.

1.5.3. Checks for Operations

Checks for preflighting can be applied when uploading print data in the application. These checks serve to detect errors in the print data as early as possible in order to avoid production errors.

However, Checks can also be used in the context of automation, for example, to execute parameterized Fixups, Fixup Chains, or specific processes depending on the found parameters. For this purpose, version 1.21.2 provides new Operations – Check Print Item and apply Fixups | Check Print Item and apply Fixup Chains | Check Print Item and forward to. In addition, independent Checks have been developed for these Operations that can be used to identify corresponding conditions in Print Items.

The Checks described below are available from version 1.21.2 onwards. The number of Checks will be continuously extended in future versions, and the range of functions of individual checks will also be expanded accordingly. The dialogs shown below for configuring the checks are available to you when you:

  • have selected one of the previously mentioned Operations [97] in a Production Configuration,
  • have selected the corresponding check in the Add Check and Select Template [98] option, and
  • click on Edit [99].

Figure 50: Top: The Add Production Configuration dialog with the Operation Check Print Item and Apply Fixups added at the beginning; Bottom: The Add Production Configuration dialog with the configured Operation Check Print Item and Apply Fixups.

The following seven Checks are available.

Check availability of a Spot Color

The Check Check for availability of a Spot Color allows users to check whether the selected Spot Color [100] is present in the Print Item. Please note that this feature only allows you to search for a Spot Color name.

Figure 51: The dialog for the check Check for availability of a Spot Color

Check availability of PageBoxes

The Check Check for availability of Page Boxes allows users to verify that all selected Page Boxes [102] – multiple Page Boxes can be added – are present on all pages of the Print Items.

If the Check needs to be slightly alleviated, activate the option At least one Page Box has to be available [103]. This option simply checks whether at least one of the set Page Boxes is present on each page.

Figure 52: The dialog of the Check for the availability of Page Boxes

Check Image Resolution

The Check Check Image Resolution allows users to check whether the image resolution is greater than, less than, or within a specified range. The following parameters for determining the resolution are available in the Resolution is [104] option:

  • less than or equal to – Only one threshold value can be specified in the Resolution [105] option
  • greater than or equal to – Only one threshold value can be specified in the Resolution [105] option
  • in the range of – Two threshold values must be specified for the Minimum and Maximum Resolution

Figure 53: The dialog for the Check Check Image Resolution

Check if Print Item is single-sided, double-sided or multipage

With the Check Check Print Item for single-, double-, or multipage, users can check whether the Print Item is single-page, double-sided, or multipage. The following options are available as selection criteria in the Pages [108] option:

  • Is single-page – A single-page Print Item
  • Is double-sided – A double-sided Print Item
  • Is multipage but not double-sided – A multi-sided document with more than two pages

Figure 54: The dialog for the Check Check Print Items for single-sided, double-sided, and multipage

Check Number of Pages

The Check Number of Pages check allows users to check whether the number of pages is greater than, less than, a multiple of, or exactly equal to the specified number of pages. The following parameters for determining the number of pages are available in the Number of Pages is [100] option:

  • equal
  • less than
  • greater than
  • is a multiple of – the default value is 2

Figure 55: The dialog for the Check Check Number of Pages

Check if Pages have the same size

The Check Check if Pages have the same size allows users to check whether all pages, all odd pages, or all even pages have the same size and orientation. The following options are available as selection criteria in the Size Check for [109] option:

  • All Pages – All pages have the same size
  • Even Pages – Only even pages have the same size
  • Odd Pages – Only odd pages have the same size

Figure 56: The dialog for the Check Check if Pages have the same size

Check the Size of the PageBox

The Check Check the Size of the PageBox allows users to check whether the width and height of the selected Page Box are larger, smaller, between two values, or the same on all sides of the Print Item, within a defined tolerance. The following parameters for checking the Width and Height of the Page Box are available in the Page Box is [106] option:

  • equal
  • less than or equal to
  • greater than or equal to
  • between

With the option Ignore page orientation [107], the size of the Print Item can also be identified as correct if the values for the Height and Width are swapped.

Figure 57: The dialog for the Check Check the Size of the PageBox

1.6. Automation

Since version 1.19.0, users with the appropriate license have been able to create Automation Jobs. This allows them to define individual Production Configurations for the manufacture of print products and automate their processing.

Version 1.21.2 adds new Operations, changes to default settings, improvements to user guidance through the use of clearer symbols and detailed error messages, and the ability to export and import Production Configurations.

1.6.1. Operations

Three new Operations have been added in version 1.21.2 – Check Print Item and forward to | Check Print Item and Apply Fixups | Check Print Item and Apply Fixup Chains. In addition, general improvements have been implemented, including optimizations to existing Operations and the addition of new Operations.

Adding Operations

Since the number of Operations has increased significantly in recent versions, the process of adding Operations in Production Configurations had to be improved. The solution was obvious: grouping Operations by topic makes it much easier for users to select the Operation they are looking for.

In addition to the Operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize [112], which could not be assigned to any other group, the following groups of Operations are offered when adding an operation:

  • Print Item Operations [113] – This section includes the Operations Apply Fixups, Apply Fixup Chains, Split Print Item, Prepare Print Item for Shape Nesting, and Update Print Item details.
  • Check Operations [114] – This section includes the Operations Check Print Item and Apply Fixups, Check Print Item and Apply Fixup Chain, Check Print Item and forward to, and the Operation Check Status.
  • Impose Operations [115] – This section includes the Operations Create Impose and Create Impose with Auto-Nesting.
  • Production Job Operations [116] – This section includes the Operations Create Production Job, Create Production Job for Tracks, and Create Production Job from Imposition.
  • Output Operations [117] – Currently, this section only includes the Operation Send to Printer.
  • Export Operations [118] – This section contains the Operations Export Imposition Report, Export Print Item, Export Spot Color Report, and Export Ink Consumption Report.

Figure 58: The Add Production Configuration dialog with the new selection menu for Operations

Please make the following annotations about this selection menu:

  • The selection menu is displayed when you click on the +symbol [110] in the Operations tab of the Add Production Configuration dialog.
  • Entering a search term in the search field [111] reduces both the list of available groups and the entries in the submenus [119].
  • When the mouse pointer is moved over a group term, the submenu [119] opens with the individual Operations.
Operation "Check-in Artwork and Normalize"

The additional option Create Article [120] in the Operation is only displayed if the corresponding authorization is granted in the license. Access to Articles must be possible, and the corresponding automation authorization has to be activated.

Figure 59: The Operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize with the Create Article area displayed

Operations "Create Impose" and "Create Impose with Auto-Nesting"

The following changes and new features for continuous processing have been implemented for the Operations Create Imposition and Create Imposition with Auto-Nesting during the development of version 1.21.2. Both options aim to enable the prioritization of Automation Jobs and to improve Substrate utilization by giving priority to Print Items that should be printed at a later date.

  • Use Print Items up to Defined Impose Date [121] – By configuring this option, specify the Impose Date (date and time) until which Print Items should be taken into account for the Imposition. For configuration, click on Edit [124]. In the dialog that opens,you can refer to the following placeholders [123]:
    • Automation Job – Created – Date and time when the Automation Job was created
    • Global – Current Date – Current date of the Impose Date. Requires the existence of an Impose Date in the Automation Job!
    • Global – Current Date and Time – Current date and time of the Impose Date. Requires the existence of an Impose Date in the Automation Job!
    • Print Item – Created – Date the Print Item was created in the application
    • Print Item – Last modified – Date of the last changes to the Print Item in the application
    • Add Function [125] – After selecting the above placeholders, then add a function – Duration, Begin with, End with. With the Duration function, for example, you can shift the time you are looking for by one day or 6 hours.

Figure 60: The dialog for the Operation Create Imposition with the newly added options

By activating the option Fill Imposition with Additional Print Items, the option Fill Imposition with Print Items up to Defined Impose Date [122] can be configured.

With the appropriate configuration, Print Items that are available up to the defined Impose Date or according to an offset to the selected placeholder will still be used in the Imposition. For achieving this, it has to be possible to place them in the desired number of copies, and they have to contribute to improving the utilization rate. To configure the option, click on Edit [126]. The same placeholders and functions are available as described above.

Operation "Check Print Item and forward to"

The Operation Check Print Item and forward to allows you to check a Print Item for PDF properties and, depending on whether the Check returns a hit or not, forward the Print Item to another Production Configuration or perform another action.

The following options are available for using the Operation:

  • Add Check and select Template [127] – Select a Check that should be used from the list of Checks. For more information about the available Checks, see 1.5.3 Checks for Operations.
  • Matches check [128] – In this area, you can define processes that should be performed if the set check matches. The following options are available:
    • Action – Here you can choose from the following actions:
      • Perform Operation
      • Skip and continue with the next step
      • User interaction required. Note: The action User interaction required is set by default for a Check that does not match.
    • Production Configuration – Here you can select the Production Configuration that will be applied to the Print Items.
  • Does not match check [129] – In this area, you can define actions if the set Check does not match. The following options are available:
    • Action – Here you can choose from the following actions:
      • Perform Operation
      • Skip and continue with next step
      • User interaction required. Note: The action User interaction required is set by default for a Check that does not match.

Figure 61: The Operation Check Print Item and forward to

Operation "Check Print Items and Apply Fixups"

The Operation Check Print Item and apply Fixups allows you to check a Print Item for PDF properties and, depending on whether the Check returns a hit or not, edit the Print Item with the selected Fixups or perform another process.

The following options are available for using the Operation:

  • Add Check and select Template [130] – Select a Check from the list of Checks that should be added. For more information about the available Checks, see 1.5.3 Checks for Operations.
  • Matches check [131] – In this area, define actions that should be performed if the set Check applies. The following options are available:
    • Action – Select from the following actions:
      • Perform Operation
      • Skip and continue with next step
      • User interaction required. Note: The action User interaction required is set by default for a Check that does not match.
      • Add Fixup and select Template – Select the Fixups and the template that should be applied to the Print Item. The parameters that should be used for the selected Fixup can be set by selecting a template or by clicking Edit [133].
  • Does not match check [132] – In this area, define actions if the set Check does not apply. The following options are available:
    • Action – Select from the following actions:
      • Perform Operation
      • Skip and continue with next step
      • User interaction required. Note: The action User interaction required is set by default for a Check that does not match.

Figure 62: The Operation Check Print Item and Apply Fixups

Operation "Check Print Item and Apply Fixup Chain"

The Operation Check Print Item and Apply Fixup Chain allows checking a Print Item for PDF properties and, depending on whether the Check returns a hit or not, editing the Print Item with the selected Fixup Chain or performing another Action.

The following options are available for using the Operation:

  • Add Check and select Template [134] – Select a Check from the list of Checks to be added. For more information about the available Checks, see this chapter.
  • Matches check [135] – In this area, define actions that should be performed if the set Check applies. The following options are available:
    • Action – Select from the following actions:
      • Perform Operation
      • Skip and continue with next step
      • User interaction required. Note: The action User interaction required is set by default for a Check that does not match.
    • Add Fixup Chain – Select the Fixup Chain that should be added to the Print Item here.
  • Does not match check [136] – In this area, define actions if the set Check does not apply. The following options are available:
    • Action – Select from the following actions:
      • Perform Operation
      • Skip and continue with next step
      • User interaction required. Note: The action User interaction required is set by default for a Check that does not match.

Figure 63: The Operation Check Print Item and Apply Fixup Chain

Export Operations – Filename after Export

For the Export Operations, which were introduced in version 1.21.0, default values have been set for the Filename after Export. The selected defaults for the file name are:

  • Export Imposition Report – The default placeholder for this Operation uses the name of the Production Job – ${production_job.name}
  • Export Print Item – The default placeholder for this Operation uses the name of the Print Item – ${motif.name}
  • Export Spot Color Report – The default placeholder for this Operation uses the name of the Print Item – ${motif.name}
  • Export Ink Consumption Report – The default placeholder for this Operation uses the name of the Print Item – ${motif.name}

1.6.2. Automation Jobs

Starting with this version, new features and improvements are available for Automation Jobs, enabling optimized user guidance. These include the following points:

List of Automation Jobs – Improvements

In this version, several improvements have been made to the user interface in the list of Automation Jobs under Automation > Automation Jobs, and quick filters have also been implemented.

The improvements include:

  • Production Configuration [139] – Display of the Production Configuration used for the Automation Job.
  • Context Type [140] – Display of the origin of the Automation Job. Check out from which source this Automation Job was created.
  • Status [138] – Display of the status of the Automation Job. When errors occur, click on the status and inspect which error is responsible. Alternatively, view the error message in the Status Message [143] entry.
  • Impose Date [141] – In case an Impose Date was specified when the Automation Job was created, it is displayed here.
  • Validation Result [145] – When the Automation Job is created, a validation is performed to check the producibility of the Print Items with the selected Production Configuration. In case warnings are generated during this step, the status is displayed in the footer. Move the mouse over the icon to display the validation result.
  • Contents of the Bundle [144] – If the Automation Job is part of a larger Bundle, a corresponding icon is displayed in the footer. Clicking on the icon displays all Print Items in the Bundle in a dialog.

In addition, quick filters have been implemented to help users find the desired Automation Job faster. The following quick filters are available:

  • Status of the Automation Job [137] – The following statuses can be filtered quickly:
    • Processing
    • User Interaction required
    • Success
    • Error
  • Origin of the Automation Job [142] – The following sources can be quickly filtered:
    • Created via "API"
    • Created via "Production Scheduler"
    • Created via "Article" or "Print Item" list
    • Created via "Quick Print"
    • Created via "Batch Processing"
    • Created via "Hotfolder"

Figure 64: The List of Automation Jobs tab of the Automation Jobs menu item

Create Automation Job – Processing Mode

Starting with this version, users will be shown the used processing mode in the user interface for an Automation Job. The following two options are available:

  • Process Print Items as a Bundle [147] – When this option is enabled, all Print Items are only transferred to an Imposition or Production Job once all previous process steps for all Print Items have been completed. The symbol [146] is now displayed for Bundles.
  • Process Print Items continuously [149] – This processing mode is used when the option Process Print Items as a Bundle is deactivated. With this processing mode, the individual Print Items are immediately transferred to an Imposition or Production Job. The symbol [146] is now displayed for Print Items that should be processed continuously.

Refer to this processing mode selection when creating an Automation Job in the following environments:

  • Articles > Create Automation Job
  • Automation > Batch Processing
  • Automation > Production Scheduler
  • Automation > Hotfolder

Figure 65: The menu item Batch Processing with the activated option Process Print Items as a Bundle

Figure 66: The menu item Batch Processing with the option Process Print Items as Bundles deactivated

Improved User Guidance

In version 1.21.2, two key areas of user guidance –error handling and user interaction –have been made clearer.

Error messages for Automation Jobs that were previously unclear have been revised. The new version of the messages is now available in the locally selected language.

If an Automation Job has the status User interaction required, the affected processing step is highlighted in yellow [150].

Figure 67: The filtered list of the Automation Jobs List tab in the Automation > Production Jobs menu item

Impose Date

Starting with this version, it is now possible to transfer the Impose Date to the Automation Jobs when creating Automation Jobs. Thereby, the corresponding prioritization of the Print Items can be taken into account when adding them to an Imposition in the Create Impose Operation.

The requirements that must be met to transfer an Imposition time are:

  • The processing mode Continuous Processing must be selected.
  • Certain Operations – Create Production Job (with Nesting) | Create Impose | Create Impose with Auto-Nesting must be used in the selected Production Configuration.

You can transfer the Imposition time for the following sources of an Automation Job:

  • API – By transferring a date with or without a time
  • List of Print Items – By transferring a date with or without a time
  • Production Scheduler – By transferring the value from a placeholder

To do this, proceed as follows in the Production Schedulers environment, for example:

  1. Navigate to Automation Production Scheduler.
  2. Add a new Production Scheduler.
  3. In the General [151] tab, enter all the necessary information.
  4. Select the desired Production Configuration [152].
  5. Deactivate the option Process Print Items as a Bundle [153].
  6. Click on Edit [154] in the Impose Date option. Select the desired parameters in the Add Placeholder dialog.
  7. In the Placeholder option, you can choose from the following entries:
    • Global – Current Date
    • Global – Current Date and Time
    • Print Item – Created
    • Print Item – Last Modified
  8. In the Add function selection list, you can choose from the following entries:
    • Duration
    • Begin with
    • End with

Figure 68: Left: The Create Automation Job dialog with the Impose Date; Center: The Add Production Scheduler dialog with the Impose Date; Right: The Configure Placeholder dialog

1.6.3. Production Scheduler – Exclude User-Defined Fields

User-defined fields can be used as filters for the Production Scheduler since the first implementation. From version 1.21.2 onwards, user-defined fields can now also be excluded in the filter [155].

Figure 69: The Edit Production Scheduler dialog with the option to exclude a user-defined field

1.6.4. Production Configuration

For Production Configurations the ability to export and import Production Configurations was implemented, as well as validate Impose parameters when saving the Production Configuration.

Importing and Exporting

The ability to export and import Production Configurations fulfills an important requirement of administrators, allowing test configurations to be quickly transferred to the production system.

Please note the following when importing:

  • Set parameters in Operations are automatically assigned if they exist in the target system. Therefore, you should always first export all templates for Fixups and Fixup Chains from the source system and import them into the target system before importing.
  • If set parameters are not found in a Production Configuration, the respective option is set to invalid (marked in red). The Production Configuration can only be saved once all invalid fields have been added to a solution.

Proceed as follows to export a Production Configuration from the source system and import it into the target system:

  1. In the source system, select Automation > Production Configurations.
  2. Select the desired Production Configuration from the list.
  3. Click on Additional Functions [156].
  4. Select either JSON Export [158] to export the Production Configuration in .json format, or XML Export [159] to export it in .xml format. You can choose either format.
  5. The file is now downloaded locally to your computer.
  6. To import it into the target system, open the three-dot menu again and click Import [157].
  7. Select the desired file from your local directory and import it.

Figure 70: The menu item Production Configurations, with the option to import and export them

  1. Before saving the Production Configuration, you can make any necessary changes in the General [161] and Operations [160] tabs.
  2. Then click Save [162].

Figure 71: The Import Production Configuration dialog

Validation of Sheet Sizes

An error message is displayed if the Sheet size of the Operation Create Impose does not match the Substrate Definition in the Operation Create Production Job from Imposition.

The error message now displays the sizes in the length measurement unit that is set in the system.

1.6.5. Impose Jobs – Further Information

Starting with this version, additional information and functions are provided in Automation > Impose Jobs. These include the following:

  • Quick Filter [164] – Here, users can quickly and easily filter by status Pending | Imposed | Success.
  • Create Imposition Parameters [165] – These parameters include the grouping rule and the expected utilization rate.
  • Area [167] – Display of the current total area of the Imposition.
  • Utilization [168] – Display of the current percentage of total utilization.
  • Status for the Impose Job [166] – Displays the status of the Impose Job.
  • Link to the Production Job [169] – The link provided allows you to quickly switch directly to the respective Production Job for the Impose Job.

Figure 72: The menu item Impose Jobs

1.6.6. Production Automators

The following adjustments were made in version 1.21.2 in the menu item Automation > Production Automators:

Automatic Restart

After an application crash and restart of PMS, Production Automators are restarted with a delay of 90 seconds, provided that the Automator is set to active [171]. Up to this version, Production Automators were restarted immediately as soon as the Automator was set to active.

The delayed automatic restart ensures that faulty Automation Jobs are not automatically restarted if they were the cause of the application restart. This creates a time window to delete Automation Jobs or adjust parameters in the processing.

Figure 73: The Edit Automator dialog with the set parameters

Manual Activation

The option Start operation manually, which was available below the option Automator active [171] (Figure 73) in previous versions, has been removed. The reason for this is that Operations are automatically restarted after a restart, depending on their activation status.

Processing Times

The processing Intervals and the Max. parallel Executions were adjusted in version 1.21.2 and set to optimal values, as processing times could be too long up to this version. For this reason, the following values were changed:

  • Max. parallel Executions [170] – The values were adjusted accordingly depending on the respective workload.
  • Interval (Seconds) [172] – The interval was reduced to 1 second for almost all operations.

Changing the default values

It is recommended that you do not change the default settings.

1.7. API

The following enhancements have been made to the API for version 1.21.2.

1.7.1. Generating Reports

Provision of the option to generate an Impose Report, Mounting Instructions, Spot Color Report, and Verification Report via the API.

An example of a corresponding API call:

POST pms/api/v2/production-job-report/{{productionJobId}}/nesting

{

reportData": {

"comment": "My Comment"

},

"reportOutputConfigApi": {

"format": "A4",

"localeKey": "EN_US"

}

}

1.7.2. API v2 – Handling Articles

Expansion of functionalities for handling Articles in API v2 so that all parameters of an Article can be queried.

POST pms/api/v2/article/create

{

"articleCollectionIds": [],

"comment": "This is a comment",

"customerId": 1,

"customFields": {},

"expectedHeightMm": 297,

"expectedPages": 200,

"expectedWidthMm": 210,

"externalId": "1234567",

"name": "Article",

"preferredColorPolicyId": 1,

"processingStepIds": [ 1 ],

"substrateId": 1,

"tagIds": [1 ],

"windingType": "INSIDE_TOP_OFF_FIRST"

}

1.7.3. Status Production Job

Extension of API v2 to include the option of making all status changes for a Production Job available to the subscriber in the callback. The previously missing status Output Configuration assigned can now also be transmitted.

1.7.4. Preview Images for Multipage Print Data

Since version 1.21.2, the application can now fully handle multipage Print Items, and API v2 has been expanded accordingly. This means that preview images of individual pages can now also be requested.

Example query:

GET http://192.168.74.11:8081/pms/api/v2/file/PRINT_ITEM/51003/thumbnail/page/3

1.7.5. Comment of an Impose Template

Extension of API v2 in the area of Impose Templates for the Impose Mode Step & Repeat. From now on, a comment can also be added when creating an Impose Template.

1.8. New User Interface

With version 1.21.2, the switch to the new user interface was completed, enabling various enhancements and improvements, some of which had been planned for some time, to be implemented.

1.8.1. Switch to the New User Interface

With version 1.21.2, the long-announced step of converting the user interface to the new version has been completed. After updating to this version, the new user interface will be displayed automatically.

To ensure that operators can continue to receive appropriate training, customers who have been working with the old user interface have the option of temporarily reverting to the old version. To do this, click on Alt [173] in the application's header bar.

Figure 74: The Production Jobs menu item in the new user interface with the option to switch to the old user interface

Old user interface

Please note that even when working in the old user interface, you will still need to switch to the new user interface for some menu items, as certain areas are no longer accessible in the old user interface.

Please also note that it will no longer be possible to switch to the old user interface from mid-2026 onwards. Plan appropriate training for your operators. The training effort will be limited, and you will not want to miss out on the advanced features offered by the new user interface!

The following areas are no longer accessible in the old user interface:

  • Automation > Hotfolder – Hotfolders that were created or converted in the new user interface can no longer be displayed or operated here. You must transfer hotfolder configurations to the new user interface as soon as possible.
  • Administration > Settings – With the exception of five general parameters, all other changes must be made in the new user interface.
  • Administration > Routines – This menu item is no longer accessible. The new options in the new user interface offer significantly more flexibility, e.g. for automatically deleting data that is no longer required.
  • Administration > Measurement Devices – This menu item is no longer accessible.
  • Administration > Cutter Devices – This menu item is no longer accessible.

1.8.2. Color Setup and Profiling Template

The activity area of Color Setup for printing systems based on the Color Logic color engine was previously only available in the old user interface. Users who were already working with the new user interface therefore always had to switch to the old user interface in order to perform Color Setup.

To eliminate this step, in version 1.21.1 the areas Color Setup [174] and Profile Calculation Templates [175] were added to a separate subarea of the user interface. This means that Color Setup can now be performed entirely in the new user interface.

Figure 75: Left: The Color settings area with the Color Setup menu item selected; Right: The Profiling Templates menu item

GMG versus Color Logic implementation

Customers who currently use the Color Logic implementation for Color Setup will continue to have access to these menu items until they switch to the GMG implementation. You are free to choose which implementation you prefer.

1.8.3. Color Corrections – Based on Images / Based on Curves

In version 1.21.2, the menu item Color > Color Corrections [176] (Figure 75) is also available in the new user interface. This means that you can now perform both types of color correction –Based on Image [178] and Based on Curves [177] –in the new user interface.

Figure 76: The Color Corrections menu item

Color corrections in GMG implementation

Customers who currently use Color Logic implementation will continue to have access to this menu item until they switch to GMG implementation. Color Correction options are offered in a modified form in GMG implementation and include several variants.

1.8.4. Substrates

As part of the transition of the menu item Administration > Substrates to the new user interface, improvements have been made to the import process and the deletion of already imported Substrates, in addition to a new user guidance.

New User Guidance

As part of the transition to the new user interface, the menu item Administration > Substrates has been converted into a list view so that the most important information – the list of Substrates – is immediately visible at a glance.

The Substrate Category [179] can now be selected in the action bar of the menu item, allowing the list of Substrates to be quickly pre-filtered. The number of Substrates in each Substrate Category is indicated by the number [180] after the name.

Figure 77: The revised menu item Administration > Substrates

Printer Materials – Importing and Linking

This version provides the option to import and link Substrates provided by Printers via Analytics in the new user interface. The user interface has been simplified for this purpose.

To perform a Substrate import from the Printer software, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Substrates > Printer Substrate List.
  2. In the action area, click on the quick filter Not yet imported [181]. The list of Substrates now displays all Substrates that have not yet been imported.
  3. Select the Substrate in the list that you want to import and make available in the Substrate list.
  4. Click on Import [182]. You now have the following two options to choose from:
    • Import Substrate Definition [183] – Create a new Substrate and a new Substrate Definition.
    • Map to existing Substrate and Substrate Definition [184] – Assign the Substrate to be imported to an existing Substrate and an existing Substrate Definition.
  5. Select the desired option and import the Substrate with the desired parameters.

Figure 78: The Substrate Overview menu item with import options for Substrates that have not yet been imported

Show/Hide Deleted Substrates

In version 1.21.2, under Administration > Substrates > Printer Substrate List, it is now possible to show or hide Substrates that have already been deleted on the Printer. To do this, click on Display also deleted [185] to make these Substrates visible.

Figure 79: The Printer Substrate List tab with the option to show or hide deleted substrates

1.8.5. Show More Details

In the course of standardizing the available information between the old and new user interfaces, some adjustments had to be made and new, useful information had to be provided. The following areas are affected:

Article/Print Item

The display of Print Item information [186] in the new user interface has been aligned with the display in the old user interface and can now be found under the name of the Print Item.

Figure 80: Detail view of an Article with Print Item Information

List of Orders

The menu item Orders > Orders displays a list of all Orders in the application. To enable users to quickly gain an overview of each Order, they have the option of displaying Order details. The detailed information is displayed in a fly-out menu by clicking on Show Details [187].

Figure 81: The list of Orders in the menu item Orders > Orders

The following options are available in the fly-out menu:

  • Hide or Show Order Lines [188] – Only the Print Items are displayed.
  • Sort Order Lines in ascending or descending order [189] – Only available if Order Lines are displayed.
  • Sort Print Items in ascending or descending order [190] – Only available if Order Lines are not displayed.

Figure 82: Top: Detailed overview of an Order with Order lines displayed; Bottom: Detailed overview of an Order with Order lines hidden

Tooltips

In this version, improvements have been made to the positioning and size of tooltips. This ensures that long tooltips do not become too narrow, thus maintaining readability.

Figure 83: The improved display of a long tooltip

Output Configuration

Unlicensed options — such as Save Ink — are hidden in the Output Configuration if they are not licensed.

1.8.6. Settings

Starting with version 1.21.2, the menu item Administration > Settings will only be displayed in the new user interface. In addition, it will be ensured that a settings area is only displayed when the corresponding function is available in the license.

Only available in the new User Interface

The system settings under Administration > Settings can now only be configured in the new user interface.

Figure 84: The Settings menu item with all available settings

Hiding Settings Areas

The following settings areas will no longer be displayed in Settings if the corresponding function is not available in the license:

  • Administration > Settings > Reports – Approval Reports (Legacy): Hide the tab if the REST API is not available in the license.
  • Administration > Settings > Workflow Settings > Render Settings: Hide the tab if the RIP function is not licensed.
  • Administration > Color Management > Ink Consumption: Hide the tab if there is no authorization to calculate Ink Consumption in the license.
  • Administration > Reports > Ink Consumption: Hide the tab if the license does not include permission to calculate Ink Consumption.

1.8.7. Measuring Spot Colors

Starting with this version, only those Measurement Devices [191] that are actually capable of measuring Spot Colors are available for selection under Color > Spot Colors > Create Spot Color Definition > Measure Spot Color.

Figure 85: The Spot Color Measurement dialog with the selection of Measurement Devices

1.8.8. Users and Roles – Deactivate User Account

Starting with this version, the new user interface provides the same implementation as the old user interface for deactivating a user account.

To deactivate a user, proceed as follows:

  1. Go to Administration > Users and Roles > Manage Users.
  2. Select the user that should be deactivated.
  3. Click on More Functions [194] and select the entry Deactivate User Account [195]. The user will then be hidden from the list of active [192] users.
  4. To reactivate a deactivated user, display the list of expired [193] users, select the user, click on More Functions [194] again, and select the entry Activate User Account.

Figure 86: Left: The Manage Users tab with the option to deactivate the user account; Right: The Manage Users tab with the option to activate the user account again.

2. Improvements

Further improvements have been implemented in version 1.21.2 of the Workflow.

2.1. Managing and Providing DitherMixArrays

This version provides the option of storing the distribution matrix for variable drop sizes used during rendering in the master data as a predefined DitherMixArray. Version 1.21.2 comes with predefined DitherMixArrays for the most common ink gradation and dither mode combinations, which can be used as a starting point for optimizing output quality.

But how to create and manage new DitherMixArrays?

2.1.1. Creating DitherMixArrays

DitherMixArrays can be created using the PPD Tools Collection (ppdtc) program (Windows).

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. In Windows, navigate to Application > Workflow Configuration to Create / Edit DitherMixArray [196].
  2. The Create DitherMixArray dialog opens.
  3. In this dialog, you can create a new file by clicking the Create [198] button.
  4. In the dialog that opens, you can change the settings for Drop and Segment, and in the Show, Manage and Save File [199] settings area, perform additional processes for the upload to the application and the application in a Print Configuration. For example, save a PostScript file with the extension .ps via Save as and Upload WF.
  5. You can also upload a new .ps file via the File [197] tab – this is possible via Load DitherMixArray. The uploaded DitherMixArray can be viewed via the same dialog box as shown in Figure 87 – Right.

Figure 87: Left: The PPD Tools Collection with the DitherMixArray settings; Center: The Create DitherMixArray dialog; Right: The dialog with the option to edit a DitherMixArray

2.1.2. Loading DitherMixArrays into the Application

After you have created the DitherMixArray – a PostScript file – in the PPD Tools Collection (ppdtc) and saved it locally, you now need to upload the .ps file to the application.

To upload DitherMixArrays to the application, proceed as follows:

  1. Open the DitherMixArrays tab [200] in Administration Settings Workflow Settings.
  2. Click on Add [201].
  3. The Add DitherMixArray dialog opens, where it is now necessary to upload the PS file, assign a Name, set the used Dither Mode, and enter the number of Ink Levels. Select the correct parameters that you also used when creating the DitherMixArray, otherwise you will not be able to select the file in the next step.
  4. By clicking Save, the DitherMixArray is uploaded with the selected parameters.

Figure 88: The DitherMixArrays settings area of the Administration > Settings > Workflow Settings menu item with the Add DitherMixArrays dialog

2.1.3. Assigning DitherMixArrays to a Print Configuration

To assign a DitherMixArray to a Print Configuration, proceed as follows:

  1. Select Administration > Printers.
  2. In the list of Printers, locate the Printer for which you want to create a Print Configuration with a DitherMixArray.
  3. Select the desired Printer and click on the Printer's name.
  4. In the Print Configuration settings area, either select an existing configuration and click Edit [203], or create a new Print Configuration by clicking Add [202].

Figure 89: The Print Configuration dialog with the Ink Level and the DitherMixArray

  1. Enter the number of Ink Level [204] intended for the printer mode.
  2. Select the desired Dither Mode [205] AIS Opal or AIS Pearl. Note: DitherMixArrays are only available for these Dither Modes.
  3. Select the desired entry in DitherMixArray [206].

Figure 90: The Edit Print Configuration dialog with the Ink Level and DitherMixArray

2.2. Color Bars for Spot Colors

In version 1.21.2, the new Mark Control Stripe – Spot Colors was added to the Impose Editor for the dynamic creation of color patches for Spot Colors of the Print Items on the Imposition. The mark can be saved both as a mark in a Sheet Template and as a mark in an Impose Template. The following options are available for positioning and setting up the Mark:

  • Reference Point [207] – Use this to determine on which edge of the Imposition the Control Stripe should be positioned. Choose between Top, Bottom, Left, or Right.
  • Origin [208] – Use this to determine the origin of the Control Stripe. For Marks for an Impose Template, choose between Artboard and Print Items. If the Mark is created for the Impose Sheet, the origin is the Impose Sheet.
  • Position [209] – Use this to determine the position for the Color Bar. Choose between ImageBox and ImageBox + Bleed. This option is not available when creating the Mark for the Impose Sheet.
  • Automatic Tone Gradiations [210] – Activating this option creates as many color patches as possible for the individual Spot Colors within the Control Stripe, depending on the number of Spot Colors and the available size of the Impose Sheet. When the option is deactivated, select the number of patches from the Gradations selection menu – choose between 1, 3, and 11.
  • Size [211] – Use this to specify the size of the individual color patches. If you want to measure color values, select the size according to the aperture of your Measurement Devices.
  • Gap Width [212] – Use this to determine which bridge between the individual color patches should remain unprinted.
  • Alignment [213] – Use this to determine the alignment of the Color Bar for the selected reference point.
  • Rotate [214] – Use this to rotate the Color Bar by 180°.
  • Offset [215] – Use this to determine the Offset of the Color Bar on the X and Y axes for the selected position.

Figure 91: The Marks tab with the Control Stripe – Spot Colors Mark

2.3. Print Item – Protocol

Version 1.21.2 introduces a Protocol for the Print Item, which records the steps taken on the Print Item. This allows you to see who changed what and when on the Print Item.

2.3.1. Tab "Protocol"

The comprehensive log for an Article or Print Item can be viewed in the Protocol tab of the Print Item detail view. The individual steps are displayed in the left-hand area [217], and the values used are shown in the right-hand area [218].

The following information is available:

  • Was the print file uploaded or checked in via API, Hotfolder, user interface, PDF Editor, etc.?
  • Which Check-in Profile was used during upload?
  • Which parameters –Checks and/or Fixups – were applied to the Print Item during check-in?
  • Which Fixups were applied to the Print Item? All values used in the Fixup are also stored in the Protocol.
  • Which Fixup Chains were applied to the Print Item? All values used in the individual Fixups of the Fixup Chain are also stored in the Protocol.
  • Was the Print Item replaced by the user?
  • Were changes made to the Print Item metadata? The changes made are also stored in the Protocol.
  • Was the Print Item approved or rejected in the approval portal?
  • Was a Spot Color changed for the Print Item? The values that were changed are also shown in the Protocol.
  • Was a switch made to an earlier version?
  • Was the status changed and by whom?
  • Has the control file of a VDP Print Item changed?
  • Was a change made to the VDP specification?

Figure 92: The Protocol tab in an Article or Print Item

Quickly finding processing steps in the Protocol

When a large number of steps is applied to a Print Item, a detailed protocol can quickly become confusing. If, for example, you only want to view Fixups that have been applied to the Print Item, you can reduce the Protocol to these sections by selecting "Data Preparation – Fixup" from the Protocol Sections [216] selection menu.

Further information

Further details will be available in the Protocol in future versions. If you are missing any details, please let us know!

2.3.2. Functions in the Protocol

In addition to listing the individual steps and displaying the entered values, the Protocol tab offers additional functions for the user:

  • Display preview of intermediate version [219] – Selecting the protocol entry Archive Print Item version displays a preview of the intermediate version in the right-hand area.
  • Download intermediate version [220] – In case you want to download an intermediate version to your local computer, do so by clicking on Download.
  • Revert to the previous version [221] – If you want to revert to the displayed version, you can do so by clicking on Revert to this Version. Please note that this intermediate version will be checked in again as a new version.

Figure 93: The Protocol tab with selected intermediate version

2.4. "Barcode/QR Code" Tab in the Print Item Editor

After extracting the barcode information, version 1.21.2 and higher versions provide the barcode information in a newly arranged format. It is particularly important to note the information concerning the Quiet Zones [222] of the barcodes, as a quality rating is also provided.

Figure 94: The Barcode / QR Code tab of the Print Item Editor with already extracted barcode information

2.5. Preparing Multipage Print Items

As already described in 1.1.1 Multipage Files – Consistent Support in the Application, version 1.21.2 allows multipage Print Items to be processed consistently in the application. The strategies used for this have already been described in 1.1.2 Multipage Print Items – Preparation Strategies.

Since this extensive change has simplified many aspects of Print Item processing for the user, certain implementations that were made available in the meantime have to be withdrawn. This is the case with the Prepare Multipage Print Items option, which was available in Administration > Settings > General in the Multipage Files settings area. This option has been removed because this version automatically prepares either all pages or only the first page.

2.6. Open Automation Job in PDF Editor

Starting with this version, it is now possible to switch directly to the PDF Editor from an Automation Job. The new feature enables opening the print file in the PDF Editor even if it has not yet been assigned to an Article or Print Item in the application. To achieve this, two points had to be implemented:

  • The implementation of a separate endpoint for this file type in the application
  • The implementation of a separate area in the PDF Editor where this file type can be displayed

The latter was made available with version 1.13.xx of the PDF Editor. Further information can be found in the article Release Notes PDF Editor 1.13. The appropriate version of the PDF Editor has to be installed to use this service.

To open a print file from an Automation Job, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Automation > Automation Jobs.
  2. Select the desired Job and open it by clicking on the name of the Automation Job.
  3. The Print Items tab is now open in the detail view.
  4. There, you can switch directly to the application by clicking on Open in PDF Editor [223] in the Print Data tab.

Figure 95: Detail view of an Automation Job with the option to open the PDF Editor directly

2.7. Enfocus Switch Connector

The Enfocus Switch Connector, which was first connected to the application in version 1.21.0, can be used as a first version from version 1.21.2 onwards to create Production Jobs in the Workflow. The first version of an SDK – a separate API outside the public API – has been made available for this purpose. This SDK enables integrators to establish connections. The Enfocus Switch Connector is free of charge and enables the following activities:

  • Retrieving the Production Configuration, which includes at least the Operations "Check-in Artwork and Normalize" and "Create Production Job".
  • Transferring Print Items with the number of copies, number of pages, names, width, height, and Bleed for all four pages.
  • Transferring values for user-defined fields, if these are available in the application.

A detailed description of the Enfocus Switch Connector can soon be found in the article "Connecting with Enfocus Switch".

Important precautions for using the Enfocus Switch Connector

  • The application must have permission to create an XML Hotfolder.
  • There is no status feedback from the application to the Switch Connector – only the acceptance of the file is confirmed.
  • A standard API user must be set up.
  • At least version 1.21.2 of the application must be installed.

2.8. Material – Material Finder®

In this version 1.21.2, an initial version of a Material Finder has been integrated. The data is searched for in an online database and can be imported into the application from there. Various query options, filter options, and display modes for Substrate Definitions are available for searching for a material.

To search for and import a Substrate, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Administration > Substrates.
  2. Click on Add [224] in the action bar of the Substrate Overview.
  3. Select the entry Add Substrate from Material Finder® [225].

Figure 96: The menu item Substrate Overview with the new function Add Substrate from Material Finder

  1. In the Material Finder dialog that opens, users can search for and import Material i.e., Substrates, from the online database.
  2. Click on the respective filters [226] – Supplier, Application, or Category – to narrow down the entries. Alternatively, you can also use the search bar [229].
  3. The found Substrates are displayed with information about their Name, Supplier, Category, and the number of Substrate Definitions [227]. The Substrates can be sorted using the Sorting field [228].
  4. Select the desired Substrate.
  5. Click on Import [230] and follow the usual steps for adding a Substrate. All available information about the Substrate is pulled from the database and automatically transferred. Ideally, if the Substrate Category already exists and the Substrate Definitions are available, a Substrate can be created in the application in just a few seconds.

Figure 97: The Material Finder® with options for filtering and searching

  1. The imported Substrate is now displayed in the list of Substrates.
  2. A tag with the caption Imported from Material Finder® [231] is displayed. You can also use the filter to search for Substrates that have been imported from Material Finder®.

Figure 98: The list of Substrates

2.9. Working with Spot Color Libraries

Starting with version 1.21.2, Spot Color libraries are now also available in the application's new user interface. As part of this implementation, the following functions have been expanded or implemented:

  • Expanded functionality for importing, merging, and deleting libraries.
  • The ability to import ASE color libraries.
  • The transfer of a color value of a Spot Color from a specific library when creating a Spot Color Definition for a Print Item.

2.9.1. Tab "Library"

In the Library tab of the Color > Spot Colors menu item in the new user interface, it is now possible to import, select, and delete Spot Color libraries, as well as change the comments for the library.

To import a Spot Color library, proceed as follows:

  1. Navigate to Color > Spot Colors.
  2. Open the Library [233] tab.
  3. If necessary, select the desired library from the Spot Color Palette list [232].
  4. If necessary, manage the selected library using the Edit [234] or Delete [235] icons.
  5. To import a new library, click Import [236].

Figure 99: The Spot Colors menu with the Library tab

  1. In the Import Spot Color Library dialog that opens, specify the following options:
    • Upload Files [237] – Drag the desired file – .cxf, .ase or .acb – from your local directory into this area. The file name of the uploaded file is then displayed below the field.
    • Add to Selected Library [238] – If you have previously selected a library [233] (Figure 99), you can merge the new library that should be imported with it.
    • Information about the Color Library –Enter the desired Name [239] and, if necessary, a Comment [240].
  2. Then click on Import Spot Color Library.

Figure 100: The Import Spot Color Library dialog in the new user interface

2.9.2. Import ASE Color Library

Version 1.21.2 introduced the ability to import ASE (Adobe Swatch Exchange) files. However, please note that only Spot Colors stored in the ASE file will be imported. Tonal values or other named colors, which may also be contained in an ASE file, will not be imported.

2.9.3. Apply Color Values for Spot Color from Selected Library

Now that Color Libraries can be displayed and managed more effectively in the application, version 1.21.2 also offers the option of transferring color values for a Spot Color from a selected library. This is particularly important if the same color name appears in several different libraries, e.g., measurements for M0, M1, or M2.

To select a Spot Color from a library, proceed as follows:

  1. Open a Print Item or an Article that contains a Spot Color in the detailed view of the application.
  2. In the Spot Colors settings area, select the desired Spot Color [241].
  3. Click on Create and edit Spot Color Definition [242].

Figure 101: The Spot Colors settings area in the Print Item detail view

  1. The Spot Color Definition dialog opens.
  2. Create a new Spot Color Definition for this Spot Color by clicking Add [243] and selecting, for example, PDF [244].

Figure 102: The Spot Color Definition dialog

  1. The Create Spot Color Definition dialog opens.
  2. To use color values from a library, click Select Spot Color from Library [245].

Figure 103: The Create Spot Color Definition dialog with the function for taking over a color value from a library

  1. The Select Spot Color Library dialog opens.
  2. Select the desired Library i.e. Palette [246] and then the desired target color [247] within the library.
  3. By clicking Save, the color values of the selected target color are applied to the Color Definition of the previously selected Spot Color.

Figure 104: The Select Spot Color Library dialog

Reference to the target color

Please note that the reference to the target color is not currently saved. Only the values of the target color are transferred with regard to alternative Color Spaces and color values.

3. Small Improvements

Various minor improvements have also been made in this version.

3.1. Routine "Entity Cleanup"

During the development of version 1.21.2, two new steps were implemented in the Entity Cleanup routine, which can be found under Administration > Routines. These two new steps are:

3.1.1. Empty Collections

This Routine automatically deletes empty Collections located in the Articles > Collections menu, allowing you to keep this area clean. In Add Filter, you can select the following entries:

  • Created – Deletes empty Collections if their creation date is older than specified.
  • Modified – Deletes empty Collections if their modification date is older than specified.

By default, once the "Entity Cleanup" routine is activated, all empty Collections whose modification date has not changed for 30 days are deleted.

Figure 105: The default configuration of the Empty Collections step in the Entity Cleanup routine

3.1.2. Delete Approval Projects

This Routine automatically deletes empty Approval Projects located in the Dashboard > Approval Projects menu item, which also helps to keep this area tidy. You can select the following entries in Add Filter:

  • Created – Deletes Approval Projects if their creation date is older than specified.
  • Modified – Deletes Approval Projects if their modification date is older than specified.
  • Expired – Deletes expired Approval Projects if the expiration date of the Approval Project is older than specified.
  • Current Status – Deletes Approval Projects if they have the specified status. The following statuses can be selected:
    • Preparing
    • Pending
    • Expired
    • Finished
    • Closed
    • Empty
    • Error

By default, once the Entity Cleanup Routine is activated, all Approval Projects whose modification date has not changed for 7 days, whose status is Empty or Error, and which have already expired are deleted.

Figure 106: Configuration of the Approval Project step in the Entity Cleanup Routine

3.2. Hotfolder

For legacy reasons, the old user interface of the application once again allows users to create and manage Hotfolder objects of the type “ZIP” and Hotfolder objects of the type “ZIP for Multitracks.”

Figure 107: The Set up Hotfolder dialog in the old user interface with the available Processing Modes

3.3. Printer Series LF (LaForte)

Version 1.21.2 provides three preconfigured DitherMixArrays for LF printers (Aleph LaForte) – see Managing and Providing DitherMixArrays – for use in specific applications:

  • LaForte Graphics Pigment [248] – For this printer type, the field for the DitherMixArray Aleph 1 Drop Opal [251] is pre-filled.
  • LaForte Sublimation Graphics [249] – For this printer type, the field for the DitherMixArray Aleph 2 Drop Opal is pre-filled.
  • LaForte Textile [250] – For this printer type, the field for the DitherMixArray remains empty.

Using these DitherMixArrays ensures that the quality requirements for the respective applications are met, especially for gradients.

Figure 108: LaForte Graphics Pigment with the Print Configuration for the DitherMixArray

3.4. Editing and Configuring Printers

In version 1.21.2, two improvements were made to editing and configuring a printer via Administration > Printers. It is now possible to change the order of the Print Color Configuration retrospectively and to disconnect an already connected Analytics Collector and connect it to a new Analytics Collector.

3.4.1. Changing the Order of the Color Configuration

It is now possible to change the order of the Process Colors retrospectively. To do this, you can change the order of the Process Colors in the Edit Color Configuration dialog under Administration > Printers > Color Configuration by simply moving the slider [252].

This function is particularly necessary for the Aleph LF printer series when corresponding changes are made to the colors of a Printer.

Figure 109: The Edit Color Configuration dialog with the option to change the order

3.4.2. Connecting with the Analytics Collector

Durst Printers can be connected to an Analytics Collector via Administration > Printers > Edit. This establishes an internal Analytics instance between the application and the Analytics Collector.

Previously, connecting the Printer to another Analytics Collector required extensive work on the master data. With this version, changing the IP address [253] in the Edit Printer dialog deletes the existing instance, creates a new instance, and automatically establishes the connection to the new Analytics Collector.

Figure 110: The Edit Printer dialog

3.5. "Login" Dialog – Adaptation to Theme

Starting with this version, the dialog for logging in to the application is displayed in the currently selected theme. Up to this version, the login dialog was only available in dark mode.

Figure 111: Left: The login dialog for a light theme; Right: The login dialog for a dark theme

3.6. Uploading Protected PDF Files

Starting with this version, a clear error message is provided when protected PDF files cannot be processed by the Workflow. After uploading a protected file, an error is displayed in Activities [255]. Click Show Overview dialog for log files [254] to view the error in detail.

Figure 112: Left: The Activities dialog after uploading a protected file; Right: The overview of log files with the corresponding error message

Removing protection from a PDF file

Protected PDF files cannot be processed in the application because the required normalization step cannot make the desired changes to the print file. The protection of the print file must therefore be removed.

The protection can be removed by requesting an unprotected version of the print file from the customer.

3.7. Upload and Normalization Settings

In some places in the application, the option of uploading a print file to the application by moving the file to the drop zone [256] is offered. The settings used for uploading can be specified in the Upload and Normalization Settings. To open the dialog, click on the gear icon [257].

In version 1.21.2, the dialog was better structured and given a heading to make it clearer that these are settings that affect the normalization process.

Figure 113: The Upload and Normalization Settings dialog for the Article menu item

3.8. VDP – Control File

In the application, control files (databases) in the form of CSV files can be uploaded to a single-page Print Item in order to use the content of the control file for the creation of Variable Content. CSV files are subject to a specific structure: The data for a data record must be separated from each other by a unique character – the column separator [258].

With version 1.21.2, another character – a vertical bar "|" – is provided as a column separator in the Add CSV File dialog. The dialog can be accessed by clicking on Add CSV File in the Variable Data tab of an Article or Print Item.

Figure 114: The Upload CSV File dialog with the selected new column separator

3.9. Quick Print

Two minor improvements have been implemented in Automation > Quick Print: The dialog can now be reset to default, and placeholders can be used for the name of the Production Job.

3.9.1. Resetting the Settings

After a Quick Print has been sent and changes have been made to the parameters, the previously modified template will be provided again the next time a Quick Print is created. Version 1.21.2 introduced the option to reset the parameters to the default [259].

Figure 115: The view of the menu item Automation > Quick Print after a Quick Print has been executed

3.9.2. Placeholder for Production Job Name

Starting with version 1.21.2, placeholders can be inserted for the Job Name [260] (Figure 115) under Administration > Settings > Dynamic Naming. There you can define placeholders for creating a Production Job in the Quick Print area for the order name [261] and the Ext. ID [262].

When selecting the menu item, these placeholders are pre-filled in the mask.

Figure 116: The Dynamic Naming settings area of the Administration > Settings menu

3.10. Article – Collections

With version 1.21.2, the information Created [263] was made available for display in the list of collections. Please note that you must add this entry in the Display Options to be able to see the information.

Figure 117: The list of Collections in the menu item Articles > Collections

3.11. List of Production Jobs

In Production Jobs > Production Jobs, a list of all Production Jobs is displayed to the user. From version 1.21.2 onwards, users can refer to the following information, filters, and functions:

  • Source of the Production Job [265] – Display information about the source of the Production Job – Quick Print, Batch Processing, Hotfolder, List of Articles/Print Items, or API. A corresponding filter for the origin of a Production Job is available under Set Filter.
  • Production Configuration [264] – The Production Configuration underlying the Production Job can be selected as an additional attribute in the Display Options. A corresponding filter for the Production Configuration used for a Production Job is also available under Set Filter.
  • Quick filters [266] – The following quick filters are available for quickly filtering the list of Production Jobs:
    • All – Displays all Production Jobs
    • Standard – Displays only classic Production Jobs that were created via the user interface.
    • Automation Job – Displays Production Jobs that were created via Hotfolder, Batch Processing, API, or via Create Automation Job in the user interface.
    • Quick Print – Displays Production Jobs that were created via Quick Print.
  • Information [267] – The tooltip shows how many Production Jobs are currently not based on Automation Jobs.

When the Automation Job quick filter is selected, additional quick filters [268] are available. These can be used to display only Production Jobs from a specific source: Quick Print, Batch Processing, Hotfolder, List of Articles/Print Items, or API.

Figure 118: The list of Production Jobs with the new Additional Data and quick filters

3.12. Production Job

During the development of version 1.21.2, the existing Color Correction function in a Production Job was improved, and a new function for resending cut data was implemented. In addition, additional attributes were added to the Q-Point specification.

3.12.1. Color Corrections

The existing Color Correction function has been enhanced in two ways:

  • Fixups can now be entered up to 50% [269]. Previously, Fixups were limited to 30%.
  • The Apply Fixups to Production Job button [270] has been moved below the sliders.

Figure 119: The Output Configuration tab of a Production Job

3.12.2. Resending Cut Data

With version 1.21.2, the function Resend Cut Files [271] was made available in the Cut Info tab of a Production Job. This allows an existing cut file to be transferred again without having to re-render the Production Job.

Figure 120: The Cut Info tab of a Production Job

3.12.3. Extension of the Q-Point Specification

Further information on all software components involved (version numbers) and machines (system numbers) has been added to the Q-Point specification. This allows to assign the stored Q-Point more clearly.

3.13. Send to Printer

When rendering Production Jobs with the Spot Color Permeo, a special case was implemented in version 1.21.2, and the previously missing information on Color Space conversion was provided in the Send to Printer dialog.

3.13.1. Handling the Spot Color "Permeo"

In case the Spot Color “Permeo” is created in the Printer as a color of the type “Output as Separation,” a color Separation for the Spot Color “Permeo” is created by default.

In version 1.21.2, a special case was implemented in this context: If a Production Job without the Permeo Spot Color is sent to a printer with the Permeo Spot Color, no empty Permeo separation is created on the printer.

3.13.2. Displaying the Color Space Conversion

Starting with this version, the Send to Printer dialog displays which Color Space Conversion [272] – Working Space CMYK or RGB to Substrate – is set.

Figure 121: The Send to Printer dialog

3.14. Setting up Color Policies

With version 1.21.2, Color Policies can now also be created for third-party Printers and printing systems controlled by Device Connector under Color > Color Policies – this is only visible in debug mode.

3.15. Creating a Spot Color Report for multiple Articles

In version 1.21.2, the option to create a Spot Color Report for multiple selected Articles has been limited to the selection of one Article for logical reasons.

3.16. Settings

With version 1.21.2, revisions and new functions have been implemented in the settings areas of the menu item Administration > Settings. The following settings areas are affected:

3.16.1. Impose Editor

With the introduction of the Impose mode Bound Product, another section had to be added to the Impose Editor settings area. For this reason, the grouping was revised and divided into several tabs [273].

Figure 122: The Impose Editor settings area with the new tabs

3.16.2. E-mail

This version provides the option of setting a selected E-Mail Account as the default account. This account is then automatically used in all dialogs where a sender has to be entered.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. In the E-Mail Accounts [274] area, select the desired E-Mail Account [277].
  2. In the Additional Functions menu, select the Set as Default [275] entry.
  3. The account that was set as default is indicated with a label [276].

Figure 123: The E-mail settings area with the E-mail Accounts

3.16.3. Fonts

Version 1.21.2 provides the option of setting a font available in the system as the default font. This means that from now on, no error will occur when a font that is not available is called up in the application.

To set a default font, proceed as follows:

  1. To set a default font, first select font [278] from the list of Available Fonts.
  2. Then select the desired font style [279].
  3. Click on Set as default Font [280].

Figure 124: The Fonts settings area

3.17. Download Options for Impositions

In version 1.21.2, a feature was implemented that allows you to enter a Distortion [281] when downloading a Technical Color or hybrid colors.

Figure 125: The Download Imposition dialog with the Selected Technical Colors Only option selected

3.18. Cutter Devices – Placeholders

In this version, additional placeholders have been provided for generating barcode content for Cutter Devices. These are the following placeholders:

  • Production Job – Name
  • Order Line – Order Line ID
  • Order Line – Name
  • Order Line – Ext. ID
  • Order Line – Order Line Info
  • Order Line – Contact Person
  • Order Line – Due Date
  • Order Line – Created
  • Order – Order No.

Figure 126: The Select Placeholder dialog with the newly added placeholders

3.19. Measurement Devices

Two significant new features were implemented in version 1.21.2 in the area of Measurement Devices.

3.19.1. Installation of Measurement Devices

When creating a Measurement Device for the first time, not only M1 Parameter Sets are created as before, but also M0 Parameter Sets. In addition, the comment indicates the Working Color Space for which the respective parameter set should be used.

This enhancement enables the user to use the correct parameter set for consistent and uniform color management implementation.

Figure 127: The menu item Administration > Measurement Devices with newly created Parameter Sets for the Measurement Device Barbieri Spectro LFP qp

3.19.2. Techkon "Spectro Dens"

With version 1.21.2, it is possible to set the Aperture [282] for the Spectro Dense Measurement Device. Please note, however, that this setting has no direct effect on the Measurement Device, as the measuring aperture must be adjusted manually on the Measurement Device.

Figure 128: The menu item Administration > Measurement Devices with the selected Measurement Device Techkon Spectro Dense

3.20. Substrates

In the menu item Administration > Substrates, additional minor functions were implemented in version 1.21.2.

3.20.1. Deleting Substrates

In this version, logic has been implemented to ensure that a Substrate is completely deleted from the application, including all Substrate Definitions. This was not the case in previous versions.

3.20.2. Adding Substrates

Version 1.21.2 provides the function that the first created entry is set as default when creating a Substrate Category or a Substrate.

This function is only available via the new user interface! When a Substrate is created via the API, this behavior cannot be expected.

Figure 129: A Substrate with the Substrate Definition automatically set as default

3.20.3. List of Substrates

Additional sorting criteria are now available for the list of Substrates. These new sorting criteria include:

  • Last modified
  • Created

3.21. Ink Update

In version 1.21.2, the list of inks – version 11/2025 – was updated in the application.

3.22. Manual – Improvements

The manual can be accessed by clicking on Manual in the application header. The option to select a different language – German or English –directly in the manual [283] was only implemented in version 1.21.2. The new link to the manual is: https://my-guide.info.

Figure 130: The manual with the option to quickly switch languages

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