Prepress
axaio MadeToPrint version 2.4: High-performance layer processing, improved print parameter control, enhanced PDF verification
Wednesday 15. December 2010 - axaio software, developer of solutions for PDF creation, printing and content correction workflows for the publishing and printing markets, announces the availability of MadeToPrint version 2.4. This release introduces three important new features for the MadeToPrint product range: support for layer views that can group a collection of layers in logical combinations with 'axaio Layers', the new 'parameter overrides' option that can be used to dynamically adjust the result of certain print parameters and as third feature, the PDF preflight during export to immediately verify the print-readiness of the generated PDF file.
‘axaio Layers’: Intelligent layer output
Layer views allow a designer to group the different layers in a design document into logical combinations. This is a serious time-saver in workflows where a lot of layers and different versions of documents are used. One single layer view can be created for each language or regional version of a catalog for example, or to provide a technical, marketing-oriented and legal view of a design. Switching between those different layer views takes a single mouse click.
A separate layer plug-in for Adobe InDesign has been developed and integrated into MadeToPrint 2.4 to support creating and maintaining those layer views in a very user-friendly fashion.
The perfect interaction of this layer plug-in with the export features of MadeToPrint allows users to export the required layer views in a single document or to create a separate PDF file for each view in a single output job. In all cases where documents with multiple layers need to be processed and output – and particularly in the graphics and packaging industry – this new, high-performance layer output gives users diverse processing options with regard to performance, output efficiency, and error reduction.
Export parameters – more modification flexibility than ever
Job sets in MadeToPrint enable a high level of flexibility for the control and configuration of print and output processes. Users often need to change a parameter or two in an existing job set. However, they do not wish to create a new job just to change a single variable, especially if that variable is only used once. Moreover, there is a risk of the list of all the job sets becoming too long and difficult to read. The “Parameter Overrides” option allows users to make on-the-fly modifications to individual parameters. This is a flexible process that does not take up much time. Depending on the preconfigured settings, you can use the MadeToPrint “Parameter Overrides” function to select individual parameters (variables) from the configuration and assign new values to them. A wide range of parameters can be selected here. The list below is only a small selection:
Color space
Crop marks, trims, and tags
Bleed
Image resolution
… and much more
For example, the user activates the default settings for the PDF export that were stored by MadeToPrint. If the user now wants to increase the bleed in the print job, there is no need to make a new default setting; instead, this single parameter can easily be modified using the “Parameter Overrides” option. Users can dynamically modify parameters in the job set as required: This can be done in the MadeToPrint standard version by means of manual entry and in the Auto/Server version automatically by means of job ticket or workflow system control. The new “Parameter Overrides” option brings benefits to the user with regard to performance, flexibility, and diversity when shaping output workflows.
Enhanced PDF verification
Whereas MadeToPrint previously only checked InDesign files for missing images and fonts that had not been loaded, version 2.4 can – if desirable – run a preflight check on newly generated PDF files. Using a custom or predefined preflight profile, MadeToPrint checks for errors and if such an error is found it moves the file to a predefined error folder. The PDF preflight technology used comes from sister company callas software and is also used in callas’ industry standard pdfToolbox product line. Among others, PDF profiles for the prepress area, digital output, and online publication are supported.
axaio MadeToPrint comes in three versions depending on the automation level:
MadeToPrint Standard, a plug-in for Adobe InDesign that streamlines single file output to PDF and other file formats. Predefined job sets provide ‘one mouse click’ identical output from every workstation for increased efficiency.
MadeToPrint Auto, a plug-in that allows for hands-off standardized output from InDesign.
MadeToPrint Server, an InDesign Server plug-in that offers 24/7 output automation for high volume and high demanding publishing and print environments.
MadeToPrint Auto and Server allow integration with editorial systems such as vjoon K4, WoodWing Enterprise 7, Van Gennep PlanSystem4 or Quark and can be automated by systems such as Enfocus Switch or Four Pees DFlux.
Prices and availability
The new MadeToPrint version 2.4 is available now!
Pricing remains the same: MadeToPrint Standard sells at 349, MadeToPrint Auto is available from 2.490 and MadeToPrint Server from 5.490.