This article explains how to register/activate a new product license using CalderaDock.

You can read the full instructions below or watch the short overview video:

1. Create a Caldera account

To create an account, go to Caldera's customer portal WorkSpace, and fill in the account creation form (need help with this? Click here). You will receive an activation email soon after. 

2. Download and Install CalderaDock

Before requesting a demo license or activating any license, you must install CalderaDock on your workstation. This application automatically generates your system’s unique hardware identifier (called a fingerprint file) during the license management.

Download the latest version of CalderaDock from the main dashboard of WorkSpace and install it (need help with this? Click here).

3. Get your License

Demo License Commercial License

You can request a demo license directly from CalderaDock. The application includes a form that allows you to submit a request:

The demo license is software-based and generated automatically. It becomes available in your account within a few seconds, unless:

• The allowed demo period has already expired (in which case you can request a renewal), or
• Too many demo licenses have been requested for the same account.

After purchasing a Caldera product, the license information is provided in one of the following ways:

• Sent directly to the end user in a Welcome email
• Sent to the partner or reseller responsible for the installation

The email typically contains the required license details (such as the access number and activation code).

  Good to know

You may obtain different types of commercial licenses (such as perpetual or subscription). Licenses can also be hardware-based (historically more common with perpetual licenses) or software-based, depending on how the license is delivered and activated. Learn more.

4. Activate your License

1. Open CalderaDock.
2. Sign in with your Caldera account if you are not already signed in:
   
    

3. In the Home tab, click "Register a license":
   

     Info

   You can also register a license from the Licenses tab using the    Add button:
   

4. Enter the required license details depending on your license type:

   • Software-based License: Access number (6 digits) and Activation code (20 digits).  These details are provided by email after purchase or when requesting a demo license.
   • Hardware-based License: Access number (6 digits) and Dongle code (10 digits). These details are provided by email after purchase. You will also receive a Media Pack containing the physical dongle.

   After entering the information, click Fetch:

   

5. When the license is found (for example, a CalderaRIP license), review the included features and click Next:

   

6. (Optional) If your license includes printer drivers, you can assign them during this step. This can also be done later if needed:
   

7. In the final step, activate the license on the current machine:

   Software-Based License Hardware-Based License

   Click Activate my license:

   

   Connect the dongle if it is not already plugged in:

   

   Once detected, click Activate my license:

   

8. Wait a few moments while the activation completes:
   
9. When finished, you can:
   • Click Manage my Applications to install a Caldera product, or

   • Click Manage my Licenses to view and manage your licenses.

       Info

     If only one compatible license is available, CalderaDock automatically attaches it to the installed product    after activation. The status will appear as “Pending for attachment” until the software is launched. You can verify the attachment in the Licenses tab before launching the software.

     If you are running Caldera on a Virtual Machine with a software‑based license, the attachment process is different. For more details, refer to this article.

Related Articles

• How to update a license on my workstation?
• How to rehost or move a software-based license?
• How to share a Caldera license between multiple workstations?
• The previous manual license registration method is still available if needed:
  • Activating CalderaRIP with a software-based license
  • Activating CalderaRIP with a hardware-based license

In this troubleshooting guide, we will address six common license errors and provide solutions for each issue.

Issue 1: License file is not valid (00400008)

This error occurs when the selected license file is invalid. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

1. Verify that the correct license file is being selected.
2. If the correct license file is selected and the issue persists, rehost the license.

Issue 2: Internal error (004EFFFF) upon CalderaRIP launch

This error occurs when the license file is unavailable after a power failure or a hardware change in the RIP workstation.

Here the solution is also to rehost the license.

Issue 3: Inconsistent System Time Detected (002D0006)

This error occurs when the system time is incorrect, often due to a BIOS battery issue or power failure.

Please refer to the dedicated article. 

Issue 4: Unknown error (00210002) upon CalderaRIP launch

This error occurs when Sentinel LDK is downgraded by older software like X-rite iPublish or EFI Fiery RIP. The solution is to reinstall Sentinel LDK with the CalderaDock application (V3.2 or later):

You may be interested in reading: What is Sentinel LDK and how to install it?

Issue 5: Unknown error (002AFFFF) when loading a license file

This error occurs when the Sentinel LDK is too old. As seen before, to troubleshoot this issue reinstall Sentinel LDK with the CalderaDock application (V3.2 or later).

You may be interested in reading: What is Sentinel LDK and how to install it?

Issue 6: Unknown error (00280002) when opening CalderaRIP or Sentinel

This error occurs when the local Sentinel service cannot communicate with the remotely hosted Sentinel service. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

1. Check the network connection and ensure a solid ping can be achieved to the CalderRIP hosting the license server:
   1. How to check a network connection using the Ping command?
2. If the Caldera license server is on a different LAN, follow the instructions in the provided link to fix the issue:
   1. How to share a Caldera license between multiple workstations? (Different LAN)

Issue 7: WorkSpace message: "Error while generating your license (61)"

The issue can be encountered during license registration in WorkSpace, where an error message appears after uploading and processing the fingerprint.c2v file:

_T_REGISTRATION_FILE_ERROR-T_REGISTRATION_FILE_ERROR_CONTACT_US.
Error while generating your license (61).

The issue is due to a fingerprint.c2v file created with a too-old version of Sentinel LDK and therefore not be valid when registering to Caldera's WorkSpace. To fix this:

1. Reinstall Sentinel LDK with the CalderaDock application (V3.2 or later):
   
   
   You may be interested in reading: What is Sentinel LDK and how to install it?
    

2. If you suspect that the Sentinel LDK installation is being interrupted by other software such as the X-rite i1Profiler or ProfileMaker software, remove the application from your computer, or install the latest version of that software.

     Info

   If you are using an old version of ProfileMaker, with an old dongle, be aware that the dongle may stop working. In that case, please contact X-Rite for an upgrade.

3. Once everything is up to date, you can continue with the license registration process.

Issue 8: "License is unavailable (0032000A)"

This message typically appears when the workstation loses its network connection. If the software was active at the time, it may have been unable to access the license due to the interruption in network connectivity. A common cause is the computer entering sleep mode while CalderaRIP remains open.

Restarting the software usually solves the issue, but if that does not work, you can try restarting the service with CalderaDock. Learn more.

Use this guide to install CalderaRIP from start to finish. It includes links to related articles for detailed instructions.

Prerequisites

Before you install the software, confirm the following:

• Minimum hardware requirements: Your system must meet the minimum hardware specifications.

• Compatible operating system: Use a supported OS (macOS or Ubuntu Linux).

    Tips & tricks

  If you are a Windows user, you can still use the software by either creating a dedicated Ubuntu Linux partition on your computer (dual boot) or running it in a virtual machine. Next:

  1. Download the Ubuntu Linux image file from the official Ubuntu website.
  2. Follow our installation guide: How to install Ubuntu Linux?
• Device compatibility: Your printer, cutter, or other device must be supported.

Installation Steps

1. Create a Caldera account

Go to Caldera's customer portal WorkSpace and complete the account creation form (need help with this? Click here). 

You will receive an activation email shortly after. 

2. Download and Install CalderaDock

CalderaDock is the central tool for managing licenses and installing all Caldera products. 

Download the latest version of CalderaDock from the main dashboard in WorkSpace, then install it on your computer (need help with this? Click here).

3. Activate a License or Request a Free Trial

In CalderaDock, complete one of the following: 

• Activate your product license, or 
• Request a Free Trial if no license is active. 

4. Download and Install CalderaRIP

Open the Home tab in CalderaDock. When a valid license is active, CalderaDock automatically displays the Install button for CalderaRIP:

Click Install to download and install the latest version of CalderaRIP, then follow the on-screen instructions:

• Confirm that your license is compatible with this version.
• After the download completes, enter your computer credentials to authorize the installation. 
• When installation is complete, a confirmation message appears and prompts you to restart your system.

Alternative: Download Previous Versions from WorkSpace

If needed, you can download previous versions from WorkSpace > Other Downloads. Find the app version you want to install and choose an installer type:

• Light version (Recommended): Includes only the CalderaRIP package. Printer drivers can be downloaded and installed separately after the RIP installation.
• Full version: Includes both the CalderaRIP package and printer drivers, allowing printer installation during setup.

Open the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

OS-Specific Considerations

Depending on your operating system, one additional step is required before or after installation:

• macOS:

  • Because CalderaRIP is Unix-based, it uses XQuartz to provide a graphical user interface on macOS. XQuartz is automatically installed with CalderaRIP on macOS.

      Warning

    If an XQuartz update message appears after the CalderaRIP installation, please do not upgrade since the latest versions of this application present compatibility issues. If you have already upgraded, you can follow this article's instructions to downgrade.

  • Visit the dedicated article to learn how to install and grant the required permissions to the software.
• Ubuntu Linux:
  • Visit the dedicated section to learn how to mount and install the software.

5. Install and Configure your Printer

For setup, refer to the full printer installation and configuration guide, or watch the video tutorial:

Printer Considerations

• Since license activation, you can assign a printer driver. If you want to modify this setup or add additional printer drivers, please refer to this article.
• Printer configuration steps may vary depending on the printer connection type.

6. Install and Configure your Cutter

6.1 Roll-to-Roll Cutters

Read the complete guide or watch the video:

6.2 Flatbed Cutters

Read the complete guide or watch the video:

7. Launch CalderaRIP

When you open CalderaRIP for the first time, a few pop-ups will help you complete the initial setup. 

For first-time installations, European users will see an End User License Agreement (EULA) that must be accepted before using the software:

You will also be asked to choose a color theme, your preferred measurement units, and the default color profile:

If you are installing a new version over an existing one, a pop-up will confirm that the installation has been updated and let you choose whether to keep your current settings (recommended) or reload them:

For help exploring the modules, see: First use of CalderaRIP

Additional Help

Caldera’s HelpDesk includes:

• Two glossaries
• A video center
• Several "Troubleshooting" sections, where you can read about technical problems that our support team has previously solved

If you cannot find the information you need, contact the Caldera Support team. To learn the best way to reach them, refer to this article (with video).

Learn how to install PrimeCenter from start to finish. In this article, we will guide you step by step and provide you with links where you can read about related topics in detail.

Prerequisites

Before you install the software, confirm the following:

• Minimum hardware requirements: Your system must meet the minimum hardware specifications.
• Compatible operating system: Use a supported OS (Windows, macOS or Ubuntu Linux).

1. Create a Caldera account

Go to Caldera's customer portal WorkSpace and complete the account creation form (need help with this? Click here). 

You will receive an activation email shortly after. 

2. Download and Install CalderaDock

CalderaDock is the central tool for managing licenses and installing all Caldera products. 

Download the latest version of CalderaDock from the main dashboard in WorkSpace, then install it on your computer (need help with this? Click here).

3. Activate a License or Request a Free Trial

In CalderaDock, complete one of the following: 

• Activate your product license, or 
• Request a Free Trial if no license is active. 

4. Download and Install PrimeCenter

Open the Home tab in CalderaDock. When a valid license is active, CalderaDock automatically displays the Install button for PrimeCenter:

Click Install to download and install the latest version of PrimeCenter, then follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Launch PrimeCenter and Explore!

PrimeCenter is now installed and ready to use. Open the application to start exploring the interface.

➡️ Get started with your first use

Additional Help

Caldera’s HelpDesk includes:

• Two glossaries
• A video center
• Several "Troubleshooting" sections, where you can read about technical problems that our support team has previously solved

If you cannot find the information you need, contact the Caldera Support team. To learn the best way to reach them, refer to this article (with video).

If you are using PrimeCenter V4 or an earlier version, refer to the article List of check/fix profiles (V4 and earlier).

Starting with PrimeCenter V5, file processing functions are organized as Tools. Tools can be used to check, correct, or modify files during processing.

What's changed in V5?

In PrimeCenter V4 and earlier, tools and check/fix profiles were managed separately. In V5, most of these functions are unified under the Tools concept and are available in File Editor and throughout the Layout Creator workflow.

Using tools in PrimeCenter

Tools are available in several places depending on whether you want to automate processing or apply actions manually.

File Editor

Layout Creator

List of tools

Add elements

📌 Annotations

Add text, labels, bar codes, or QR codes to items for identification, tracking, or production information. Learn more

Additional marks

📌 Crop marks

Add crop and/or bleed marks with specified size, offset, and color.

📌 Grommets

Place grommets automatically on your file by defining the quantity or the distance between each grommet. Learn more

 📌 Lines

Add finishing lines. Useful for sewing or similar applications.

📌 Remove crop marks

Remove crop marks from your file automatically.

Banner

📌 Banner

Automate the production of head-to-head or back-to-back pole banners with pockets, commonly used for outdoor signage. Learn more

Bleed

📌 Advanced bleed

Add extra space (bleed margin) around images (rectangular or custom shapes) to extend the artwork. Advanced options: more Bleed types, manage resolution, set offsets.

📌 Bleed

Add extra space (bleed margin) around images (rectangular or custom shapes) to extend the artwork and prevent white edges after cutting. Learn more

Color

📌 Convert color

Convert an input color to an output color. Both source and destination color spaces can be defined.

📌 Convert spot color

Convert an input spot color to an output process color by transforming elements into their CMYK color values.

📌 Convert spot color to process

Convert an input spot color to an output color. The destination color space can be defined.

📌 Convert to PSD standard

Convert the file to the Fogra PSD standard using the ISO Coated v2 (ECI) CMYK profile. Suitable for Office documents or PSD files.

📌 Fill contour

Fill the inside or outside of a specified contour with a CMYK color.

📌 Fill PDF Box

Fills the inside or outside of a specified PDF Box (e.g. TrimBox or BleedBox) with a CMYK color.

📌 Remove spot color objects

Remove a specified PDF Box (e.g. TrimBox or BleedBox) from the file.

📌 Spot colot from content

Create a spot color based on the page content. It can be used to add a white ink layer under all printed elements automatically. Learn more

Contour

📌 Clipping path

Adds a clipping path to an existing contour. Particularly useful for packaging workflows, it prepares files with open contours for true shape nesting.

📌 Contour from content

Generate a contour from the page content, even if the file is not vector-based. Learn more

📌 Contour from PDF Box

Generate a contour based on a specified PDF Box (e.g. TrimBox or BleedBox), enabling standardized cutting. Learn more

📌 Duplicate contour (starting with V5.1)

Duplicate an existing contour to create a contour with a different name. Useful for creating additional cutting or processing contours.

📌 Resize contour (starting with V5.1)

Adjust the size of selected contours by a defined offset. Useful for enlarging or reducing cutting shapes, including lettering workflows.

📌 Separate contours

Create separate objects out of a contour when a file contains multiple shapes.

📌 Split shapes

Split each shape of your file into individual files. It is especially useful for applications like lettering. Learn more

Cutting

📌 Cutting marks color

Apply a background color, white or colored ink, under and around the marks and/or changes the cut mark color. Learn more

Dimensions

📌 Crop to content

Crop the page to the visible content when the page is larger than the actual design elements.

📌 Crop to PDF box

Set the PDF CropBox to the size of a different PDF Box (e.g. TrimBox or BleedBox).

 📌 Page margin

Extend the page by adding a defined margin on all sides. Useful when contours are positioned at the edge and may not be properly detected.

📌 Resize

Force the page to a specific size, or automatically adjust all pages to match the largest page in a multi-page document.

📌 Scale

Resize the page by applying a percentage or by setting specific width and height values.

File check

📌 File checks

Check for common file issues, such as invisible white objects, missing spot contours or low-resolution images. Enable a report to get the result of the checks.

Fonts

📌 Vectorize fonts

Convert all fonts to outlines, removing font dependencies and ensuring compatibility with RIP software.

Layers

📌 Mirror

Flip the image horizontally or vertically.

📌 Multilayer file

Create a 3- or 5-page multi-layer file from a 1- or 2-page file.

📌 Remove invisible layers

Remove hidden PDF layers that could cause issues in RIP software.

Manage your cutting

📌 Cutter options

Add cut marks, registration marks, bar codes, and QR codes for automated cutting workflows. Define cut methods and assign contours for compatible cutters. Learn more

Orientation

📌 Orientation

Force the page orientation to portrait or landscape.

📌 Rotate

Rotate the page by 90°, 180°, or -90°. It is not compatible with the Double-sided printing & Multi-layer tool. 

Pattern

📌 Pattern

Create files with repetitive patterns.

PDF Boxes

To better understand the role of each PDF box, take a look at this article.

📌 Match PDF Box size (starting with V5.1)

Resize a PDF Box based on a reference PDF Box, with an optional offset.

📌 Optimize document

Correct PDF boxes, ensuring they are in the proper order, and removes unnecessary private data from creation tools such as Illustrator.

📌 Remove PDF Box

Remove a specified PDF Box (e.g. TrimBox or BleedBox) from the file.

PDF standards

📌 PDFX-1a

• Convert to PDFX-1a (Coated GRACoL 2006)
• Convert to PDFX-1a (ISO Coated v2 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-1a (Japan Color 2011 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-1a (PSO Coated v3 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-1a (US Web Coated (SWOP) V2)
• Verify compliance with PDFX-1a

📌 PDFX-3

• Convert to PDFX-3 (Coated GRACoL 2006)
• Convert to PDFX-3 (ISO Coated v2 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-3 (Japan Color 2001 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-3 (Japan Color 2011 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-3 (PSO Coated v3 (ECI)
• Convert to PDFX-3 (US Web Coated (SWOP) V2)
• Verify compliance with PDFX-3

📌 PDFX-4

• Convert to PDFX-4 (Coated GRACoL 2006)
• Convert to PDFX-4 (ISO Coated v2 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-4 (Japan Color 2001 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-4 (Japan Color 2011 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-4 (PSO Coated v3 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-4 (US Web Coated (SWOP) V2)
• Verify compliance with PDFX-4
• Verify compliance with PDFX-4p

📌 PDFX-5

• Convert to PDFX-5n (7C Indigo TAC370 (ColorLogic))
• Verify compliance with PDFX-5g
• Verify compliance with PDFX-5n
• Verify compliance with PDFX-5pg

📌 PDFX-6

• Convert to PDFX-6 (Coated GRACoL 2006)
• Convert to PDFX-6 (Coated GRACoL 2013)
• Convert to PDFX-6 (ISO Coated v2 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-6 (Japan Color 2001 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-6 (Japan Color 2011 Coated)
• Convert to PDFX-6 (PSO Coated v3 (ECI))
• Convert to PDFX-6 (US Web Coated (SWOP) v2)
• Verify compliance with PDFX-6
• Verify compliance with PDFX-6n
• Verify compliance with PDFX-6p

Place your files

📌 Double-sided printing & Multi-layer

Create back side (B side) for double-sided printing and generate multiple layers.

📌 Mirror

Flip items individually, horizontally or vertically. Learn more

📌 Nesting

Impose, nest, or gang items to optimize media usage and reduce waste. Sort and group files automatically. Learn more

📌 TrimBox

Add a TrimBox (cut line) around each item. Learn more

For more details on each option, please take a look at this article. To know how to add a cutter in PrimeCenter, check out this article.

Cut driver list

PrimeCenter is compatible with the following cut drivers:

You may be interested in reading How to assign a driver to a license?

Generic cut drivers

Cut marks

Option	Caldera XML	Generic DXF	Generic HPGL
Origin extra mark	Supported	Supported	Not supported
Shape
Placement
Internal cut marks only	Supported	Supported	Not supported

Option	Generic PDF
Origin extra mark	Supported
Shape
Placement
Internal cut marks only	Supported

Optical code

Option	Caldera XML	Generic DXF	Generic HPGL
Add orientation information in the code	Supported	Supported	Supported
Print code as text	Supported	Supported	Supported
Position

Option	Generic PDF
Add orientation information in the code	Supported
Print code as text	Supported
Position

Additional options

Brand cut drivers

Cut marks

Option	Kongsberg	M&R Quatro cutter X/Y	OptiScout
Origin extra mark	Not supported	Special shape mark	Not supported
Shape
Placement
Internal cut marks only	Supported	Not supported	Not supported

Option	Secabo DTF MultiCut Pro	Summa GoProduce	Summa GoSign
Origin extra mark	Special shape mark	Not supported	Not supported
Shape
Placement
Internal cut marks only	Not supported	Supported	Not supported

Option	Zund Cut Center
Origin extra mark	Supported
Shape
Placement
Internal cut marks only	Supported

Optical code

Option	Kongsberg	M&R Quatro cutter X/Y	OptiScout
Add orientation information in the code	Native (no displayed option)	Not supported	Supported
Print code as text	Supported	Native (no displayed option)	Supported
Position		1 code at origin position

Option	Secabo DTF MultiCut Pro	Summa GoProduce	Summa GoSign
Add orientation information in the code	Not supported	Not supported	Not supported
Print code as text	Native (no displayed option)	Supported	Supported
Position	1 code at origin position		no standard optical code

Option	Zund Cut Center
Add orientation information in the code	Supported
Print code as text	Supported
Position

Additional options

Summa GoProduce	Summa GoSign	Zund Cut Center
Methods and contours association	Methods and contours association	Methods and contours association
Custom materials and methods	Custom materials and methods	Material synchronization
Summa PostNet bar code	Summa PostNet bar code	Print orientation arrows
		Get estimated cutting time
		Generate a thumbnail
		Include metadata

In this article, we'll guide you in the CalderaSubmit (Sign, DTF, and DTG) installation step by step and give you links where you can read about related topics in detail.

Requirements

Download and Install the software

1. Open CalderaDock.
2. Go to the Applications tab.

3. Select your software and click in the "Install" button:

     Info

   If you don't see the software, it means that you have not registered/activated its license in CalderaDock. If this is the case, please do so. You can refer to this article for guidance on how to complete the registration.

   

4. CalderaDock will show the progress of the download:
   
5. Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to enter your computer credentials and the installation will begin:
   

6. After the installation is complete, you will see the following message:
   

   ⚠️ Installing older versions of the software on Windows

   When installing older versions of CalderaSubmit (Sign, DTF, or DTG) on Windows, the system will prompt you for administrator access (User Account Control - UAC).

   If you deny or ignore this request, the installation will be incomplete, leading to issues such as the software failing to start, inability to access network shares, or unexpected behavior.

   It is essential to grant administrator access to ensure a valid installation.

   If you previously skipped this step, please reinstall the software before attempting to use it.

    

7. Clicking the "Go to my licenses" button will let you verify that your license is properly attached. If it isn’t, click the link button (  ) before launching the software.

Launch your software

When you’re ready, launch your software and explore all its modules.

You might be interested in reading: First use of CalderaSubmit (Sign, DTF, and DTG)

New macOS releases may not be immediately compatible with every Caldera product version. If you upgrade macOS before confirming compatibility, you may experience unexpected software behavior.

In this case, you may need to downgrade macOS to a supported version until a compatible version of your Caldera product is available.

Before you begin

• Make sure you have access to another computer and an external drive or secure network location for your backups.
• Document the Caldera products installed on the computer, their versions, license information, and any printer or network settings that you will need after the reinstallation.

Back up Caldera products before downgrading macOS

Before downgrading macOS, back up your Caldera product data and configuration. The recommended backup method depends on the product installed on the computer.

Backups help protect production-critical data if something goes wrong during an operating system downgrade, update, or system recovery.

CalderaRIP

1. First, create a Caldera Snapshot in CalderaDock.

     Important

   For complex CalderaRIP production setups, do not rely solely on Caldera Snapshots. Also use Save/Restore Config and manually back up any production-specific files you need.

2. In CalderaDock, use Save/Restore Config to back up your user-specific CalderaRIP configuration. Select the options required for your environment, including driver configuration files.
3. Manually back up your spot-color files by following How to manually back up each element of CalderaRIP?. Use this article to identify any cutter-specific files required by your setup. If you use Nexio, back up the relevant bridge folders as well.
4. Store the Save/Restore Config backup and production-specific files on an external drive or secure network location.
5. Verify that all backup files are complete and accessible before continuing.

For an overview of CalderaRIP backup options, see CalderaRIP backup overview.

Other products

For Caldera products other than CalderaRIP, such as PrimeCenter and CalderaSubmit: 

1. Create a Caldera Snapshot in CalderaDock. By default, snapshots are stored locally in /opt/caldera_snapshots
2. Copy the snapshot to an external drive or secure network location.
3. Verify that the copied snapshot is complete and accessible.

After downgrading macOS, use CalderaDock to install the required Caldera products, then restore the snapshot.

Considerations

• Caldera Snapshots provide a simple way to back up your Caldera product settings.
• Restoring a snapshot after downgrading macOS can be complex. Apple generally does not recommend macOS downgrades, and recovery steps vary by situation.
• A snapshot includes your data and settings, but not the macOS installer.
• Reinstalling macOS or restoring a snapshot on a different computer may trigger macOS security warnings.

Back up macOS

After backing up your Caldera product data, create a full backup of your Mac before attempting a macOS downgrade.

We recommend using Time Machine, the built-in macOS backup feature. Include the entire main volume in the backup, as CalderaRIP may store files outside your user folder.

Store the backup on an external drive or another secure location.

Downgrade macOS

Choose the instructions that match the macOS version you want to downgrade from:

• How to downgrade macOS 27: Roll back Golden Gate to Tahoe
• How to Downgrade from MacOS Tahoe to MacOS Sequoia
• How to Downgrade macOS Sequoia to Sonoma
• For older Macs: Downgrading a Mac that shipped with Catalina to Mojave

You may also be able to reinstall the macOS version that came with your Mac. See How to reinstall macOS.

For additional help, contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation.