In PrimeCenter, applying a recipe generates one or several layouts. The list of layouts appears on the right side of the main interface. Clicking on a layout selects it and displays a preview in the Studio.
PrimeCenter V4.0
Layouts
What is a layout?
A layout consists of input files processed according to the settings set in a recipe. It is the final step where you can visually verify the result before generating print and cut files.
For example, a layout could be created from a recipe that nests input files on a 42-inch vinyl roll, adding cut registration marks and barcodes.
Layout information
Each layout includes the following details:
PrimeCenter V4.0
Layout name
Layouts are named based on a template defined in the Nesting settings. You can customize the template to display specific information.
Example
| Template: | Nest autoIncrement - mediaName - copies |
| Generated name: | Nest 55 - Foil / Vinyl - 1 |
For more details, see: Automating workflow with metadata
Copies
Indicates the number of times this layout should be printed to meet production requirements. Instead of duplicating identical layouts, the software generates a single layout with the correct number of copies.
Size
-
Media size (configured in Media settings):
- Sheets: Displays the height and width of the sheet.
- Rolls: Displays the roll width and the cropped height containing data.
- Nest size: Represents the cropped area that contains data.
Estimated cutting time
Available when using a Zund cutter. This option must be enabled in the Cutter options.
For more details, see the article dedicated to the Zund cut driver.
Media coverage indicator
A color-coded scale indicates media coverage, helping you identify layouts with minimal wasted material.
Preview indicator
An eye icon appears next to the currently previewed layout in the Studio.
Tips & tricks
- Hovering over a layout displays more details, such as name, media, format, and dimensions.
- Clicking on a layout’s arrow expands the view to show input files and their quantity.
- Clicking on an input file highlights it in the Studio for easy identification.
Each layout includes the following details:
PrimeCenter V4.1
Layout name
Layouts are named based on a template defined in the Nesting settings. You can customize the template to display specific information.
Example
| Template: | Nest autoIncrement - mediaName - copies |
| Generated name: | Nest 55 - Foil / Vinyl - 1 |
For more details, see: Automating workflow with metadata
Copies
Indicates the number of times this layout should be printed to meet production requirements. Instead of duplicating identical layouts, the software generates a single layout with the correct number of copies.
Media
You can directly view:
- Media name: as configured in Media settings.
- Format name: as configured in Media settings.
When you hover over the area displaying these details, additional information appears:
-
Media size:
- Sheets: Displays the height and width of the sheet.
- Rolls: Displays the roll width and the cropped height containing data.
- Nest size: Represents the cropped area that contains data.
Metrics
You can switch between different metrics to display. The selected metric is applied to all layouts in the list, making it easier to compare values.
The following metrics are available:
Media coverage
A color-coded scale showing the percentage of media coverage, helping you identify layouts with minimal wasted material.
Covered surface
Displays the surface area of the media used by the layout.
Length
Indicates the total length of the layout.
Estimated cutting time
Available when using a Zund cutter. This option must be enabled in the Cutter options.
For more details, see the article dedicated to the Zund cut driver.
Images
Click Images to expand the section and view the list of images included in the layout, along with their number of instances.
Clicking an image in the list highlights its instances in the layout within the Studio.
Layout actions
Generate
Available from PrimeCenter V4.0, replaces the "Apply" button.
Processes inserted files and generates layouts using the recipe’s settings.
/ 
Lock/Unlock
Locks or unlocks the layout, allowing you to add, delete, move, or resize images in the Studio.
Print & Cut
Manually exports the print file and/or the cut file for the selected layout.
Quick actions
Right-click on a layout to access:
- Duplicate the layout
- Rename the layout
- Change the number of copies
- Lock/Unlock the layout
- Delete the layout
- Delete all layouts
📌 Layout list actions
Generate
Available from PrimeCenter V4.0, replaces the "Apply" button.
Processes inserted files and generates layouts using the recipe’s settings.
Print & Cut
Manually exports the print file and/or the cut file for the selected layout.
Create a layout
Right-click on an empty area in the layout panel to access quick actions. Click Create to generate an empty layout.
📌 Individual layout actions
Tips & tricks
You can select multiple layouts using standard keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl (or Cmd) + click to select individual layouts, or Shift + click to select a range. This allows you to, for example, delete or export several layouts at once.
/ Lock/Unlock
Locks or unlocks the layout, allowing you to add, delete, move, or resize images in the Studio.
Rename
Even if layouts are named automatically using a layout name template defined in the Nesting settings, you can rename them manually as needed.
Copies
You can change the number of copies if you want to print multiple instances of the same layout.
Warning
Changing the number of copies manually does not automatically update the copies metadata in the layout name template.
To ensure consistency, either update the layout name manually or use the copies metadata in the print file name template instead of the layout name template.
3-dot menu/Right-click
Right-click on a layout or open the 3-dot menu to access the following actions:
- Duplicate the layout
- Rename the layout
- Lock/Unlock the layout
- Delete the layout
- Delete all layouts
Studio
The Studio provides a preview of the layouts to ensure the generated print and cut files meet expectations. If needed, you can manipulate images directly, but the layout must be unlocked first.
Actions
|
Fit layout to view |
|
|
Adjust to layout width |
|
|
Change background color |
|
|
Enable/Disable auto-alignment The auto-alignment was introduced in PrimeCenter V4.0. |
|
|
|
Show/Hide image texture. |
|
Clear the Studio (Requires unlocking the layout first) |
Change the orientation of the studio
- You can rotate the Studio to match your media or device setup.
- This only affects the preview, it does not modify the layout or output files.
- Click on the Studio’s corners to reposition the origin point.