The information below is a summary of the official Canon documentation. If you want to know more details, please register and visit the specialized section at GraphiPLAZA, Canon's Large Format Graphics Community.
Overview
What is PRISMAguide XL?
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"PRISMAguide XL is part of the PRISMA XL Suite, a set of workflow software solutions that automate complex print jobs, including multi-layered and duplex applications" (2023, Canon's official website).
What is Caldera's Nexio?
Caldera's Nexio is a module that adds another level of automation to your printing processes by connecting your CalderaRIP with third-party programs, like PRISMAguide XL.
PRISMAguide XL + Nexio
Canon PRISMAGuide XL, combined with Caldera Nexio, provides a workflow for complex multilayer jobs with different images on each layer and up to five layers, depending on the selected resolution.
Info for M Series
Starting with version 19, the M Series printer driver supports multilayer jobs of up to five layers without Canon PRISMAguide XL. This direct-driver workflow is subject to certain limitations.
For M Series printers using driver version 18.2 or earlier, use PRISMAguide XL with Caldera Nexio to create jobs with different images on each layer or more than three layers.
Important
The PRISMAguide XL + Nexio workflow is intended for advanced users and requires the appropriate Canon licenses and CalderaRIP subscriptions. If you are unsure which workflow or licenses are required for your production environment, contact our Sales team.
To configure the PRISMAguide XL + Nexio workflow, follow the steps below.
Workflow configuration on CalderaRIP
Info
Before starting, make sure that the two software (PRISMAguide XL and CalderaRIP with Nexio) are installed on the same user account of the computer, to avoid permission issues.
If you install the attached patch you must use the "caldera" user account.
If you do the manual configuration it can be done on a different user account.
Also, all the devices must be on the same network.
Info
This workflow is for users who don't have another Nexio integration running on their RIP workstation.
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Download this zipped file and open it. You will then be able to access the Calpatch file with the pre-configuration already loaded.
Good to know
You can also find the latest version of the calpatch pre-configuration file directly on GraphiPLAZA (requires a Canon account).
- Install the calpatch under the macOS Caldera User (after configuration one can switch back the regular user. This will add the PRISMAguide XL Nexio module, as well as its corresponding pre-configured Workflow. The default presets should also be added to the Caldera library, but these can also be imported manually if needed.
- Open CalderaRIP and click on the Special menu in the top bar. Then, open the Nexio Configuration:
- In the lower part, on Configuration modules, you should see PRISMAguideXL on the list. Click on Apply, which will restart Nexio:
- Restart CalderaRIP. You should see a new icon on the applications of the main interface, which is the job tracker for the jobs coming from PRISMAguide XL:
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Open CalderaRIP and go to the Workflow Configuration. You can do this via the icon on the main interface, or via the Special menu on the top bar:
- Click on New and name your new workflow ("PRISMAguideXL" in this example). Click OK:
- Drag and drop your printer on the first field available on the PRISMAguideXL Workflow:
- Check the "Allow printer override from Nexio" setting. In order to do this, you need to double-click on the printer icon (within the Workflow) and print/rip something. Once done, you will be able to enable the override setting.
- Verify that the Workflow is running correctly when you see one of the wheels on top of the printer moving. Then, Quit the Workflow Editor.
- Click on the Special menu in the top bar. Then, open the Nexio Configuration:
- In the lower part, on Configuration modules, click on New and then click on Generic:
- Add the following, and then click OK:
- In Configuration modules, you should now see PRISMAguideXL on the list. Click on Apply, which will restart Nexio:
- Restart CalderaRIP. You should see a new icon on the applications of the main interface, which is the job tracker for the jobs coming from PRISMAguide XL:
Presets configuration
Info
If you set up an Automatic Workflow, with the calpatch attached, then you already have the presets on your workstation. Find them here: /opt/caldera/var/public/PRISMAguideXL-Presets
Warning for M Series users
Since driver version 18.1 (Revision A), these presets have exhibited unexpected behavior on some workstations. We are actively working on a solution. In the meantime, we recommend creating your presets from scratch and avoiding those included in the calpatch.
Presets are mandatory to establish communication between CalderaRIP and PRISMAguide XL.
There are two default presets, a regular one and one for jobs with cut. Both of them are available for download at GraphiPLAZA.
- Open the Print Module of your Colorado-M-Series. At the bottom, you will see the Presets area. Click on the icon with the ellipses:
- Click on the Import button:
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Select the default presets that were preloaded with the calpatch file (if you set up an Automatic Workflow), or that you previously downloaded from graphiPLAZA:
- Once you are done, you will see both presets in the list. Click on Close:
Linking CalderaRIP and PRISMAguide XL
Once your RIP is fully configured and ready to print jobs with 5 layers, etc., make the last necessary settings in PRISMAguideXL.
- Open PRISMAguide XL, and go to the menu at the top left. Then, click on Settings.
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To establish communication with the RIP station, enter Port 8080, the IP/Hostname of the RIP workstation, and the Base Path defined in CalderaRIP's Nexio module.
Info
The default Base Path is /PRISMAguideXL but you can write something else, just be sure that the information is the same both in PRISMAguide XL and in Caldera's Nexio.
- Click on the "Update printers and media" button, which will bring the RIP data to PRISMAguideXL.
- Select the printer you will use and you are ready for your production.
Troubleshooting: macOS 15 (or Newer) Network Settings
For macOS version 15 (or newer), you must enable the following entries in Privacy & Security > Local Network settings for PrismaGuide XL to function properly with CalderaRIP.
These options will be automatically enabled at first use. For example open the Jobtracker and confirm that access is allowed. Once allowed it will appear under the local network list.
- "Caldera RIP" application
- "Jobtracker"
- "Calbridge"