How to configure multilayers for sandwich printing?

Multilayer printing allows sandwich printing by combining two (or more) images into one. To do this, one image is placed on top of another (which is printed on media support) or different images can be stacked to create a combined image.

Follow the tutorial below to learn how to do sandwich printing, using as an example a backlight composed of two color layers and a white layer between them.

1. Double-click on the printer's icon to open it:
   
   

    

2. Click on the ellipsis button [ ] next to the Layer selection to open the Manage Layers window. Then, go to the Settings tab to ensure that the option "Set image to all layers on drop" is disabled:
   

    

3. In the Layers tab, edit the current configuration (if existent). Add a Single layer by clicking the Add button to validate your choice.

    

4. In the window that appears, name your Layer. Press the OK button to validate your choice:

   

   In our example, Layer 1 is called Layer 1 Blue Bird.

   

   Here we can see that Layer 1 Blue Bird has been added.

    

5. To add the second single Layer, follow the same steps:
   
   
   In our example, Layer 2 is called Layer 2 White Bird.

    

   
   

   Here we can see that Layer 2 White Bird has been added.

    

6. Add a third single Layer:
   
   
   Layer 3 is called Layer 3 Purple Bird.

    

   
   

   Layer 3 Purple Bird has been added.

    

7. Close the Manage Layers window. Then, Select Layer 1 and set your printing configuration:
   
   

     Warning

   Profiles are selected automatically. If the combination you have selected does not have a profile, the menus will turn red. Learn more.

    

8. Drag and drop the image into your Print Module:
   
   
   
9. Select Layer 2 and set your printing configurations:
            

    

10. Drag and Drop it to your Print Module.

     

11. Open the Page Setup window:
    
    
    
12. Go to the White tab. Then, activate the option "Enable Separation":
    

    

13. Then two specific cases can be applied:
    
    Image is print-ready and contains white

      Info

    Please note that is possible to print white gradients with raster files (.TIF or .PNG for example) but not with vector files (.PDF for example).

    • For raster files: select the Use an Extra-Channel method and the White channel
      
      
      
    • For vector files: select the Use a Spot Color method and a White spot.
      
      
      
    Image is not print-ready and does not contain white

    Parameters must be set regarding how your file was created and what the intended application will be.

    • If your File contains a CutContour: Select the Fill a Contour method. In the Contour field, select CutContour.
      
      
      
    • If you want to print white on the whole layer: Select the Full-page coverage method.
      
      
      
    • If you want to print white only where there are colors: Select the Generate from CMYK data method and Generate where there is some ink computation. Using this method you will keep transparent parts.
      
    
    
    

14. Select Layer 3 and set your printing configurations:
    
    
    

15. Drag and Drop it to your Print Module:
    
    
    
16. Finally, click on Print.
    
    
17. Go to the Spooler module to see the status of your multilayer "sandwich" printing: