🎞️ Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP V1.0 - Changelog

User Experience: 

• We have improved the application's performance, particularly in processing PDFs from PrimeCenter and layouts with one or multiple copies of the same image (to be printed with high-resolution presets). 
  As a result, the application now processes these cases up to approximately 1.3 times faster.
• A new notification (a blue toast) now appears when printing linearization or ICC profiling targets. This notification is similar to the one displayed prior to v1.3, indicating that your job was being processed.
• The color preview of layers for imported PDF files containing RGB images and a spot color is now significantly improved, ensuring color accuracy when comparing to the colors displayed in other programs.
• Fixed an issue that caused macOS to display the "About Caldera Direct-to-Film" modal in a native one instead of the software's custom modal, ensuring consistent behavior across all operating systems.

Destination Module: 

• Fixed an issue with Layers Preview that caused similar images or images with similar file names to not display and print correctly.
• Corrected an issue with 16-bit TIFF files that caused extra channel inversion, resulting in incorrect color and white overlay in the Layers Preview.

Devices and Presets: 

• We removed an error message that appeared unnecessarily when editing the printer's output method (e.g., switching from file to TCP/IP).
• Fixed a bug that caused the output folder not to be highlighted in red when the specified location was incorrect. It now correctly shows a red highlight for invalid paths.

Devices and presets. When using a printer that supports primer or optimizer as coating inks, you can now customize their application through the presets. The Primer/Optimizer settings include:

• Strategy: Choose between Transparency and Color T-Shirt.
  • For Transparency, select an Amount percentage of the Primer/Optimizer to create a layer beneath the color layer.
  • For Color T-Shirt, set the Minimum and Maximum Primer/Optimizer levels, and adjust the "Opacity Reduction Coefficient" to eliminate white halos.

File Manager. Now it is possible to sort files by name or import date, in ascending or descending order:

Spot Colors module. You can now save the mapping of spot colors in your files. A new button allows you to categorize your preferred mapping strategies as favorites:

When configuring another image with the same spot color name, the favorite mapping is applied automatically, saving you valuable configuration time.

Destination module:

• We have significantly improved the Layers Preview performance, reducing generation time by approximately 90%.
• We also made technical adjustments to improve the layer preview when using spread or choke, ensuring it accurately reflects what is printed.

User Experience:

• We have improved the functionality of the pop-up windows for confirming changes in the presets. Previously, these windows sometimes failed to appear or could not be closed using the Esc key.
• We have removed the blue "job processing" notification, as jobs being processed are already displayed in the corresponding micro-spooler area.
• Finally, in the spot color module, we have improved the functionality of the fields. You can now switch between the "Ink: Blend" and "Ink:Overwrite" mapping strategies without changing your selected destination channel. 

Installation: On Windows, if you deny or ignore the UAC prompt during installation (administrator access), a clear error message is now shown instead of silently completing a broken installation.

Layout module:

• Fixed an issue where continuous image addition to the Studio caused the Media Coverage feature to malfunction. The software now correctly handles multiple image additions, ensuring proper layout display.
• Media Coverage also works consistently after software reloads.

Studio:

• When adding an image to the Studio, the software now automatically selects a substrate and adapts its size to the image. If no media is configured, a "No Media" message is displayed.
• Fixed an issue with the Auto Alignment that incorrectly rotated portrait images 90 degrees when the substrate width was insufficient. This ensures proper image display and prevents unintended orientation changes.
• Fixed an issue that previously prevented dragging and dropping images directly into the Studio from your file explorer. You can now add images without requiring them to be in the software's file manager.

CNTOP Rival: At a preset level, the driver now has a "Job ticket" area with two new options: 

• An "Output mode", mandatory, with the following options:
  • Colors & White (default)
  • White then Color
  • White, then White & Color
  • Color only
  • White only.
• A "Remarks" input, where you can make any other annotations needed in the job ticket.

M&R Quatro 44 / 68. When using these devices, the software will now also allow you to configure two types of marks for the M&R Quatro Cutter X in the layout module:

CNTOP Rival: Improved four metadata values in the job ticket feature (available on printers configured with "File" as output mode):

• "Media Width/Height" contains the sizes of the media.
• "Image Width/Height" contains the sizes of the printed image/layout.
• "Margins" and "Header" include the margins of the image from the top left corner.

Color management: Two new features allow you to configure ICC profile generation:

• A new "Conditions" field allows you to specify the illuminant and observer. This ensures accurate color representation by defining the conditions for color measurements across different devices and viewing environments, with two options available for selection:
  • Sign & Graphics D50/2°: illuminant D50 and observer 2 degrees.
  • Textile D65/10°: illuminant D65 and observer 10 degrees.
• A new "Advanced Settings" area that allows you to adjust parameters for saturation, contrast, and grey neutralization.

Devices and presets:
 

• New support of pretreatment coat inks, including varnish. This enhancement allows for the processing of spot colors assigned to these coat inks and allows users to utilize the software's automatic color strategies, while also providing the flexibility to make custom adjustments (via Devices & Presets > Preset configuration):
  

    Info

  The generic printer drivers BYHX, HosonSoft, and File, as well as all HUIJIE drivers, were the first drivers to incorporate this new feature.

• The preset configuration section now includes a new description field.
• A new Custom droplet manager is now available in the main settings of your presets. This new feature allows you to adjust the density and size of ink drops globally and customize the values for each ink, based on your production needs.
  

File manager: A new visual feedback feature has been added to the image import process, displaying the loading status for large files (such as PDFs) and multiple files.

Modules panel / Destination: The Destination module now has a "Copies" field that allows you to specify the number of copies to process for each job.

Studio: You can now overlap images at their fully transparent parts, optimizing media usage and enhancing support for transparent images.
This ensures consistent print and preview outputs, full visibility of overlapping images, and compatibility with all image types containing alpha channels, including those using Knockout.

Devices and presets:
 

• We have improved the spectral data contained in the linearization file that you can export via presets. The file now contains the measurement data as well as complete information about the measuring device and conditions.
• On the White settings, 0% is now recognized as valid in the "Minimal white" input and is set as the default value.
• We have integrated new DeviceLinks profiles and linearization targets to enhance printing capabilities. This update allows print operators to utilize 10 or 12 inks (see the Printer drivers chapter).
• The linearization modal now allows adjustments to coat ink output for improved print quality and reduced ink consumption. Also, support for crafting measure curves for non-measurable coat inks has been added, along with color information for retrieved measure curves.
• The software now prevents user interactions while waiting for responses from the backend during device settings updates.

File manager:

• We improved the user experience by limiting the height of the image information container to 50% of the screen and by adding a scroll bar (that appears if the list of spot colors or channels is too long).
• Improved software functionality to support TIFF files with JPEG compression. Users can now successfully open and print these files, avoiding previous issues such as error messages stating "JPEG compression support is not configured" and images loading as blank.

Modules panel / Spot colors:
 

• Improved the module's behavior, which now displays an indication on the icon and a warning message at the bottom if a setting is not correct (instead of sending an error message at the top). The new warning also includes a button that returns you to the module if you are in a different one, and that highlights the field to correct.
• This version eliminates the previous limitation that prevented opening PDF files containing more than 118 spot colors.
• If a channel is ignored and the pixel no longer has a color value, the transparency (alpha) is now set to zero, so a white layer is not printed where the channel was.
• You can now drop an image with spot colors directly into the Studio, where the appropriate color mapping strategy will be selected automatically. Spot colors will be mapped to output channels using the "Ink: Overwrite" strategy when their names match.

User experience:

• Auto-alignment is now activated by default on the first launch.
• Linked numeric fields, such as those for margins, are now combined into a single field when they share the same value, eliminating the need to enter the same value multiple times.
• The font size of the user interface has been reduced, and settings forms now use right-aligned labels.

Color management:
 

• Fixed a bug that caused the measure preview to not accurately match the actual RGB profiling target during the profiling process for any RGB Profile mode.
• This version improves ICC profile generation by incorporating a more accurate chromatic adaptation matrix. The software now automatically sets the matrix to use the D50 illuminant, effectively addressing previous color differences with other Caldera products and generating more vibrant colors.

File manager:
 

• It is now possible to load images from remote or removable locations. We also made the error message that may appear if the location is no longer accessible more explicit.
• Fixed a behavioral bug that caused images to be deleted despite having canceled the deletion in the confirmation message.
• The software’s image input path processing has been updated to correctly process special characters in the user name account, eliminating the “Invalid file format” error that could appear. This fix enhances the software’s reliability for users dealing with special characters.

Modules panel / Destination:

• Fixed a bug in the behavior of the layer preview, which is now automatically disabled when an error occurs in the software.
• Fixed a bug in the Adjustments section, which did not load correctly after applying changes to the preset.
• Fixed a display bug that caused the "Print to..." button to appear cropped in some cases.

Modules panel / Layout:

• The vertical and horizontal alignment of action buttons has been corrected.
• Now the dimensions of the layout are adapted to the images it contains, instead of deleting them.

Modules panel / Spot colors:
 

• Improved the behavior of the Spot Colors module, which now shows you a warning message at the bottom if a setting is not correct (instead of sending you an error message at the top). The warning now also includes a button that returns you to the Spot Colors module if you are in a different one.
• For Windows users, this release resolves the limitation where spot colors were not recognized in PDF files with special characters in the file path, improving flexibility.

Studio:

• Fixed an issue that triggered the error message “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘order’)” when importing TIFF files with several spot colors into the Studio (and manipulating the presets at the same time).
• Fixed auto-alignment behavior, which now remains active and resets even when an image is deleted from the File Manager.

User experience:
 

• For Windows users, we fixed some issues related to software upgrades and installations. The service now upgrades correctly, allowing the application to connect successfully after installation, whether it is running or closed. Additionally, the application interface terminates alongside the service during updates, preventing reboot prompts and ensuring a smooth installation process.
• We fixed a compatibility issue that prevented partners for whom we have developed software in the past from importing their presets into Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP.

RS Transfer Pro:

CNTOP:

• WingsPro: It is now possible to print the white undercoat with a different resolution to compensate for the deformations of the media.

• Rival: A new “Job Ticket” toggle is now available in the device configuration when using the File output mode. When enabled, an XML job ticket will be generated in the output folder, containing the following metadata:

  RipID FilePath PreviewFilePath (if preview is enabled) Media width + Image width Media height + Image height

  Margins Header Copies Remarks OutputMode

M&R Quatro 44:

• The printer driver's name has been updated to “Quatro 44” to clearly distinguish it from the device with additional inks, “Quatro 68”.
• Now the default resolution in the 4-pass preset is 720x1200 DPI.

Devices and presets. Two new White Settings have been added: "White as Transparency" (on/off) and "White as Transparency Color Threshold" (percentage), allowing for effective printing of PDFs with spot colors without needing prepared white.

Modules panel / Spot colors: 

• To improve the user experience, we changed the “Default” option to “Select below.” For now, this option is available for selection, but if it is left selected, a message indicates that the layout will not be printed.
• Now, all recognized spot colors in a PDF file are matched against the list of supported Pantone colors to autofill the Lab values if the “Simulated: Lab” strategy is selected.

• When using "Ink: Overwrite" to a White spot color, the default output color is now the "White Undercoat", which reduces the number of clicks required.

    Info

  If you have not selected a preset containing white undercoat, or if the preset is not valid, the corresponding channel will switch to “Select Below” so that you can change the color mapping strategy.
  Any default color mapping strategy can be changed if required.

Modules panel / Spot colors. This version includes optimizations of PDF spot color processing and the solution to some of the limitations present in previous versions:

• Memory usage is now limited and optimized when loading complex or multiple PDFs, particularly those with transparencies or numerous spot colors, reducing the risk of performance issues or crashes.

• Spot color detection is refined to handle patterns, complex textures in Form XObjects, and other colors embedded within images, ensuring accurate color reproduction in more PDF file types with each release.

    Good to know

  Form XObjects (page 271) are reusable graphic elements in PDF files that serve as containers for content, allowing complex graphics, text, or images to be displayed multiple times without duplicating data. They are commonly used for items like logos, watermarks, and backgrounds, facilitating efficient document rendering and consistent placement.
  Detecting and processing spot colors within these elements can be challenging due to embedded color data. Enhanced support for spot colors in Form XObjects improves accurate color representation, especially for intricate graphics.

• Spot color names with non-UTF-8 characters are now fully supported, enabling accurate representation of non-Latin brand colors for consistent global application.
• The spot colors list no longer includes special colorants "All" and "None," which are internal PDF elements rather than true spot colors.
• For Windows users, this release resolves the limitation where spot colors were not recognized in PDF files with special characters in the file path, improving flexibility.
• We fixed an issue that caused the software not to recognize a white spot color created in other Caldera software.
• It is now possible to change the preset or change values of the Destination module without resetting the existing settings of the spot color module.

User Experience:

• We corrected a typo in the plural of medium (which is "media" and not "medias").
• We have corrected two behaviors of the fields allowing numeric values:
  • Now you can add decimal values without the software rounding them erroneously or confusing them with another metric unit.
  • The software also allows you to enter numbers starting with a decimal point (no need to write a zero before).

Adobe PDF Print Engine: Spot colors in PDF files are now supported and displayed to all OS users in a whole new Spot Colors module.
 

Devices and presets.

• New White settings area, including:
  • Strategy: transparency and color t-shirt (as in DTG, allows for putting less white in dark colors).
  • Minimal / Maximal white.
  • Spread (+) / Choke (-).
  • Smart choke: Enabling this option removes white pixels if there is no other color on top of them.
  • Smart choke color threshold (for white that is not pure: RGB [255, 255, 255]).
  • Opacity reduction coefficient (to remove the small remaining drops in badly designed transparent files).
• Also, it is now possible to easily edit a device, a media, or a format with a new   edit button.

Modules panel / Image.

• Now it is possible to switch between removing a color from the whole image or only from an area when using Knockout.
• Added a new feature that allows you to modify the luminosity, saturation, and hue of each image used in the Studio.

Modules panel / Spot colors: A new Spot Color module allows you to check and map the spot colors present in your PDF files or separated TIFF channels.

For each spot color, you can decide between:

• Ignore it before printing:
  • This option is limited to the supported channels and automatically activated for those named: “Cut”, “Contour”, or “Die” (regardless of the letter case).
• Simulate the spot color:
  • From its process inks (you can customize the ink percentage).
  • From its Lab values (comes pre-configured with the 50 most commonly used Pantone colors). You can adjust the lab values and get a color preview in the UI.
  • Leave the simulation in auto mode (for PDF/AI files only).
• Assign a direct blend or total overwrite of the ink channel.

You can also:

• Use the included search bar to filter spot colors by name.
• Use the   button to reset the channel mapping selection to the initial best-guess value.

Studio:

• You can now rearrange nested images by dragging and dropping them as needed directly in the Studio, allowing you to manually optimize the media.

• We added the option “Don't show this popup again” to the confirmation dialog that appears when attempting to clear the Studio, to minimize the number of clicks for the daily routine.

    Info

  You can also enable or disable this dialog in the Global Settings.

Studio: 

• Improved the display of the white undercoat while in Layer Preview.
• To minimize clicks, Layers Preview now regenerates automatically when changing the spot color configuration, color adjustments, presets, and images, and automatically displays them again (if they were displayed before).

User experience:

• Overall improvement of raster image processing speed, especially when using printing modes with white ink.
• This version includes two orientation guides within the application, on the first use and auto-alignment.
• Improved software interpretation of shortcuts to be more consistent across operating systems.
• Overall improvement of the behavior of the input unit component. It is now possible to open the context menu by right-clicking anywhere in the input.

Modules panel / Image:

• Correct error handling has been added when performing a Knockout on a file with Spot Colors.
• The alignment of all inputs to the right in the image module panel has been corrected.
• Fixed a bug where the Knockout could not be applied to CMYK 16-bit JPEG files.

Studio: Fixed a bug that did not allow the Studio anchors, located at the four corners of the Studio, to work correctly.