Welcome to Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP! You can read this article to learn useful vocabulary, get an overview of the main interface, and get started with the software.

This software is a specialized RIP to print directly onto films.

First launch

The first time you run the software, you will be asked:

• The language of the software,
• And if you want to apply the default settings or ignore them and start from scratch.

Default settings

The default settings include:

• Sample Caldera images
• Sample media and formats

Workflow

The logic of the software follows the reading direction of the main interface for each mode:

The interface of Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP is split into 4 main modules:

1. Import an image

The File manager is where the incoming files you want to process are loaded.

Import files

You can simply import images with the Open button or drag and drop them into the file management area.

Caldera Direct-to-Film RIP supports various file formats.

2. Insert the image and preview your print

The Studio allows you to place your image on the support and visualize the print. Simply drag and drop an image from the File Manager to the Studio to place it in the support. 

You can change the Studio background to better preview your print.

3. Configure the layout, image and select the destination

In the Modules Panel panel:

• You can make changes on the fly. This means that if you change some values here, they will not be saved. To change default values and your preferences, go to Global Settings. Here it's just to make last-minute corrections for special cases you may have.

By clicking on the Printer icon, you can select the destination of your printing:

• The Printer driver that will be used,
• The Media,
• And the Preset.

If you chose to use the default settings when you started the software, you will have access to pre-configured printers with associated media and presets, without going through the Global Settings. This allows you to generate your first job.

4. Generate the print file

When you are satisfied with the preview of the result in the Studio, you can click Print.

You will see the progression of the generation of your job in the Print tracking area. 

Once the job is completed, you can go to the output folder to check it. 2 files are generated by default:

• A print file containing the binary data as it should be sent to the printer.
• Associated to a preview file, by default in BMP (bitmap) format.

Now that you have generated your files, you can use them in your printer controller or directly with your printer, depending on your setup.