This article explains how to get, install, and configure the connection of a printer driver. Continue reading the step-by-step guide, or watch this video:
Prerequisites
- Have CalderaRIP already installed but closed.
- A valid up-to-date software license, including the assigned driver to be installed.
Info
The drivers of CalderaRIP are classified by categories that require different licensing options. Find out the category of your printer in the list of Supported Devices.
Your license must have the specific printer's manufacturer and model assigned in the Caldera account, otherwise, you will get a "No Key" error message when trying to use the printer driver.
Step 1: Download the driver
- The driver can be downloaded from CalderaDock (Drivers tab) or WorkSpace (Main dashboard > "Access the drivers").
Good to know
Printer drivers can also be selected and installed during CalderaRIP's installation if you use the “full” installer.
- Select the Manufacturer and Machine (model of the printer).
- Click on the Download button ( ).
Warning
Since WorkSpace shows you the complete list of all drivers, please download the driver version that matches the version of CalderaRIP you have installed.
Step 2: Install the driver
- Locate the printer driver, which is a file with the extension *.calpatch, in the download folder of your operating system:
- Double-click on the file. Your computer will prompt you for the administrator username and password to start the installation:
- Once the installer window is open, click Next ( ) two times to install the driver:
- Then, click on the thumbs up and confirm to start the installation:
- (Optional) If it is not the first time you install the driver, you may get a message like the following. We recommend that you click “Yes Always” so that the new data will replace the old one:
- The installation wizard will indicate the progress of the installation:
- Once finished, click OK to close the installation window:
- When you relaunch CalderaRIP, a window will inform you about the new printer driver added to the software.
(Optional) Step 3: Configure the connection
- Open CalderaRIP.
- Go to the Settings tab and click on the ServerAdmin icon:
- When the Server Administration opens, select the newly installed printer and click on Configure.
- A new window will open, directly in the Connection tab. The driver will already have the default Connection type and other parameters configured, as recommended by the printer manufacturer, however, if necessary, you can make changes (for instance, changing the printer's Host/IP address).
- (Optional) If supported by your device and required for your production, you can change the connection type. Each type has different parameters, and the file connection, for example, includes a separate Files tab. Refer to the dedicated section for details.
- When you have finished configuring your printer, click on the Proceed button and enter your administration password (most probably "caldera") to save the changes.
(Optional) Step 4: Test the connection
- To test the connection, double-click on the printer driver to open the Print Module. If the interface opens successfully, it already indicates proper initialization.
- Click on the Printer settings icon ( ).
- If available, as it depends on the printer model, go to the Status tab. If the status shows ink levels, then you know that the printer connection is configured correctly.
Step 5: Send to print
- Also in the Print Module, drag and drop a test image.
- When you click on the Print button (with the corresponding action), the file will be sent directly to the printer according to the configured connection, or, in printers with a File type connection, the software will show you the destination folder (previously configured in ServerAdmin > Configure > Files tab).