How to prepare jobs in PrimeCenter for processing in ONYX Thrive

Prepare your layouts in PrimeCenter, then export the production files for processing in ONYX Thrive. This article explains how to prepare and export your jobs, submit the print PDF manually or through an ONYX hotfolder, and evaluate a separate XML cutting workflow.

Before you begin

• Configure your printer and production settings in ONYX.
• If using a hotfolder, configure it in ONYX and ensure that PrimeCenter can access the destination folder.

• For the proposed XML cutting workflow with ONYX CUT-Server, use the Caldera XML cut driver and ensure it is available in your PrimeCenter license.

    Important - Cutting compatibility

  This workflow has not yet been validated by Caldera. Before production use, complete a small print-and-cut test to confirm that your ONYX version imports the exported XML files correctly and that the cut contours align with the printed layout.

1. Configure the XML cut-file export in PrimeCenter

If you want to evaluate the separate XML cutting workflow:

1. Open Settings > Cutters.
2. Add a cutter using the Caldera XML driver.
3. Give the cutter a recognizable name.
4. Define the Output folder where the cut files will be saved.
5. Save the configuration.

For details, see Caldera XML cut driver for PrimeCenter.

2. Prepare the job in PrimeCenter

1. Create a New recipe or open a ready-made recipe template.
2. In the Files tab, review the import settings and configure any required file preparation, such as bleed.
3. Open your artwork in the File manager, set the required quantities, and insert the files into the Studio.
4. In the Layout tab, select the media and format, then configure your layout tools.
5. Optional, if exporting XML cut files:
   • Select the configured Caldera XML cutter in Layout and Editing Tools > Cutter options. 
   • Choose the appropriate material and associate the required cutting methods with the cut contours. Note that cut contours without an associated cutting method are not exported.
   • Review any registration marks or optical codes against the requirements of your intended cutting workflow.
6. Click Generate and review the generated layouts.

For illustrated instructions, see First use of PrimeCenter V5.

3. Export the print and cut files

1. Open Export settings at the bottom of the generated layouts panel.
2. In Print files, review the output folder and file naming settings.
3. If exporting cut files, review the selected cutter and cut-file naming settings in Cut files.
4. Use the appropriate export action:
   • Print or Print to… to export only the print PDF.
   • Print & Cut or Print to… & Cut to export both the print PDF and the cut file.

Keep print and cut files in separate output folders so that only print PDFs are submitted to the ONYX print hotfolder. Available export actions depend on your PrimeCenter subscription plan.

For details and screenshots, see Exporting files for printing and cutting.

4. Import the print PDF into ONYX Thrive

• Manual import: 
  1. Open the print PDF exported by PrimeCenter in ONYX RIP-Queue. 
  2. Select the intended printer and apply the settings appropriate for your production.
• Hotfolder import: 
  1. Export or copy the print PDF to the ONYX hotfolder configured for your printer and workflow. ONYX applies the settings associated with that hotfolder.
     Note that RIP-Queue must be running for hotfolder processing.

For application-specific import and hotfolder configuration, see ONYX Thrive - Opening an Image.

Check the job before printing

• Confirm that the dimensions match the PrimeCenter layout.
• Check the number of complete layouts to print.
• Verify the media and print settings.
• Check for unintended scaling, cropping, mirroring, or additional finishing elements.
• If cutting is required, ensure that the registration marks remain suitable for the validated cutting workflow.

Follow the ONYX instructions to process and print the checked job.

5. Evaluate the XML cut-file import

1. In ONYX CUT-Server, use Open to attempt to load the corresponding Caldera XML cut file.
2. If the file is accepted, verify the cut contours, dimensions, orientation, cutter selection, and cutting settings.
3. Confirm that the cut data and registration system correspond to the printed layout.
4. Complete a small print-and-cut test before processing production jobs.

See ONYX Thrive - Adding a Cut File.