How to prepare jobs in PrimeCenter for printing in PrintFactory

Prepare your layouts in PrimeCenter, export them as print PDFs, and import them into PrintFactory manually or through a RIP queue hotfolder.

Before you begin

• Configure your printer, media, and print mode in PrintFactory.
• Review the import and layout settings so that they do not unintentionally modify the layout prepared in PrimeCenter.
• If using a hotfolder, configure it for the intended PrintFactory RIP queue and ensure that PrimeCenter can access the folder.

1. Prepare your layout 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.
4. Set the required quantities and insert the files into the Studio.
5. In the Layout tab, select the media and format, then configure the layout tools required for your job.
6. Click Generate.
7. Review the generated layouts, including the file arrangement, quantities, dimensions, and bleed.

For illustrated instructions, see First use of PrimeCenter V5.

2. Export the print PDF

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. Leave Print cut contours disabled unless you intentionally want the contours to appear on the print.
4. Select the layout to export and use the appropriate action:
   • Print to export the print PDF to the configured output folder.
   • Print to… to choose the destination folder when exporting.

Available export actions depend on your PrimeCenter package. For details and screenshots, see Exporting files for printing and cutting.

3. Import the PDF into PrintFactory

Option A: Manual import

1. Open PrintFactory Editor.
2. Use File > Open to open the print PDF exported by PrimeCenter.
3. If prompted, review the color-management and file-check options according to your production requirements.
4. Review the document, then submit it through PrintFactory Layout.
5. In Layout, select the intended printer, media, and print mode. Check the layout before submitting it to the RIP.

Option B: Hotfolder import

PrintFactory RIP queues can use hotfolders to receive incoming files.

1. In PrintFactory RIP, confirm that the intended queue has the correct hotfolder configured in its Workflow settings.
2. In PrimeCenter, select that folder as the print-file export destination, or copy an exported print PDF into it.
3. Check that the PDF appears in the intended PrintFactory RIP queue.
4. Check the job and its output settings before printing.

4. Check and print the job

Before printing, verify:

• Dimensions: The imported layout matches the dimensions exported from PrimeCenter.
• Copies: The number of complete layouts to print is correct. Copies already arranged within the PrimeCenter layout should not be counted again as additional layout copies.
• Media and print mode: The selected settings match your production requirements.
• Import adjustments: No unintended scaling, cropping, rotation, or mirroring has been applied.
• Bleed and page boundaries: The required bleed and other content remain included in the output.
• Additional processing: PrintFactory settings have not added unwanted marks or other layout changes.

For hotfolder jobs, review the queue’s Layout settings, including resizing, mirroring, automatic rotation, and marks. Check whether Trim is enabled, as this option can remove white space around the job.

Once the job has been checked, submit it to the RIP or resume processing as appropriate. Run a small test before using a new workflow for production.

Related documentation

• PrintFactory - Working with Documents: opening the exported PDF in Editor.
• PrintFactory - Creating Queues: setting up a RIP queue.
• PrintFactory - Layout Properties: checking resizing, rotation, mirroring, and marks.