Fiery X3eTY2 65C-KM Color Server

Workflow Examples
© 2006 Electronics for Imaging, Inc. The information in this publication is covered
under Legal Notices for this product.

45057631
29 September 2006
 CONTENTS 3

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 5

Terminology and conventions 5

About this document 6

MIXED MEDIA 7

What is Mixed Media? 7

Example: Workflow with Mixed Media 8

Items required for this example 8

IMPOSITION 11

What is imposition? 11

Example: Workflow with imposition 12

Items required for this example 12

VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 15

What is variable data printing? 15

Variable data printing languages 15

What is FreeForm and how is it used with variable data print jobs? 15

Example: Variable data workflow using FreeForm 16

Items required for this example 17

VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA 20

What is FreeForm 2 and how is it used with variable data print jobs? 20

What is Mixed Media and how can it be used in variable data print jobs? 21

Example: Variable data workflow with FreeForm 2 and Mixed Media 21

Items required for this example 22
CONTENTS 4

HOT FOLDERS 25

What is a Hot Folder? 25

Example: Workflow with Hot Folders 26

Items required for this example 26

TERMS 29

INDEX 31
 INTRODUCTION 5

INTRODUCTION
This document provides examples of complex printing scenarios and an overview of the
Fiery X3eTY2 features used in the examples. The example workflows illustrate how
you can combine features to create jobs. Each workflow includes cross-references to help
you locate more information about performing each task.

Terminology and conventions

This document uses the following terminology and conventions.

Term or convention Refers to

Aero Fiery X3eTY2 (in illustrations and examples)

Copier 65C-KM copier

Mac OS Apple Mac OS X

Titles in italics Other documents in this set

Windows Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

Topics for which additional information is available by starting

Help in the software

Tips and information

Important information

Important information about issues that can result in physical harm

to you or others
 INTRODUCTION 6

About this document

This document covers the following topics:
• Mixed Media concepts and how it is used in an example workflow
• Imposition concepts and how it is used in an example workflow using Impose
• Variable Data Printing concepts with FreeForm and how it is used in an example workflow
using FreeForm.
• Variable Data Printing concepts with FreeForm2 and how it is used in an example variable
data workflow with Mixed Media
• Printing to a Hot Folder on the network and an example workflow using Hot Folders
• Compose and Paper Catalog concepts and how to create a job with Compose and Paper
Catalog
• Definitions for popular applications and printing terms used in this document
 MIXED MEDIA 7

MIXED MEDIA
This chapter provides an overview of Mixed Media and an example workflow that includes
Mixed Media.

What is Mixed Media?

The Mixed Media feature allows you to print ranges of pages on different types of media.
For example, you can use Mixed Media to specify a heavy stock for the cover, add blank pages,
and insert colored media on designated pages within a single print job. Specify Mixed Media
settings when you print a job from an application with the printer driver. Define and modify
the Mixed Media settings of jobs already sent to the Fiery X3eTY2 from Command
WorkStation or define Mixed Media settings in the Hot Folders application.

For more information about Mixed Media, see Utilities.

 MIXED MEDIA 8

Example: Workflow with Mixed Media

A geology professor at Ocean Crest University wants to print her new course book for the fall
semester. The new course book consists of eight chapters. She wants her students to be able to
find the information they want easily and quickly. To ensure this, each chapter divider in the
book is printed on heavy media. The chapter text is printed on plain media and the front and
back covers are printed on heavy media.

The professor sends her request, along with the book file in PDF (Portable Document
Format) (Geology101.pdf ), to the university’s in-house production department.

The following diagram illustrates the components of the course book.

Back cover
printed
on heavy
media

Chapter dividers
on heavy media

Chapters
printed on
plain media

Front cover
printed on heavy
media

Completed course book

Items required for this example

• Geology101.pdf
• Fiery X3eTY2
• Command WorkStation with Mixed Media
• Heavy media for the front and back covers
• Heavy media for chapter dividers
• Plain media for the chapter text
For information about supported media types, see Print Options.

N OTE : The Fiery X3eTY2 supports PDF versions 1.2–1.5.

 MIXED MEDIA 9

Mixed Media workflow

2 3 4

Fiery X3eTY2

8 7 6 5

Fiery X3eTY2

Step Task For more information

1 The professor creates the PDF and sends the file to the
university’s in-house production department.

2 The operator in the production department downloads Command WorkStation Help

the file to Command WorkStation.
 MIXED MEDIA 10

Step Task For more information

3 The operator selects the job in Command WorkStation, Utilities

chooses Properties from the Actions menu, clicks the Media
icon in the Job Properties toolbar, and scrolls down to Mixed
Media. The operator applies the following settings:

a) From New Page Range, the operator types 2, 32, 64, 98,
124 for the page range (the pages that divide the chapters),
specifies a heavy media, indicates which tray contains the
heavy media, and clicks Close.

b) From New Insert, the operator specifies inserting a blank

page after the last page to distinguish the end of the print
job and clicks Close.

c) From Define Cover, the operator specifies front and back

covers that print on front only, cover stock, specifies the
tray to pull media from, and clicks Close.

d) The operator clicks the Layout icon and specifies duplex,

clicks OK, and then saves the file.

4 The operator processes and holds the job. Command WorkStation Help

5 The operator previews the job. Command WorkStation Help

6 The operator prints the job. Command WorkStation Help

N OTE : The operator can also print one set as a proof
before printing multiple copies.

7 The operator retrieves the job from the copier.

8 The job is printed with a front and back cover and

dividers for each chapter.

To use Mixed Media in Command WorkStation, your downloaded file must be a non-raster
file. To remove raster information from a file in Command WorkStation, right-click the file
and select Remove Raster Data.

You can duplicate this workflow with a PostScript file instead of a PDF.
 IMPOSITION 11

IMPOSITION
This chapter provides an overview of imposition and an example workflow using imposition.

What is imposition?
Imposition is the process of arranging individual pages of a book, booklet, or brochure on a
large sheet. The pages are laid out such that when the sheet is printed, folded, and cut, the
pages are in the correct orientation and order.

The Fiery X3eTY2 supports Impose. Impose is a server-based imposition application that
allows you to edit and assemble entire documents on the Fiery X3eTY2 before you process
the files.

For more information about imposition, see Command WorkStation Help.

 IMPOSITION 12

Example: Workflow with imposition

The manager of Company ABC wants to make sure she has enough business cards to
distribute when she is managing her company’s booth at the Consumer Electronics Show.

She has sent out a request to a local print shop to print 600 cards.

The print shop imposes her business cards on an 11 x 17 page. Since the card design
incorporates text on the back, the job must be duplexed. Company ABC’s standard
business card size is 2 x 3.25. The print shop calculates that they can impose 25 cards
on one 11 x 17 page.

The following graphic illustrates how the business cards are imposed.

5 columns
{
{
11x17 page

5 rows

2x3.25 business card

Items required for this example

• Card.pdf
• Fiery X3eTY2
• Command WorkStation with Impose (requires a dongle)
• 11 x 17 heavy media, such as card stock
For information about supported media types, see Print Options.
• A paper cutter

N OTE : The Fiery X3eTY2 supports PDF versions 1.2–1.5.

 IMPOSITION 13

Imposition workflow

2 3 4

8 7 6 5

Fiery X3eTY2

Step Task For more information

1 Company ABC creates the 2 x 3.25 business card, saves Printing from Windows
it as Card.pdf, and then sends the file to the print shop.
Printing from Mac OS

2 The operator at the print shop downloads the file to Command WorkStation Help
Command WorkStation.
 IMPOSITION 14

Step Task For more information

3 The operator selects the job in Command WorkStation, Utilities

chooses Impose from the Actions menu, and then applies
the following settings.

a) From the Sheet bar, the operator specifies 11 x 17,

landscape, and duplex.

b) From the Layout bar, the operator specifies five rows and
five columns, turns on printer’s marks, and then defines
both the offset horizontal and vertical printer’s marks to
0.125 pt.

c) From the Finishing bar, the operator specifies gang up

repeat.

d) From the Scale bar, the operator specifies the scale at

100% and then saves the job.

4 The operator selects Card.pdf.dbp in Command WorkStation Command WorkStation Help

and selects Preview.

5 The operator prints the job. Command WorkStation Help

6 The operator retrieves the job from the copier.

7 The cards are printed on an 11 x 17 page.

8 The operator follows the printer’s marks and cuts the

business cards.

When you use Impose, your downloaded file must be a non-raster file. To remove raster
information from a file with Command WorkStation, right-click the file and select
Remove Raster Data.
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 15

VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM

This chapter provides an overview of variable data printing, and an example workflow
that uses FreeForm to create a variable data job.

What is variable data printing?

Variable data printing links a copier to databases that contain the content for printed
documents. Content can consist of text and images (including graphics and photographs)
in electronic form. Variable data printing is used for direct-mail advertising or other targeted
mailings. It typically combines a set of master elements that are common across copies of
a document with a set of variable elements that change from copy to copy. An example is a
brochure that greets customers by name and may include other personal information about
the customer obtained from a marketing database. Background elements, illustrations, and
text blocks that do not change across copies of the brochure comprise the master elements.
The customer name and other customer-specific information comprise the variable elements.

For more information, see Variable Data Printing.

Variable data printing languages

The Fiery X3eTY2 is compatible with the following variable data printing languages:
• FreeForm and FreeForm 2

For more information about how to send variable data printing to the Fiery X3eTY2,
see Variable Data Printing.

N OTE : Fiery version refers to a software version specifically supported with Fiery print servers.

What is FreeForm and how is it used with variable data print jobs?
FreeForm allows you to use print options to define and store master-element documents,
called FreeForm masters, on the Fiery X3eTY2. You can send a variable-element job to
the Fiery X3eTY2 with instructions to combine the job with a particular FreeForm master.

For more information, see Variable Data Printing.

 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 16

Example: Variable data workflow using FreeForm

Ocean Crest University wants to promote their three schools through a mailing to prospective
students. The students will be able to request information about the different campuses and
programs. Students can reply via a postage-paid business reply card integrated into the mailer.
The document is personalized with the prospective student’s name, address, and a personal
web link. The design is graphic-intensive to attract the attention of the reader. It is printed on
11 x 17 paper and folded three times, in order to qualify for the standard “letter” mail rate at
the post office.

To create this mail piece, the in-house production department decides to use the caching
capabilities of FreeForm. FreeForm allows them to store a rasterized version of the graphic
intensive layout in memory, since these elements are common to all pages (send and process
once). The variable text (address, name, and web link) is printed separately and merged with
the layout at the Fiery X3eTY2.

The production department creates the master document with all the common elements and
saves the file as a PDF (College_Master.pdf ). Next, they create the variable document in
Microsoft Word (College_Variable.doc) and link the variable information to their database
file (College_data.xls).

N OTE : No specialized variable printing software is used to build this job. You can use any
page layout application to create the FreeForm master and any mail merge function, such as
Microsoft Word Mail Merge, to build and print the variable data.

For more information about how to use the Mail Merge feature in Microsoft Word, see the
documentation that accompanies Microsoft Word.
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 17

The following diagram illustrates the components of the mailer.

Master file

Database file

Items required for this example

• College_Master.pdf
• College_Variable.doc
• College_data.xls
• Fiery X3eTY2
• Fiery X3eTY2 printer driver with FreeForm
• A Windows computer with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel installed
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 18

Variable data printing workflow using FreeForm

1 2

Fiery X3eTY2

5 4 3

Fiery X3eTY2

Step Task For more information

1 The operator in the production department opens

College_Master.pdf in Acrobat.

2 The operator prints the file to the Fiery X3eTY2, specifying Printing from Windows
11 x 17 and duplex, and choosing 1 for Create Master in the
printer driver.
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 19

Step Task For more information

3 The operator opens the College_Variable. doc in Microsoft Word documentation

Microsoft Word.
The variable document also opens the College_data.xls file,
since the two documents are linked. If the documents are
not linked, Word prompts the operator for the location of
the Data Source File.
The operator selects Data Merge in Word.

4 The operator prints the file to the Fiery X3eTY2, Printing from Windows
specifying 11 x 17 and duplex, and choosing 1 for Use
Master in the printer driver.
The master file and variable file are combined on the
Fiery X3eTY2.

5 The operator picks up the job from the copier.

6 The mailer includes the combined master and variable data.

Certain elements of the master and variable information must match. For example, the
page size and orientation must match. For a complete list, see Variable Data Printing.

You cannot send FreeForm jobs to the Direct connection.

If Two-Way Communication is enabled in the printer driver, the printer driver detects what
masters already reside on the Fiery X3eTY2. Use stored FreeForm masters as often as needed
with multiple sets of variable elements. For more information about Two-Way
Communication, see Printing from Windows.

If the administrator clears the Fiery X3eTY2, all FreeForm masters are deleted. For more
information about administrator functions, see Configuration and Setup.
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA 20

VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA

This chapter provides an overview of how you use Mixed Media with variable data printing
jobs, and provides an example workflow that uses variable data printing and Mixed Media.

What is FreeForm 2 and how is it used with variable data print jobs?
FreeForm 2 extends the functionality of FreeForm (see “Variable Data Printing with
FreeForm” on page 15). FreeForm 2 requires a third-party variable data printing application
that supports FreeForm 2 technology, such as Atlas PrintShop Mail-Fiery Version. Using the
third-party printing application and FreeForm 2, you can create multiple page masters,
allowing more customization to your documents. You can still use any master created in
another application, and then use a third-party application that supports FreeForm 2, such as
PrintShop Mail-Fiery Version, to combine the design and database information.

N OTE : Fiery version refers to a software version specifically supported with Fiery print servers.

Multiple masters allow you to define more than one master file for your job, while drawing
from the same database of variable information. For example, if you own a movie rental
company, you may maintain a database of customer names, addresses, and the last five movies
the customer rented, categorized by genre. As a promotion, you want to send a coupon
booklet with a new movie rental release pictured on the front cover. You want to customize
your mailer with a movie of a similar genre as the last movie the customer rented. The variable
information, such as the customer names and addresses, is always drawn from the database.
However, the different movie images are defined by the multiple masters.

For more information about FreeForm 2, see Variable Data Printing.

 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA 21

What is Mixed Media and how can it be used in variable data

print jobs?
The Mixed Media feature allows you to print ranges of pages on different types of media.
For more information, see “What is Mixed Media?” on page 7.

Variable data printing links a copier to databases that contain the content for printed
documents. For more information, see “Variable Data Printing with FreeForm” on page 15.

Use variable data print jobs with Mixed Media to create custom jobs, such as mailers.
For example, use the variable information to create booklet mailers that greet customers by
name, and print the booklet cover on a different medium than the body of the mailer.

The Mixed Media you specify for your job is applied for every record, relative to the record
start. For example, if Mixed Media is set to print Page 1 with cover stock, the first page of
every record is printed on cover stock.

Example: Variable data workflow with FreeForm 2 and Mixed Media

To announce its new line of children’s styles, Banana Rama is creating a promotional mailer
that targets customers by ethnicity, gender, and age. The company has compiled a database of
customers by name and attributes, such as ethnicity, gender, and age. For the promotional
mailer, Banana Rama also draws from a content database consisting of images of children of
different ages, gender, and ethnicity wearing the new Banana Rama clothes; images of typical
gadgets enjoyed by these children; and background graphics. Using a variable data
application, such as PrintShop Mail-Fiery Version, and images that match the targeted
individual, Banana Rama creates, in one print run, a mailer targeting parents of girls aged 7 to
10 years and customized mailers targeting parents of boys in different age groups. The mailers
feature images of children in the targeted age group wearing Banana Rama clothing and
playing with their favorite toys.

Each promotional mailer includes a cover sheet with the customer’s name and a discount
coupon. The Banana Rama girls’ clothing line is more extensive, so the mailer targeting girls
includes additional pages advertising the girls’ fashions.

Since the promotional mailer may vary in length, depending on whether it is targeted toward
a boy or a girl, a blank page is added between each mailer to indicate when a new mailer starts.

The print shop that received Banana Rama’s mailer request first creates the master and variable
document in Atlas Print Shop Mail-Fiery Version to create a .psm project file. For more
information about Print Shop Mail-Fiery Version, see the documentation that accompanies
the application.
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA 22

The following diagram illustrates the components of the mailer.

Girls template

Boys template

Letter/coupon template

Graphics

Database

Items required for this example

• Atlas PrintShop Mail-Fiery Version
• FreeForm 2
• BananaRama.psm
• BananaRama_V.ps
• Fiery X3eTY2
• Command WorkStation with Mixed Media
• Cover stock
• Plain media
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA 23

Variable data workflow with FreeForm 2 and Mixed Media

2 3 4

Fiery X3eTY2

8 7 6 5

Fiery X3eTY2

Step Task For more information

1 The print shop operator opens the Banarama.psm file in Print Variable Data Printing
Shop Mail-Fiery version, specifies FreeForm 2, and prints the
For more information about Print Shop Mail-Fiery
file to the Fiery X3eTY2.
Version, see the documentation that accompanies
In the Print dialog box, the operator sends both the master the application.
and variable data. The Fiery X3eTY2 receives a master and
variable PostScript document.

2 The operator selects the BanaRama_V.ps file from Command WorkStation Help
Command WorkStation.
 VARIABLE DATA PRINTING WITH FREEFORM 2 AND MIXED MEDIA 24

Step Task For more information

3 The operator chooses Properties from the Actions menu, clicks Utilities
the Media icon in the Job Properties toolbar, and scrolls down
to Mixed Media. The operator applies the following settings:

a) From Define Cover, the operator specifies a front

cover (print on front only), cover stock, and the tray for
the media.

b) From New Insert, the operator specifies to insert a blank

page after the last page, indicates which tray to use for the
media, and then clicks OK.

4 The operator processes and holds the job. Command WorkStation Help

5 The operator previews the job. Command WorkStation Help

6 The operator prints the job. Command WorkStation Help

7 The operator retrieves the job from the copier.

8 The job prints with the merged variable and master

information with a blank sheet between records.

Certain elements of the master and variable information must match. For example, the
page size and orientation must match. For a complete list, see Variable Data Printing.
 HOT FOLDERS 25

HOT FOLDERS
This chapter provides an overview of Hot Folders and an example workflow using
Hot Folders.

What is a Hot Folder?

Hot Folders is a software application that streamlines network printing tasks. A Hot Folder
is a folder to which you can assign a group of print options, along with a Fiery X3eTY2
print queue.

To print a document, drag and drop the file onto the Hot Folder. You can create multiple Hot
Folders, each with different settings and different Fiery X3eTY2 connections. Depending on
the configuration of the Hot Folder, jobs are routed to a Fiery X3eTY2 with settings that you
have configured.

Hot Folder software runs as a background utility, continuously monitoring Hot Folders for
new jobs.

For more information about Hot Folders, see Utilities and Hot Folders Help.
 HOT FOLDERS 26

Example: Workflow with Hot Folders

Greg works for Company ABC and wants to print 25 copies of his new business cards.

Company ABC has configured a network Hot Folder called “BusinessCards,” so that their
employees can drop their business card .pdf file directly onto the Hot Folder for printing.

Greg creates his business cards using the required company business card template, and saves
the file as GregCard.pdf. The business card template ensures that the cards are printed
optimally, using the imposition settings specified in the BusinessCards Hot Folder.

Once printed, an operator in the company print shop cuts the cards and places them in
interoffice mail for the employee.

Company ABC business cards are 2 x 3.25 inches in size.

The following graphic illustrates how the business cards are imposed.

5 columns
{
{
11x17 page

5 rows

2x3.25 business card

Items required for this example

• GregCard.pdf
• Fiery X3eTY2
• Hot Folder configured on the network
• 11 x 17 heavy media, such as card stock
For information about supported media types, see Print Options.
• A paper cutter

N OTE : The Fiery X3eTY2 supports PDF versions 1.2–1.5.

 HOT FOLDERS 27

Imposition workflow

2 3 4

Fiery X3eTY2

7 6 5
 HOT FOLDERS 28

Step Task For more information

1 The operator at Company ABC creates a Hot Folder on Utilities

the network, names it “BusinessCards,” and applies
Hot Folders Help
the following Hot Folder settings.

a) From Job Settings, the operator specifies 25 copies.

b) From the Sheet tab in Imposition Settings, the operator

specifies 11 x 17 for Sheet Size, Landscape for Orientation,
and Off for Duplex.

c) From the Layout tab in Imposition Settings, the operator

specifies 5 Rows and 5 columns, and selects Printer’s
Marks.

d) From the Scale tab in Imposition Settings, the operator

specifies scale at 100%.

e) From the Finishing tab in Imposition Settings, the

operator selects Gang Up and chooses Repeat.

2 Greg locates his file, GregCard.pdf, on his computer.

3 Greg drops the file GregCard.pdf on the BusinessCards Hot Folders Help
Hot Folder.

4 The job prints.

5 The operator retrieves the job from the copier.

6 The cards are printed on an 11 x 17 page.

7 The operator follows the printer’s marks and cuts

the business cards.

Hot Folders does not apply any constraints between Job Settings and Imposition Settings.
For a list of Hot Folder Job Settings that should not be modified when Imposition Settings are
also used, see Utilities.
 TERMS 29

TERMS
Authoring tool
A software application used to create text or images, or to define layouts for documents.

Component
In variable data printing, an element such as text, a graphic, or a photograph that is printed
on a page.

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)

A PostScript file format designed to be embedded in another PostScript stream.

FreeForm
A variable data printing technology that works with variable-data printing solutions. It allows
data that is used many times in a variable-data printing job to be processed just once, enabling
a copier to run at or near rated speed.

FreeForm 2
FreeForm 2 expands FreeForm technology by allowing you to determine page conditions and
rules for printing a job containing multiple master pages. Unlike FreeForm, FreeForm 2
requires a variable data printing application that specifically supports FreeForm 2.

Imposition
Grouping and arranging pages for efficient printing on larger sheets of paper, taking into
account the need to cut and bind the pages after printing.

Master elements
Used in variable data printing with variable elements. Reusable data that is common across
copies of a document.

Mixed Media
A feature that allows you to print ranges of pages on different types of media.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

An open file format specification that describes text and graphics in documents.

PostScript
A device-independent page description language that is used to print and display pictures and
text. PostScript 3 includes many enhancements to older versions of PostScript, including
improved image quality and color.
 TERMS 30

Raster image
Electronic representation of a page or image using a grid of points called pixels.

Rasterization
The process of converting code that describes text and graphics into the format that is
understood by a printer’s “print engine” to print them on a page.

Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Digital technology that links print engines to databases that contain the content for printed
documents in order to print pages that vary in content.

Variable elements
Used in variable data printing with master elements. Data that changes across copies of a
document.
A page-description language (PDL) designed especially for printing variable data documents.
 INDEX 31

INDEX
A M
Atlas PrintShop Mail-Fiery Version 20 master elements 29
Authoring tool 29 mixed media 7, 29
accessing from Command
C WorkStation 10, 24
component 29 Define Page Range 24
example workflow 8
D example workflow with FreeForm 2 21
Define Page Range 24 Insert Blank 10
downloading files 9, 13 with variable data printing 21

E P
Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) 29 PDF 29
PostScript 29
F Preview job 24
Finishing 14
from Command WorkStation 10
FreeForm 29
example workflow 16
R
FreeForm 2 20, 29 raster image 30
example workflow 21 rasterization 30
with mixed media 21
S
H Scale 14
Hot Folder Sheet 14
example workflow 26
T
I terminology 5
Impose
Finishing 14 V
Layout 14 variable data printing 30
Scale 14 example workflow 16
Sheet 14 languages 15
imposition 11, 29 with mixed media 21
example workflow 12 variable elements 30
Insert Blank from mixed media 10

L
Layout 14