Set File Mode in PrintFactory RIP: Folder Output and Print File Storage Path Setup

Folder Output and Print File Storage Path Setup

LINKO Technical Guide

1. Purpose

File Mode saves the print data from PrintFactory RIP as a .prt file. The print control software (called “control software” in this guide) then reads the file and runs the print.

This guide explains how to turn on File Mode. It also explains how to set the storage path for print files. All print files are then saved in one folder. This makes them easy to find and manage.

If you have not chosen an output method, read PrintFactory RIP File Processing & Output Workflow first.

2. Create the Print File Output Folder (First Time Only)

2.1 Choose the Folder Location

Choose a fixed location on a local disk. This folder stores the .prt print files from PrintFactory RIP. Choose a location that is easy to find.

Example path: D:PrintFactory Output Files

⚠ Note

Do not use a USB drive, an external hard drive, or any other removable storage. Print files can be lost. The printer may also fail to read them.

.prt file is much larger than the original image file. Keep enough free disk space for this folder.

2.2 Create the Folder

Right-click in the location you chose. Select New > Folder. (See Fig. 2.2)

Use a clear name. For example: PrintFactory Output Files

3. Open the Output Device Settings Window

3.1 Start PrintFactory RIP

Double-click the PrintFactory RIP icon on the desktop. (See Fig. 3.1)

3.2 Open the Settings Window

The first time you start PrintFactory RIP, the Output Device settings window opens automatically.
If the window does not open, double-click the printer icon on the left. (See Fig. 3.2)

4. Select the Correct Printer Driver

In the Output Device settings window, check the selected printer driver first.

Express version: Only one printer driver can be loaded. No selection is needed.
Production version: Several printer drivers can be loaded. Select the driver for the printer you are setting up. (See Fig. 4)

⚠ Note

The output path is saved separately for each printer driver. If you select the wrong driver, the path will not apply to the printer you use.

5. Set the Output Path and Save

After you confirm the driver, complete the following steps.

Select the Folder option. This turns on File Mode. Then click the folder icon on the right. (See Fig. 5-1)

Select the folder you created in Step 2. Then click the Select Folder button. (See Fig. 5-2)

Clear the following two checkboxes. (See Fig. 5-3)

Media Sub-directory
Mode Sub-directory

Note

When these two options are cleared, all .prt files are saved directly in the folder you chose. No sub-folders are created. This makes the files easier to find and manage.

Click OK at the bottom right of the window. This saves all settings. (See Fig. 5-4)

6. Check the Result

✔ Check the result

1.Send a small test job.

2.Open the folder you created in Step 2.

3. Check that a .prt file has been created.

.prt file in the folder means File Mode is set up correctly.

The system also creates a .bmp file with the same name. This file shows a thumbnail of the print job. This is normal. It does not affect printing.

LINKO Technical Support
Email: support@dtflinko.com
Website: www.dtflinko.com