How to Set Copies and Spacing in PrintFactory RIP

1. Purpose

This guide shows how to repeat the same image in PrintFactory RIP. You can set the number of copies and the spacing. Use Step and Repeat for batch layouts.

To arrange multiple different images, see “Auto Nest” or “Manual Positioning.”

2. Before You Start

Set the correct media width. The repeated images must fit within the effective printable width. Otherwise, some images may fall outside the print area. If the media width has not been set, see Set Media Width (Print Area).
Save the image file on the computer. Make sure it can be opened. Common formats include JPG, TIFF, and PNG.
Set the image to the required print size. If the size has not been set, see Resize Artwork.

3. Steps

3.1 Start PrintFactory RIP

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

3.2 Add the Image File

Click the + button in the upper-left corner to add the image file (See Fig.3.2).

3.3 Open the Image File

In the file window, select the image file and click Open (See Fig.3.3-1).

The file loads into the layout area automatically (See Fig.3.3-2).

3.4 Select the Image

Click the image for which you want to set copies and spacing.

The current image dimensions are shown in the Size field in the Jobs list. Check this size before setting the copies. This helps prevent the repeated images from exceeding the print area (See Fig.3.4).

3.5 Open Step and Repeat

In the properties panel in the upper-left corner, click the Step and Repeat icon (See Fig.3.5).

3.6 Set the Copies and Spacing

In the Step and Repeat window, enter the required number of copies and spacing.

Parameter	Description
Copies X	Number of copies arranged horizontally, from left to right.
Copies Y	Number of copies arranged vertically, from top to bottom.
Spacing X	Horizontal spacing between adjacent images.
Spacing Y	Vertical spacing between adjacent images.

Total copies = Copies X × Copies Y. Example: Copies X = 2 and Copies Y = 2. The total is 4 copies.

Ater entering the values, click OK (See Fig.3.6).

For standard layouts, start with Spacing X and Spacing Y set to 5 mm. Adjust the values as needed for cutting.

3.7 Confirm the Layout

After you click OK, the images are arranged in the layout area using the selected copies and spacing (See Fig.3.7).

Confirm that all images are inside the white print area. If the layout is too wide, first reduce the number of copies or the image size. Reduce the spacing only if enough cutting space remains.

The copies and spacing are now set.

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