1. Pre-RIP Preparation

Before starting the RIP operation, please ensure you have completed the following important steps:

1.1 Software Installation and Activation

Your PrintFactory (PF) software must be successfully registered, installed, and activated. If not completed yet, please refer to the PrintFactory (PF) Registration and PrintFactory (PF) Installation and License Activation guides first.

1.2 Output Path Setup

You have completed the RIP file output path setup for the PrintFactory software. Ensure you know which folder the RIPped files will be saved in for later retrieval and management.

1.3 Load Print Curve (ICC Profile)

You have successfully loaded the ICC profile matching your printer and material according to the PrintFactory (PF) Loading Curve Guide. This is key to ensuring print color accuracy!

1.4 Initial Settings

You have completed the software’s basic preference settings (e.g., language, unit of measurement, global color management) as per the PrintFactory (PF) Initial Setup Guide.

1.5 Prepare Image Files

Ensure the image files you want to process through RIP (e.g., JPG, TIFF, PDF, etc.) are saved on your computer and can be easily located.

2. PrintFactory RIP Steps

2.1 Launch PrintFactory RIP Software

Double-click the PrintFactory RIP software icon on your desktop to launch it.

2.2 Add a Print Job

Click the “Add job” button in the upper left corner of the PrintFactory software interface.

2.3 Import Image File(s)

In the file selection window that pops up, navigate to the location of your image file(s) on your computer, select the image file you want to print, and then click “Open”.

2.4 Image Size and Copy Settings

2.4.1 Select the Image

After importing the image, click on the image you want to configure in the PrintFactory layout editing page to select it.

2.4.2 Set Copy Quantity and Spacing

With the image selected, click the “Step and Repeat” function. In the settings window that pops up, set the number of print copies and the spacing between them according to your layout needs.

Copies X: Set the number of copies horizontally.

Copies Y: Set the number of rows of copies vertically.

X Spacing: Set the distance between adjacent copies horizontally.

Y Spacing: Set the distance between adjacent rows of copies vertically.

: Step and Repeat

2.4.3 Confirm Settings

After setting, click “OK” to save the copy settings.

2.5 Spot Color (White Ink) Settings

2.5.1 Select White Ink Printing Method

In the “White & Special ink” window at the bottom left, select the “Shape” option under “Method”. This function allows you to precisely define which areas require white ink.

2.5.2 Set White Ink Output Amount and Choke/Underfill

On the right side of the “White & Special ink” window, adjust the following parameters:

• White Ink Amount: Recommended setting is 100% (Reduce this value if excessive ink buildup occurs during actual printing).
• White Ink Choke: Typically set to a negative value (e.g., -0.1mm to -0.2mm) to prevent the white ink edges from bleeding outside the color areas. Adjust based on actual needs.
  :  White Ink Amount    : White Ink Choke

2.6 RIP File Submission

2.6.1 RIP File Naming

At the “Job Name” field in the upper right corner, you can modify the name of the RIP file for easier future identification and management.

2.6.2 Check and Submit the RIP Job

Carefully check the image’s position, size, number of copies, and orientation to ensure all settings meet your expectations. After confirmation, click the “Submit” button, then click the “X” in the upper right corner to close the PrintFactory Layout editing page.

2.7 Wait for RIP Processing to Complete

Return to the main PrintFactory RIP interface and wait for the software to process the file through RIP. Once RIP is complete, “Completed” will be displayed under “Processing” and “Print”, indicating the RIP action is fully finished.

3. Post-RIP File Operations

3.1 View the RIP Output Folder

After the RIP file processing is complete, right-click the printer icon in the main PrintFactory RIP software interface. From the pop-up menu, select “Output Folder”. This will open the folder containing the RIP output files, where you can view the generated print file.

4. RIP File Check and Secondary Editing

If you need to make minor adjustments to the layout or spot color settings after the RIP file processing is complete, you can perform secondary editing.

4.1 Access File Edit Mode

In the main PrintFactory RIP software interface, right-click the file you need to check or edit again. From the pop-up menu, select “Layout job”.

4.2 Check Layout and Spot Color Settings

The PrintFactory Layout window will pop up again. Here, you can carefully check the spacing between patterns, spot color channel settings (white ink amount, white ink choke, etc.) to ensure they are correct, or check for any other parameters that need adjustment.

4.3 Perform Secondary Editing and Resubmit

You can make modifications based on the original file. For example, modify pattern spacing, adjust spot color channel settings, increase or decrease the number of copies, or rename the file. After making changes, click “Submit” again.

4.4 Wait for Secondary RIP to Complete

Return to the main PrintFactory RIP interface and wait for the software to reprocess the edited file through RIP. After the secondary edited file is RIPped, “Completed” will be displayed under “Processing” and “Print”.

5. Next Steps

Congratulations! You have now mastered the PrintFactory software’s RIP operation process and the methods for file checking and secondary editing! Next, you can send the RIPped file to the printer for actual printing.

Important Note

Before proceeding with a full print job, always print a small test section first to verify color, alignment, and overall quality. This can effectively avoid wasting materials and time costs during large-volume printing.