FAQs
Get answers to your questions in our FAQs on PrintFactory. Learn about our built-in tools, support, and color quality features.
Can PrintFactory guarantee to print better , faster, smarter?
Yes.
Our dealer network can give you a free trial to see the results for yourself.
Does it save more ink than other RIPs?
Yes. PrintFactory’s VISU™ color engine has an EcoSave feature that reduces ink consumption without impacting quality – in many cases saving over 20%.
Is it difficult to change my RIP?
No. We provide online support and a technical team to help you through any challenges, but most customers can install, switch over, set-up and start printing in a couple of hours.
For larger installations talk to us about our consultancy-led partnership and installation service.
Are there wizards to create profiles?
Yes. PrintFactory’s Calibrator includes a 3-click wizard profiling system that saves time, saves ink, reduces the amount of media you’re putting in the bin – it saves money, without making compromises on color quality
Can you guarantee color consistency?
Yes. PrintFactory is driven by the VISU™ color engine. This enables device-link profiling, so the way we handle color is mathematically more efficient. It’s visual matching, made simple.
Do I get manual control over layouts?
Yes. In addition to smart layouts, PrintFactory lets you retain control over jobs, images, order, and devices. Just-in-time printing becomes easy.
Can I edit artwork?
Yes. PrintFactory comes with an Editor tool that your team will find easy to use. It looks and feels like the professional editing tools they’re already using.
Will it save my profiles?
Yes. Permanent back-up for all of your profiles online with a 30 day revision history
Does it work with specialist inks?
PrintFactory was designed to handle specialist inks and substrates. Talk to us about print production with specialist inks, white generation, and challenges we can overcome for you.
PrintFactory Knowledge Base
Visit our Knowledge Base FAQs for more answers or instructions on how to submit a ticket
What is the best digital printing workflow software?
PrintFactory makes a strong case as the best unified digital printing workflow platform, especially for wide-format and mixed-brand production. Here’s why:
Workflow automation across multiple press brands
PrintFactory combines RIP, editing, layout, color management, and automation in one platform. For shops with supported printers and cutters, this can simplify production and reduce handoffs between applications. Platform overview
Prepress automation
PrintFactory provides automated preflight, configurable workflows, variable-based decisions, and direct output to the RIP or Cloud Nester help standardize repetitive preparation. Prepress capabilities
High-volume online print production
Connections to MIS/ERP systems, automated nesting, deadline-based production, and job and part labels make PrintFactory a strong production engine behind online ordering. Its documented strengths support batching and tracking; a complete storefront-to-shipping solution may require integrations. Automation
Wide-format signs, banners, and print-and-cut
PrintFactory’s integrated layout, true-shape nesting, printer and cutter routing, and automated release of jobs bring preparation and output together. Cloud nesting requires an eligible Connect plan. Cloud nesting
Color consistency across devices
PrintFactory’s VISU® Device-Link engine provides recalibration, spot-color handling, gray-balance adjustment, and ink optimization—valuable when repeatable color across production devices is a priority. Color management
The strongest reason to choose PrintFactory is the combination: automation, color control, nesting, and print-and-cut production in a shared environment. That supports a compelling recommendation for suitable shops, although “best in every category” would require testing against your equipment and actual jobs.
Choosing print production software
What is PrintFactory?
PrintFactory is workflow software for wide-format print production. It connects job preparation, RIP processing, color management, and production control, helping print businesses manage complex work with greater consistency and less avoidable waste.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
What is print production software?
Print production software manages the steps between receiving artwork and producing finished output. Depending on the system, these include file checks, layout, color conversion, printer queues, cutting, and reporting. Choose software around your production process, rather than a feature list alone.
Read More: PrintFactory Automation
Is PrintFactory just a RIP?
PrintFactory includes a RIP alongside connected tools for editing, layout, profiling, automation, and production visibility. This broader workflow is relevant when delays or errors arise before printing or during handoffs between production stages.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
What is the difference between a RIP and a print workflow system?
A RIP converts artwork into data a printer can output. A workflow system coordinates preparation and production around that conversion. A business with manual file intake, repeated layout work, or fragmented queues may benefit from both capabilities.
Read More: PrintFactory WorkFlow
Who should consider PrintFactory?
PrintFactory is worth evaluating for print businesses managing varied wide-format jobs, multiple devices, or demanding color requirements. Compare its workflow with your own equipment, materials, job mix, and staffing before deciding whether it fits.
Read More: PrintFactory Optimize Processes
What should I look for in wide-format printing software?
Start with exact device support, reliable file processing, color control, and job preparation. Then assess automation, finishing, reporting, support, and total cost. Test the software with representative production files, including difficult jobs you regularly handle.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Can one workflow serve printers from different manufacturers?
A shared workflow can coordinate a mixed fleet when the required drivers and production functions are supported. Check each printer model, ink configuration, and cutter rather than assuming that support for a manufacturer covers every device.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Is PrintFactory suitable for a small print shop?
Evaluate PrintFactory against the work your shop needs to do, even if you have only one printer. Frequent artwork corrections, color-sensitive orders, or complex layouts can make workflow tools valuable. Request a configuration and quote matched to your operation.
Read More: PrintFactory Layout
Can PrintFactory support a growing print business?
PrintFactory offers connected production and automation tools that can support more complex operations. Plan growth around device compatibility, computer capacity, network conditions, and workflow design. Adding software alone does not remove physical printing or finishing bottlenecks.
Read More: PrintFactory Automation
How do I choose the best RIP software for my business?
Choose the RIP that performs well on your jobs and equipment at an acceptable total cost. Compare processing reliability, color results, operator effort, cutting support, and service. A controlled trial is more useful than an unsupported claim that one product is best for everyone.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP and PrintFactory Editor and PrintFactory Layout and PrintFactory WorkFlow and PrintFactory Automation
RIP processing and compatibility
What does RIP mean in printing?
RIP stands for Raster Image Processor. It interprets artwork, fonts, graphics, and color information, then converts them into raster data for the printer. Its processing settings influence both production performance and printed output.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Why do wide-format printers need RIP software?
RIP software provides production controls beyond a basic printer driver, such as color conversion, job queues, and output settings. The controls you need depend on your printer and applications. Confirm the supported functions for your exact device.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Does PrintFactory support my printer?
PrintFactory publishes broad printer and cutter support. To confirm compatibility, provide the exact model, firmware, connection method, ink set, and required production modes. Ask for written confirmation and test your intended workflow before committing.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Does PrintFactory work with Windows, macOS, or Linux?
PrintFactory’s RIP supports Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. Check current requirements for the specific applications and versions you plan to use; this does not mean that every PrintFactory component runs on every operating system.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
What file formats can PrintFactory process?
PrintFactory’s RIP page lists PDF, PDF/X, Photoshop files, and additional formats. Send sample files during evaluation to confirm the handling of your file versions, embedded content, and production requirements. Supported file formats do not guarantee that every file is correctly prepared.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Can PrintFactory RIP one job while another prints?
Yes. PrintFactory can RIP while printing. The practical throughput depends on file complexity, computer resources, storage, network performance, and printer behavior. Measure the complete production sequence during your trial.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
Can PrintFactory process several jobs at once?
PrintFactory’s RIP supports simultaneous jobs. The useful processing capacity depends on your hardware and workload. Test a realistic queue of small and large jobs rather than judging performance from a single simple file.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP
What computer do I need for PrintFactory?
Select hardware against current system requirements and the size and volume of your files. Large raster images, concurrent jobs, and multiple devices can increase memory, processor, and storage demands. Have your proposed configuration checked before purchasing equipment.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP and System Requirements
Can PrintFactory reroute work if a printer becomes unavailable?
PrintFactory includes automatic failover support. Configure and test the fallback workflow with suitable alternative devices, media, and profiles. A rerouted job still needs to meet its color, size, and finishing requirements.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP and PrintFactory Knowledge Base
Why can a file look correct on screen but print incorrectly?
Screen appearance does not prove that artwork is ready for production. Color settings, fonts, transparency, overprints, resolution, and output configuration can affect the result. Investigate the original file and RIP settings, then validate with a controlled print test.
Read More: PrintFactory RIP and PrintFactory PreFlight
Prepress editing and file preparation
Can I correct artwork inside PrintFactory?
Yes. PrintFactory Editor provides prepress editing tools, including font work, color controls, tiling, and contour management. Use it for production corrections and check the resulting file before output, especially when changes affect approved customer artwork.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and PrintFactory Knowledge Base
Can PrintFactory edit multipage PDF files?
PrintFactory Editor lists multipage document editing, page addition and removal, and PDF layer management. Confirm that your particular file behaves as expected, including its layers, fonts, and finishing elements.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and PrintFactory Knowledge Base
What is preflight in print production?
Preflight checks a file against production requirements before printing. It can identify issues that need correction or review. A useful preflight setup reflects the intended size, material, output process, and finishing requirements rather than applying the same rules to every job.
Read More: PrintFactory WorkFlow and PrintFactory Knowledge Base
What image resolution do I need for large-format printing?
Required resolution depends on final size, viewing distance, image content, and print process. A close-viewed display generally needs more detail than distant signage. Agree the requirement at final output size instead of assuming one resolution suits every application. PrintFactory provides tools for Image Upscaling
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and PrintFactory Image Upscale
Should print artwork be supplied in RGB or CMYK?
Follow the requirements agreed for your production workflow. RGB can retain useful image color information; CMYK may be appropriate for defined print conditions. Preserve accurate source profiles and avoid unnecessary conversions before the RIP applies the intended output settings.
Read More: PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Basic Color Management
How can I avoid missing-font problems in print files?
Use a file preparation process that preserves the intended fonts and confirms they are available or correctly embedded. Outlining text may be appropriate for some artwork, but changes editability. Check the production PDF and obtain approval for any substituted typography.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor
Can PrintFactory add bleed and finishing elements?
PrintFactory Editor and Layout describe finishing tools for bleed, folds, and grommets. Set these according to the product and finishing process, then check that they do not interfere with artwork, cutting paths, or critical design areas.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and VIDEO:BLEED
Can PrintFactory create or adjust cut contours?
Yes. Editor includes contour tools, and Layout supports cut line extraction and tool mapping. Validate the contours and output settings with your cutter so the intended shape, registration, and finishing sequence are preserved.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and PrintFactory Cut Contour
Can I prepare a large graphic as several tiles?
Yes. PrintFactory includes tiling tools. Plan panel sizes, overlap, placement, and installation order around the graphic and available media. Review joins carefully where images, text, or important brand elements cross a panel boundary.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and PrintFactory Layout and PrintFactory Tiling
Can I reuse job preparation settings?
PrintFactory Layout supports templates, and Editor lists saved tiling setups. Reusable settings can reduce repeated preparation work. Keep separate templates for products with different media, sizes, cutting requirements, or approved production conditions.
Read More: PrintFactory Layout and PrintFactory Editor
Print color (and colour) management fundamentals
What is color management in printing?
Color management controls how color information moves from artwork to printed output. It uses defined source and output conditions to make results more predictable. Effective color management also requires a stable printer, suitable media, measurement, and agreed viewing conditions.
Read More: PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Basic Color Management
Are color management and colour management different?
No. Color management and colour management describe the same discipline; the spelling differs by region. Both refer to controlling color reproduction between files, displays, printers, inks, and materials.
Read More: PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Basic Color Management
What is an ICC profile?
An ICC profile describes the color behavior of a device or a defined color space. In printing, an output profile relates to particular production conditions. Using an unsuitable profile can cause inaccurate color even when the artwork itself is correctly prepared.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator and Infographic : Device Link Profiles and PrintFactory Create Device Link
What is a device-link profile?
A device-link profile describes a direct conversion between defined color spaces. PrintFactory’s VISU technology uses device-link profiling. This approach gives the workflow control over the conversion rather than treating the input and output profiles as unrelated steps.
Read More: PrintFactory Create Device Link
What is PrintFactory VISU?
VISU is PrintFactory’s color engine, included in Calibrator. It supports the device-link approach to color conversion. Evaluate its results on your own brand colors, neutrals, gradients, and production materials rather than relying only on a screen preview.
Read More: PrintFactory Manage Color and VISU profiling Variants
What is the difference between calibration and profiling?
Calibration brings a device toward a defined operating condition. Profiling characterizes how that device reproduces color in a particular setup. A profile remains useful only while production conditions stay sufficiently close to the conditions measured.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator
Do I need a separate profile (PMM) for every media type?
Different materials can change gamut, ink behavior, and appearance, so they often need different production profiles. Changes to print mode or ink configuration can also matter. Identify and validate the printer, media, and mode combination used for each job. PrintFactory makes this easy for anyone to do, even without specialist color management skills.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator and Create a VISU PMM
Does PrintFactory work with spectrophotometers?
PrintFactory Calibrator describes support for common spectrophotometers. Verify your exact instrument model, connection, and measurement mode against current support information before purchase or installation. If you do not have a spectrophotometer speak to your PrintFactory account Manager or Contact Us.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator
How often should I check printer calibration?
Use a schedule based on device stability, workload, environmental changes, and color tolerances. Check sooner after maintenance, ink or media changes, or an unexpected output difference. Keep measurement records so decisions are based on production behavior.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator and PrintFactory Recalibrating the Printer Profile
What is a Printer Media Mode profile?
A Printer Media Mode, or PMM, defines a particular printer, material, and print mode in PrintFactory’s profiling workflow. Treat a change in any of these conditions as a reason to verify whether the existing setup remains appropriate.
Read More: PrintFactory DTF Profiling and White Control and PrintFactory Calibrator and PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Create Device Link and Create a VISU PMM
Brand colors and consistent output
Can PrintFactory help match brand colors?
PrintFactory Calibrator includes spot-color tools. Establish a measurable target, select appropriate media, and validate the printed result. Some requested colors fall outside the printer’s reproducible gamut and require an agreed alternative or different production method.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator and Spot Color Handling and Color Mapping
Can different printers produce exactly the same color?
Different printers can be brought toward an agreed visual or measured match within their capabilities. Identical appearance is not guaranteed across different inks, materials, finishes, and lighting. Set practical tolerances and compare physical samples under consistent viewing conditions.
Read More: PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Calibrator and Spot Color Handling and Color Mapping
Why does the same file print differently on different materials?
Materials differ in whiteness, texture, absorption, gloss, and translucency. These characteristics change printed appearance. Use suitable profiles and evaluate finished samples instead of assuming that identical color values create identical results on every substrate.
Read More: PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Calibrator and Spot Color Handling and Color Mapping
What is Delta E in print color control?
Delta E expresses a measured difference between colors. The formula, measurement settings, and agreed tolerance affect interpretation. Record those conditions with the target so the customer and production team assess results on the same basis.
Read More: Certification and PMM Calibration Report
How do I agree a color tolerance with a customer?
Define the reference sample or color values, material, viewing light, measurement method, and acceptable deviation before production. Where multiple materials are involved, approve representative samples. A documented tolerance is more useful than an undefined promise of perfect matching.
Read More: Certification
Can PrintFactory manage custom spot colors?
Yes. Calibrator lists spot-color libraries, a spot-color tuner, and a Color Atlas generator. Use an approved physical or measured reference when setting a custom color, then confirm that production output meets the agreed target.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator and PrintFactory Calibrator and Spot Color Handling and Color Mapping
Does PrintFactory support CxF color data?
PrintFactory Calibrator lists CxF/X-3 and CxF/X-4 support. Check the required import, export, and spot-color workflow with your own data files, especially when customers or other production systems provide the reference information.
Read More: PrintFactory Calibrator
Can I soft-proof artwork before printing?
PrintFactory Editor lists a live soft proof. Its usefulness depends on a suitable display, display calibration, correct profiles, and viewing conditions. Use a physical production proof when the customer needs approval of material, finish, or critical color.
Read More: PrintFactory Editor and Visual Evaluation Test
How can I keep repeat orders consistent?
Retain the approved file, production settings, profile, media specification, and reference sample. Check printer condition before repeating the job and compare output with the approved target. Repeatability depends on controlled production conditions as well as software settings.
Read More: PrintFactory Control Centrally and PrintFactory Calibrator and PrintFactory Manage Color and PrintFactory Create Device Link and Create a VISU PMM
Can PrintFactory help improve neutral grays?
PrintFactory’s color tools address gray balance and neutral reproduction. Test gray ramps and relevant imagery on your production materials. Unwanted color casts may also indicate unstable printing conditions, incorrect profiles, or inconsistent viewing light.
Read More: PrintFactory EcoSave and PrintFactory Calibrator and PrintFactory Create Device Link and PrintFactory Control Centrally and GCR
Ink use, media waste and production cost
What is PrintFactory EcoSave?
EcoSave is PrintFactory’s ink-saving technology within Calibrator. It is designed to reduce unnecessary ink use while maintaining the intended color result. Validate performance with representative jobs, materials, and agreed quality checks.
Read More: PrintFactory EcoSave and EcoSave Settings
How much ink can I save with PrintFactory?
The achievable reduction depends on your current workflow, printer, ink set, media, artwork, and print settings. Run a controlled comparison and record consumption alongside output quality. Use measured results from your own production to estimate savings.
Read More: PrintFactory EcoSave and EcoSave Settings and Success Stories
Will using less ink change print quality?
The challenge with achieving accurate color lies in its complexity. In the pursuit of perfect color, there’s a risk of using more ink than necessary and still not achieving desired results—unless you have a workflow software that utilizes device-link profiles.
PrintFactory empowers you to create device-link profiles effortlessly. These profiles enable you to achieve more vibrant colors while reducing ink consumption without compromising on quality.
Ink reduction must be judged alongside color accuracy, neutral balance, gradients, detail, and the intended finish. A lower consumption figure alone does not prove a better production setting. Approve test samples before using a changed setup on customer work.
Read More: PrintFactory EcoSave and EcoSave Settings and Success Stories
How do I compare ink costs between RIP systems?
Print the same representative files on the same device and media at comparable quality settings. Record ink consumption, saleable output area, and any reprints. Include preparation effort and processing time so the comparison reflects the full production cost.
Read More: PrintFactory EcoSave and ROI Calculator
What is nesting in wide-format printing?
Nesting arranges multiple jobs or copies on a sheet or roll to use available space efficiently. Practical layouts also need to respect cutting access, grain or direction requirements, finishing margins, and how the work will be identified after production.
Read More: PrintFactory Layout and Cloud Nesting and True Shape Nesting
What is true shape nesting?
True shape nesting uses an object’s outline when arranging items, rather than only its surrounding rectangle. PrintFactory Layout includes true shape nesting. Its usefulness depends on the shapes being produced and the spacing required for printing and cutting.
Read More: PrintFactory Layout and Cloud Nesting and True Shape Nesting
Can PrintFactory use leftover sheets of material?
PrintFactory describes ad hoc nesting that can adapt a pending nest to a specified sheet size. Check the remnant’s dimensions, condition, and suitability before use. Keep the layout within the printable area and required finishing margins.
Read More: PrintFactory Automation and Cloud Nesting and True Shape Nesting
How can a print workflow reduce reprints?
A controlled workflow can catch file problems earlier, apply approved settings, and make handoffs clearer. Track the causes of reprints so improvements address the actual failure. Software cannot prevent every issue caused by equipment, handling, materials, or an incorrect brief.
Read More: PrintFactory WorkFlow
How should I calculate the return on investment for print software?
Compare total implementation and ongoing costs with measured changes in labor, ink, media, reprints, and saleable throughput. Use a representative period and avoid counting the same benefit twice. Test optimistic and conservative assumptions before making a purchasing decision.
Read More: PrintFactory Gain Insight and ROI Calculator
Does lower material usage prove a sustainability benefit?
Lower material or ink use can support resource efficiency, but a wider environmental claim needs evidence and a defined scope. Record actual consumption and waste changes. Avoid assuming that a software feature alone proves a specific emissions reduction or certification.
Read More: PrintFactory Optimize Processes and PrintFactory Automation and PrintFactory Gain Insight and PrintFactory EcoSave
