WHAT IS VPS PRINT DRIVER FOR WINDOWS?
In DesignMerge-ese, a Print Driver is a separate module that enables printing (or emitting) in the desired variable data language. Inherent to DesignMerge architecture is the ability to modify and add Print Drivers as VI technology evolves and improves. In this case, the Print Driver will emit VPS (variable Print Specification), the Creo VI language, and do so on the Windows platform. DesignMerge VPS Print Driver for Macintosh is already available.
The DesignMerge VPS Driver creates output that is compatible with any Creo Spire or any VPS-enabled printer, with full support for APR (Automatic Picture Replacement).

A VPS file is essentially three layers - Fixed, Variable Text, and Variable Image layers. The Fixed Layer contains all static data on the page, which may be text or images. The Variable Text Layer contains all variable text data; one page of variable text is created per each record in the database. If variable images are used in the document, the VPS driver will first analyze the database to determine which combination of variable images are used in the job. The Variable Image Layer will contain this information; all three layers are combined per record to produce a composite output.

For a more detailed explanation of the Creo Variable Print Specification, go to www.creo.com.

WHY IS DESIGNMERGE VPS PRINT DRIVER FOR WINDOWS IMPORTANT?
While the Graphic Arts industry is dominated by the Macintosh platform, a large portion of users also have a Windows environment in addition to or in place of the Macintosh. Until this release, there was no other means to emit VPS from the Windows version of QuarkXPress. DesignMerge VPS for Windows offers true cross-platform capability for any VPS workflow.

HOW DOES DESIGNMERGE HANDLE THE VPS PRINT DRIVER FOR WINDOWS?
Create the layout in QuarkXPress, and merge the files using DesignMerge with the Creo VPS Driver selected.



All of the DesignMerge capabilities - CopyFit™, Sequencing, GroupPicture™, Rules, etc - are fully utilized using the VPS Driver for Windows.
Enter a name into VPS Job Name. If more than one VPS file is created (based on the Pages Per Job setting), each will share the same base name, followed by a sequential number.



Enter a value into the Pages Per Job field. The number entered into the Pages Per Job field controls the size and number of VPS files. For example, if you have 1100 records in your database, and you enter “250” in the Pages Per Job field, DesignMerge will create 5 VPS files, 4 of which create 250 pages of merged output, and 1 that creates 100. To automatically include all records into a single file, insert the word “all” into the Pages Per Job field.

LAYER SELECTION OPTIONS, APR, AND MORE
The user has the option of setting the individual layers as External, Internal, or none.

None: Select this option to omit the layer from the output file

External Data: These external files are referenced by file name within the final VPS job. Advantage: speed of output. DesignMerge writes the external file only once, and if re-used, this same file will be called. Disadvantage: Individual eps files written to disk, meaning greater file management needs.

Internal Data: All layer files are incorporated inside the VPS job file. Advantage: ease of management. All files are contained in each job, but each layer is created as needed, leading to the Disadvantage: slower than using external.

OPI: Will create references for use with Automatic Picture Replacement on the Creo Spire DFE.

Download Fonts: Working in tandem with the Meadows Font Collector XTension (included), the user may option to download fonts with the VPS job

Duplex Mode: User definable simplex or duplex head-to-head or head-to-toe.
The VPS job is ready to be merged. Select the “Continue” button and navigate to the correct destination, and Save. On completion, a Summary Report is generated providing specific job detail.

VPS PREFERENCES
Several Preferences are available to assist in customizing your productivity.

Temp Doc Size: Used to adjust the maximum number of pages to be merged into a single document during the merge process. Minimum value is 1, maximum is 2000.

Enable Background Processing: Speeds processing by performing updates off-screen (no waiting for screen refresh).

Include Log File Info in VPS File: Includes log information (see above) into VPS job for reference purposes.

Line Endings: Allows the user to specify line endings specific to Mac, Windows, or Unix.

ADVANTAGES OF THE DESIGNMERGE PRINT DRIVER FOR WINDOWS

• Provides cross-platform support for the VPS-enabled workflow.
• The most feature-rich VI applications at this price point.
• Optimized PostScript Driver included.
• As client needs change, the same product can be optioned to emit VIPP, as well.

New VIPP Print Driver, Success Stories, EFI QA Approval, and More!

As always, thank you for your interest in DesignMerge.
Please be sure to visit our website at www.1meadows.com.

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