RIP compatibility

Prepare the file before the print queue.

NestSheet prepares DTF gang sheets from transparent PNG artwork and exports two print files: a mirrored 300 dpi TIFF with CMYK colour and one W1 white channel for MainTOP, or a 300 dpi PNG with transparency for a RIP that builds the white itself.

NestSheet studio with 17 pieces from ten PNG designs auto-nested on a 600 mm roll, the files rail on the left and film 0.30 m, 17 pieces and 65 % fill in the bottom bar
Ten PNG designs, 17 pieces, auto-packed on a 600 mm roll: 0.30 m of film at 65 % fill.

The hand-off

The two print files.

These are the settings shown in the export window.

  • TIFF for MainTOP: CMYK colour plus one white separation named W1, five channels at 300 dpi.
  • PNG for a RIP that builds the white: RGB colour with transparency at 300 dpi.
  • A mirror switch for either file: on by default for the TIFF, off for the PNG.
  • A sheet-wide choke of 0, 1 or 2 px on the TIFF’s W1 channel; 2 px is the default.
NestSheet export window with the Production DTF preset: TIFF, CMYK, W1 with 2 px choke for the whole sheet, five channels, 300 dpi, mirrored, a file name ending in .TIF and the Export run button
The export window: Production DTF preset — TIFF, CMYK, W1 with 2 px choke, five channels, 300 dpi, mirrored.

Try it in your RIP

Download a sample of each file.

Both are real NestSheet exports of one 600 × 300 mm sheet with five sample designs, at 300 dpi. Open the one for your RIP and check size, orientation and white before the first job.

White responsibility

Know where the white layer is prepared.

In NestSheet’s Production DTF preset workflow, white is derived from the uploaded PNG artwork. The selected sheet-wide choke reaches the exported W1 channel. Inspect artwork coverage on the canvas, then judge the final white edge and fine detail in the exported TIFF and MainTOP queue.

Other production workflows prepare white in the receiving RIP: export the PNG and use the RIP’s own white and choke controls. The supplier’s documentation should identify the required input and the controls that apply to it. Keep the white source and the place where choke is applied in the job record, together with the approved physical sample.

Queue planning

Match the handoff to the receiving setup.

A useful compatibility record names the complete file structure, RIP edition and version, printer driver, queue and media setup. Start with the exact input specification, then check physical size, orientation, colour interpretation and white coverage on a small job.

Use vendor documentation for controls inside the receiving RIP. Keep the tested file and settings with the production record so repeat orders can use the same handoff. Recheck the affected steps after changing software, hardware or materials.

The map

RIP workflow reading.

MainTOP takes the TIFF with W1; a RIP that builds the white takes the PNG. Each guide says what to check before the first production batch.

MAINTOP PRODUCTION HANDOFF

MainTOP

Mirrored 300 dpi TIFF with CMYK and one W1 white channel. Prepare the sheet and check it in the receiving MainTOP queue.

PNG HANDOFF

CADlink Digital Factory

Export the 300 dpi PNG with transparency; Digital Factory builds the white underbase from it.

PNG OR TIFF

AcroRIP

The PNG when the queue builds the white from transparency; otherwise ask the supplier about the W1 TIFF.

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

SAi Flexi + PhotoPRINT

Consult the supplier’s input and queue documentation for your installed printer setup.

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

Kothari Print Pro

Ask for the input structure and white workflow matched to your exact printer and queue.

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

Mimaki RasterLink

Use the printer and RIP documentation to establish the required file and white-layer workflow.

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

Caldera

Confirm the edition, driver, media setup and input structure with the supplier before evaluating a handoff.

Keep going

Related on this site.

Prepare a MainTOP production file.

Pack your PNG artwork, choose the sheet’s choke and export the Production DTF preset.

  • TIFF · CMYK + W1 for MainTOP
  • PNG with transparency
  • 300 dpi