Automatically sizing substrates

You can have the Pandora software automatically size substrates according to job elements (die, plate, film, or step-and-repeat), plus margins that you specify.

Important: Confirm that the settings in Preferences > Substrate Tab for using Automatically Sized Substrates are already configured.

1. In Preferences, select the element (or elements) to which you want the substrate sized.
2. Import a die, or drag a plate or film from the ShopMap palette into the job. The die, plate, or film automatically appears in the layout view.
   • If you selected Always create substrate with these default settings in Preferences, the substrate automatically appears.
   • If you cleared Always create substrate with these default settings in Preferences, modify the substrate using the settings in steps 3–5.
3. In the Width and Height area, type the dimensions of the substrate.
4. (For die only) In the Size Based On area:
   • Select All lines in die file to base the die size on the outermost lines in the die.
   • Select All die stations to base the die size on the all the stations in the die.
   • Select Line type to specify a line type to use to size the die.
5. In the Margins area:
   1. Type an amount for the margins. The substrate cannot be larger than 482.6 x 482.6 cm (190 x 190 in.).
   2. If you want a die centered on the substrate, select Center die on substrate. If you want the plate or film centered, select Center substrate horizontally.
   3. Select a grain for the substrate: Long, Short, or None.
   4. In the Units list, select millimeters, centimeters, or inches.
6. Click Yes.
   The job element appears on the layout with a substrate.