JDF imposition jobs

The open-standard job definition format (JDF) is used by JDF-compliant systems to communicate data and automatically trigger specific job tasks. The currently-loaded profile determines the type of automation that is applied when a JDF file is opened, based on the JDF tab settings in the Preferences dialog box. 

Incoming JDF files can contain enough product intent to autogenerate the Press Runs List via template-signature matching or creation, and you can add or edit details as needed.

Preferences settings

Use the JDF tab in the Preferences dialog box to define how the software automates JDF-based jobs, and optionally save the settings in a custom profile.

Completing a JDF job

After opening a JDF file, you can check the autogenerated layouts, compare the current settings alongside the source JDF values, and make any necessary adjustments before you print the output.

Mark rules and Mark Rules Editor

Mark rules define the criteria that determine which SmartMarks are added when press-run layouts are generated by JDF and AutoGang automation. Use the Kodak Mark Rules Editor tool software to configure the criteria for each rule that you create, and select the marks and mark groups that are added by that rule.

Configuring JDF preferences

1. Perform the appropriate action for your client operating system:
   • Macintosh: Select Preps > Preferences.
   • Windows: Select Edit > Preferences.
2. Select the JDF tab.
3. In the Signature Creation area, select Create only.
4. In the Signature Creation Marks area, perform the following actions:
   1. Select Add SmartMarks based on mark rules.
   2. Confirm that Add JDF error marks is not selected.
5. Click OK.

Creating a mark rule

1. Select Resources > Mark Rules Editor.
   The Preps Mark Rules Editor application opens. 
2. To add a new rule, in the Preps Mark Rules Editor, at the bottom of the Rules pane, click [+].
   Untitled Rule 1 appears in the Rules box. 
3. In the Rule Parameters pane, Rule Name box, type autogang1. 
4. In the Binding Type list, select Flat Work.
   Note: It isn't necessary to provide a value for each of the settings. For example, a generic rule to apply crop marks to all autocreated signatures might contain only the rule name. 
5. In the SmartMarks area, double-click Sample Group.
   Sample Group appears in the Marks to be added area.
   You can also add an individual mark to the mark rule by double-clicking the mark rather than the marks group. 
6. Click Save Rules.

Creating a JDF job

For this activity, use the files in the Activity files folder.

1. Switch to the Press Runs view for this activity.
2. Select File > Open.
3. Locate the JDF_Activity.jdf file.
4. Select the file and click Open, or double-click the file.
   The job is automatically created in Preps. The job displays all the parts and sections in the Products pane and all the information is populated in the appropriate location in the Properties pane. 
   Note: If the JDF file uses a resource, such as stock, that isn't in your list, Preps will ask if you want to add it to the list. Click OK.  
5. To print the job, select File > Print.