Preps Training

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Module summary

After completing this module, you should be able to:

  • Navigate the Preps user interface
  • Identify the task-based views and panes

Introduction to Preps

The Kodak Preps imposition software is a prepress tool that you use to create press-run layouts for bound-work impositions and ganged flat work. You can work "on the fly" in an interactive workspace, use stored templates for frequently repeated layouts, and print the production output to common file formats. Preps also supports varying degrees of workflow automation.

You can impose PDF input files or unpopulated job pages for sheetfed or web press-run layouts, and send the output to any PostScript compatible device such as a computer-to-plate (CTP) device, imagesetter, on-demand printer, digital printer, wide-format imposition proofer, or laser printer.

Preps user interface

The Preps user interface contains three task-based views, several panes, and lists.

The three dynamically updated task-based views and their uses are:

  • The Pages view: use to set up the product run lists with blank, placeholder, or PDF content pages; preview individual pages and page details; adjust the trim boxes; and reposition, scale, or rotate the PDF content.
  • The Press Runs view: use to create and interactively edit and preview any number of sheetfed and multiweb press runs to accommodate the job's pages. Manage the stock, media, marks, and layout for each sheet or web.
  • The Assembly view: use to provide the product intent for a customer job, which can include multiple products and parts, and mixed binding styles. Interactively plan the binding assembly of each product's parts and sections, and autogenerate the press runs based on your planned details. 

The user interface regions and their uses are:

  • The Products pane: view and manage the job structure. For manual layouts, you can select and drag sections to the Press Runs workspace.
  • The Files list: add customer PDF input files, create placeholder files, and select file pages to add to a run list or press-run layout.
  • The Resources pane: select and manage your resources for building press runs.
  • The workspace: use to review, rearrange, and edit items in the workspace to dynamically update the properties. Use viewing tools and menu options to control which details are displayed.
  • The summary lists: use to manage a list of all applicable job items. Arrange the rows and columns, change the sort order and width of columns, and expand or collapse the rows. Select an item in the Press Runs List or the Pages List to display it in the workspace.
  • The Properties pane: use to view and edit the settings of selected job items. All applicable panes and lists are dynamically updated with your changes. Select an item in a workspace, summary list, or Products list to display its settings in the Properties pane.

Preps Help menu

Several other helpful resources are accessed through the Help menu in Preps.

  • Preps Demonstrations show you how to use several important features in Preps. They also contain activities for you to try on your own.
  • The Preps User Guide gives detailed information about Preps features and functions, as well as license options and Preps shortcuts. To access the Preps User Guide, select Preps Help from the Help menu.
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