This guide walks you through the basic tasks for creating plate cutting files in the ACM file format. 

Feature background

• In version 4.0, you could use TIFF Assembler Plus (TAP) to create and save a cutting file in either the CF2 or EPS formats.
• Version 4.1 added the ability to output a cutting file as an ACM file.
• Version 4.2 significantly expanded and improved cutting table support. For example, to help prevent plate lift, new options provide better knife control for bevel cuts, including long cut lines.

For more details about the version 4.2 features, see the release notes (answer 70569) and the illustrated training presentation (answer 73896).

Requirements for these activities

• Partner Place account to access your Kodak service and support portal. (New users can click Request an account.)
• A general working knowledge of the VPS+ software
  Otherwise, first perform the lessons in the Self-study Student Guide. See answer 72851 in your Kodak service and support portal.
  Note: See also the TIFF Assembler Plus 4.2 user guide.
• Lesson files downloaded from answer 72962 and extracted to an accessible location.
• For the cutting activities, one of the following items:
  • Actual plate media
  • An EnableAnimation.xml simulation file if you prefer to simulate instead of using actual media

(Optional) Enable the animated simulation of plates being cut

After you follow these steps to create a simple blank file, an HTML animation file is automatically created whenever you output a layout with an ACM cutting file.

1. At your VPS+ workstation, use a text editor to create a blank EnableAnimation.xml file.
2. Place the file in the applicable location:
   
   • On Windows, place the XML file in C:\Windows\.
   • On Mac OS X, place the XML file in your <user home folder>\.
3. After you output a layout with an ACM cutting file, go to the folder that contains the output xxx_Layout.tif and xxx_Layout.acm files.
4. Locate and double-click the animation HTML cut file—xxx_Layout.html.
   An animated preview opens in your default browser, showing a simulated blade as it cuts out the images according to the cut lines defined in the layout.

Tip: To avoid clutter, delete the EnableAnimation.xml file before doing production work.

Review the options for the ACM cutting file feature

When you enable ACM cutting file creation, several flexible options become available. Review these options before proceeding with the activities.

Cut Preferences options

1. Select Edit > Preferences > Cut.
2. Select the Create cutting file when outputting layout check box, and select the ACM output file format.
3. Set the other options as desired. This example shows the default settings:

Layout setup options