As a job is processed, a variety of files are used, referenced, created, stored, output, or destroyed. Other software-support files store the configurations and resources that you define.
Tip: For ease of retrieval, be sure to establish and maintain a clear, consistent approach to file naming and storing.

Job files 

• New job files (.job) that you create and save.
• Input files that provide the customer content (.pdf)
• Customer source-document files that you may need to convert to Adobe Acrobat PDF input files
• Existing job files (.job) that you can reopen, edit, and save
• Job files (.job) that are generated by Kodak UpFront* software (*UpFront is EOSL and no longer tested or supported)
• JDF files (.jdf) that are generated by an MIS or other system
• Job output files (.jdf, .pjtf, .ps, .ppf, .pdf)

Software-support file types

• SmartMark files (individual .smk files and group info.smg files)
• Mark image files  (.eps, .tif, .pdf)
• Template files (.tpl)
• Profile configuration files (.cfg)
• Media configuration and device files (.ppd, .ppx)
• Resource list files (.xml)
• Other file types that are only accessed by Preps software

Standard file locations

• Whenever the software is unable to find a folder or file that is needed, a message prompts you to locate it.
• Customer input files, job files, and output files can be stored in any accessible folder. Network servers can be Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, or UNIX-based.
• You can use the Job File Collector utility to collect and store all the files associated with a job.
• The files that store templates, marks, media, stock, common color, folios, fold patterns, and web-growth compensation sets must be stored in the locations that you define on the Folders tab in the Preferences dialog box.
• You can use the Migration utility to move software configuration and resource files from one installation to another.
• The software installation folder structure includes files that are needed for processing. Do not move or alter these folders unless instructed to do so.

The difference between a job file and template file

Each job contains and stores its own layout information in its JOB file, and you can optionally save a frequently repeated job as a template in a separate TPL file, for quick reuse.

• Template information that is stored in TPL files
  A template can be used to set up pre-defined press-run layouts for a job, but it has no permanent association with a JOB file or any content files. The exception is jobs that were created using earlier versions of Preps software, which derive their layouts from specific, referenced TPL files. If you open and edit a legacy job, the referenced template is updated only if you select Save As Template.
• Template information that is stored in JOB files
  When you save a job, its press-run layout details and content references are all stored in the JOB file. The job can be reopened and reprinted with the assurance that nothing has changed since you last saved it.
  Note: When you apply a template resource to a job, the layouts are added to the JOB file, and the original template is no longer referenced. If you separately edit and resave the template that you used for this job, the changes are not automatically applied when you reopen the job. To apply the changes, you must reapply the template.

File compatibility between software versions

• You can use the Preps 10.x software to open jobs or templates that were created in any version of the software up to the version of the software you have installed.
• When you use the Preps 10.x software to reopen and save a legacy job (for example, from Preps 6 or earlier), it becomes a Preps 10.x job.
• You cannot use versions earlier than Preps 10.x to open Preps 10.x jobs.
• You can use any version of the Preps software to open templates that were created in any version of the software. Any unsupported features are typically ignored.
• Static marks in a legacy file will be converted to SmartMarks or deleted, depending on the mark type.
• You can open a previously output JDF file to reprint or revise the original job.

For the most up-to-date information about compatibility with Kodak Prinergy workflows, see the applicable release notes.
Note: The Prinergy Workshop Signature Selection and Prinergy Evo Create Imposition features do not currently support templates that you create or edit in Preps 6.