An original image file is only an image file and has no settings associated with it. Before RIP-Queue can use the file, you must define those settings. Typically, you would use a Quick Set to apply the settings.

 

In a basic workflow, a Quick Set applies the job settings, and then you can manually modify them as needed in RIP-Queue or Job Editor. Whenever a job enters RIP-Queue, a Quick Set is applied to the image even if it is only the generic Default Quick Set. Because different types of images need to be processed differently, you can and should create Quick Sets to match your needs.

After the Quick Set is applied, the image becomes a Job. A job is an image that has job settings. When you apply the settings, the image itself is not modified, but the job is. The new job is sent to RIP-Queue where it is ready to be processed.

 

NOTE: If you need to modify any of the job settings, this is the most efficient time to do it. You can always modify the settings after the image has been processed, but most modifications will require the image to be reprocessed. This wastes time.

The job settings determine how each job is processed. The time it takes to process a job depends on the job settings and the original file. For example, a job with complex settings will take longer than a job with few settings. A larger image will also take longer than a smaller image.

 

Ripping - The method by which jobs are processed is called Ripping. RIP stands for Raster Image Processing or Raster Image Processor. Raster data, a collection of dots that make up an image, is the type of data that is sent to the printer. When a job is processed, the original image data is read and raster data is created.

 

PostScript Files - PostScript files are different than raster files because they are not created from pixels or dots. Instead, they are a set of instructions that describe how to create raster data. When PostScript files are processed, they are read instructions first. This is called interpreting. After the file is interpreted, RIP-Queue creates the raster data (rendering).

Once RIP-Queue process the job, it is ready to print. At this stage in the workflow, you can still modify the job settings, but certain settings require that you reprocess the job.

By default, jobs are printed in the order they are received. Depending on your settings, a job may wait until other jobs are also ready or until you manually start the printing. You can also configure the printer to start printing automatically, when a certain percentage of media is used, or when a time-out value has passed.

Once a job is printed, it moves into the Buffered Jobs area. You can reprint jobs in this area at any time, or you can modify the job, reprocess, and print.

 

Because the processed data has been created for files that were printed, you can reprint without reprocessing. You can even delete the original source image and print a job relying only on the processed data. However, you can only reprocess a job if you still have the original source image.