Pyxis Imposed 4.9.7.4 Is Here!
Pyxis continues to add more value to your investment at no additional cost. Pyxis Imposed 4.9.7.4 is here. This version includes an update that enables the imposition of magazines and books with larger file sizes. Also, a new feature to impose with outer-trim-marks only is available via the Extras tab (top right area of the UI).
Updates are FREE to anyone who has bought an annual licence so please enjoy! Buy your very own Pyxis Imposed today! -Note the very latest features are listed on the download page
OTM Imposition
After opening any job, switch to the Extras tab, top right. Click the OTM (Outer Trim Marks) button to impose the job with the original outer marks and colour bars (if present). All printer’s marks and other details is removed between rows and columns.
Variable Data Tab
You can now import variable text content that contains a tab character (/t), and choose to keep that in your text. Tab characters were previously removed during text import and parsing. See two new checkboxes in the relevant import area.
Impose Larger Magazines
Improved memory handling in the Advanced Booklet module has enabled the imposition of magazines with significantly file sizes than ever before. This will enable computers with limited resources do more.
Variable Data Numbering
After importing a variable data job, such as a name and address file, it is now possible to set a start number and include this number, formatted to your choice, during imposition.
2D Matrix
A new option to include 2d matrix codes, similar to QR Codes, but more compact, is now available in the variable data module. These codes are often used with small electronic equipment.
Impo Shift
To aid with alignment, it is now possible to move or shift the artwork on any imposed sheet by a given value in any direction, with many use cases.
Duplo Barcode
It is now possible to add a barcode to your imposition that can be used by automated finishing machines. The initial barcode specifically targets the Duplo 616.
PDF Overlay
It is now possible to overlay one PDF onto another: option available in the Toolbox’s Overlay tab. Note that the ‘Impo Shift’ option can be used to position the content being ‘overlayed’, in combination with this feature.
Rolling Letters
It is now possible to use both letters and numbers with the un-stacked numbering option. You can also number in sets. For example, you can number in 3 sets beginning at A001, A002, A002 then B001, B002, B003, etc. And you are not confined to a single letter.
Horizontal Spine
You can now choose Horizontal Spine as a new Advanced Booklet option. This is ideal for some calendars and greeting cards, for example. A minimum of 4 pages are required.
Field Save Restore
You can now save and restore fields used for placement in the variable data section. Ideal where you are using original master PDF with updated artwork or simply updated or new data fields.
Live Image Previews
There are now live previews of images, barcodes and QR codes placed using the variable data module. And you can choose to place images in proportion or force them to fit the rectangle drawn on the canvas.
Barcodes
A selection of popular barcodes including EAN13, Code128 and Royal Mail can now be created with Pyxis Imposed’s new Barcode Module. These codes can be generated and merged automatically via the variable data module by appending _PXBC to the barcode ‘code’.
Buster Numbering
New ‘buster numbering’ options have been included from version 4.5.0.0. Five, six and seven digit options have been included with possible combinations of 120, 720 and 5040, respectively.
QR Codes
Dynamically generate and merge QR codes during the variable data process. The placement rectangle drawn on the PDF will dictate the position and size of the QR code.
Marks
New options to add printer’s marks are available tab in the PDF Toolbox. You can now add marks to the Trim Box, if one exists. This means you can add crop marks or border marks (black only) to an original with bleed. Adding short border marks to an original with bleed is especially useful for sign-makers.
Buster Extra
Buster numbering options have been enhanced to include two position options in the main user interface. In addition, the buster number file can be passed to the Variable Data module, providing many new options for placement, colours, fonts, etc.
Bottom Align
The bottom align option in the Variable data module has been improved. This has many uses, but is especially useful when equally aligning sets of numbers.
Outer Trim Marks
A new Outer Trim Mark option is now available an turned on by default. It can be enabled / disabled via the Extras Tab, at the top right of the user Interface. (Available from version 4.6.9.5).
Free Form
A new Free Form export option is now available for variable data jobs. With this option, only the merged data is exported. This file can be used with compatible RIPS (including Fiery) to simplify and speed-up processing of larger variable data jobs. (Available from version 4.6.9.5).
More Feedback
Improvement – Progress feedback on larger variable data jobs has been improved through the use of additional progress dialog boxes with relevant information. (Available from version 4.6.9.5).
Background Colours
(4.7.5.0+) It is now possible to add CMYK background colour to a pdf file. It is possible to add a specific colour to a selected page range within a multi-page pdf file.
PDF to Image
(4.7.5.0+) Convert each page of a pdf to a high quality JPG image. Double check each image from correct transparency, fonts, etc.. These images can be converted back to PDFs. Note that there is likely to be an increase in contrast during this process.
Image Naming
(4.7.5.0+) When converting Images to PDFs, it is now possible to add the image name underneath the PDF. This is especially useful when a large number of images are converted to small pdfs for image identification.
Digital Numbering
Numbering tickets, dockets and bills has never been easier. Simply export your design as a pdf. Import it into Pyxis Imposed. Visually place your numbers, with your desired font size, colour and rotation and that’s it. It won’t only save you a lot of time, but there are never any missing or duplicate numbers. Since October 2015 is is also possible to number each page in an original file an unlimited number of times.
Variable Data
Variable Data Images
Field Control
IMAGE to PDF
PDF TOOLBOX
One Click Imposition
Fixed Gutters
Fixed Rotation
Stacking
4-UP Head-to-Head
Automatic Booklet Imposition
Add Crop Marks
Compile Artwork Consecutively
Auto Reverse Pages
Fast and Easy Numbering
Grow For Bleed
Automatic File Saving
Imposed, print-ready files are automatically saved back into the original folder (with an appropriate file name adjustment) further enhancing the speed and ease of use of Pyxis Imposed Digital.
Small File Sizes
Learning Module
New Unstacked Numbering Options
With Pyxis Imposed 4.0.0.4 there are two new options for unstacked numbers. You can now choose to start at the top right and fill by column, finishing at the bottom left, or start again at the top right but fill by row (right – left), until all numbers are positioned and the last sheet if full.
Number from Zero
From Pyxis Imposed 4.0.0.4, it is now possible to include Zero (0) as the first number. Previously the lowest number allowed was one (1). Apparently some users need to include zero as the first number!
Higher Increments
From Pyxis Imposed 4.0.0.4 users can move numbers more quickly into position using the up – down arrow keys. Metric increments have been increased from .1mm to 1mm (10 times distance) while Imperial distance has been increased from .001 inch to .01 inch. All numbers can be fine tuned manually to two decimal places.
New Variable Data Option
Pyxis Imposed 4.0.0.4 includes a new option to replace multiple spaces with a single space during file import. Simply tick the Replace Multiple Spaces with One Space check-box in the Import View tab.
Pyxis Learning Module – How it Works
Pyxis Imposed Learns While You Use It!
This module records every detail about each job that is imposed. So while it is learning about your jobs and naming conventions, it might not appear to do very much. Never the less, it will still automatically apply crop settings to reduce unnecessary white space around a pdf when it is being opened. It will look at the dimensions of the art being opened and if the size is large, it will enable some default Roll options. Also, if it considers the job is a wide format sign or poster job with no bleed, it will automatically select border marks. If it considers the job to be a ticket or docket book, it will enable the number option and enter some default values. Note that it will search for common English words in your file names, together with the file dimensions and bleed to decide what settings to apply. Words like invoice, order, docket, etc will be taken into consideration when deciding what settings should be applied. For sign makers, if the file name contains words like sign, corriboard, corrieboard, probond sign, etc., these will be used when deciding if the custom size or roll option should be selected as the ‘output sheet’.
However, you will only see the real benefit of this module when you have used the application for a while. For example, if you use consistent names, but perhaps only save jobs with updated numbers, the learning module will detect if a particular invoice was printed in the past. If you saved a job 1001 John Smith Invoice Book.pdf and then the next time you wish to print it use 2053 John Smith Invoice Book.pdf it will assume (after comparing the file dimensions) that you would like to apply the same number position and style settings, etc . . . It will then use these settings, but increment the start number based on the last quantity printed. By the way if you open the exact same file as the last time (exact file name match) it will also apply the same settings and increment the start invoice number.
A word of caution here. If you impose a numbered job, close it, but for some reason do not print it, the learning module will not know it wasn’t printed, so if it or a job with an updated number is opened, it will be given a new start number, which will need to be manually reset. However if you impose a job with numbers, note that you need to make a change, while the job remains open in Pyxis Imposed, the numbers will be correct and no manual intervention is needed.
Within the application, this module is referred to as the Logic module, and can be disabled by un-ticking the Logic check-box located in the top centre of the main screen (it is enabled by default).
For the next version, we will be adding an option to view the information recorded by the application. An additional feature to over-ride the application’s logic and apply your own will also be included!
Perhaps the biggest benefit of this module will be realised in circumstances where a repeat order of docket books is received and you cannot remember or haven’t recorded the last numbers used. Pyxis Imposed will remember this for you . . .