Print Areas | Print Sizes

Print Areas | Print Sizes




Overview


Print Sizes is a feature that allows you to define multiple size options against a single Blank Product, which can then be selected by the end user (customer) within the Smartlink App. Based on the customer selection, this passes the relevant size option information when an order is placed, and can automatically re-size associated artwork files if required for production.


Important Note: By default, the Print Sizes feature uses a 'multiplier' setting that is based on uniform scaling. This means the aspect ratio is always maintained according to the defined Print Area width and height. Using this setting, the system will not allow you to enter values that 'break' the associated Aspect Ratio.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:



THE TECHNICAL BIT:

This feature is compatible with the Raster Output Artwork type and can be used in combination with Print Layouts.



What are the benefits of using Print Sizes?
  1. Negates the need for multiple Blank products to be set up in some scenarios, which can be a huge time-saver.
  2. Extremely fast and easy to set up.
  3. Compatible with Print Area Layouts, offering even greater artwork output flexibility.


What type of Products should it be used for?

Technically, Print Sizes can be used for any Product where you need to offer multiple size options. The most common uses are;
  1. DTG products, whereby single garment comes in a range of sizes - print sizes can be connected to Variants as is required by the DTG workflow solution.
  2. Posters / greetings cards / canvasses - as all of these come in multiple standard sizes (eg A0-A5) and the artwork can be automatically scaled per option.
Note: Because the Aspect Ratio has to be the same, the same preview is effective for all sizes.


How do I set them up?

Create your Blank Product as normal, with Preview Aspect and a Print Area for the largest printable size that you want to offer. If you intend to automatically re-scale system generated artwork, this is especially important as blowing the artwork up can affect the quality of the final output image. In this example, we will be using a simple A1 Poster, with a print area set at 594x841mm

1. Go to the Print Specification page and click on the Print Sizes menu




2. Click on the Create a Print Size button and give the print size a Description (name) - this is what the end user will see and select within the Smartlink App.  You should always set a Print Size option that matches the base values of the Print Area. This ensures the base size remains selectable as an option for the end user. Click Save.



3. Repeat the process for the other sizes that you want to offer (remember to save after adding each Print Size). In this case we are setting additional Poster sizes from A1 to A4 and scaling the system generated artwork accordingly. To do this effectively you will need to know the width or height value in mm that you intend to scale to (inputting one value will suffice as the system will automatically work out the corresponding value based on the AR of the Print Area).


Note: The same process is applicable to DTG products and can be used to suit 2 scenarios;
  1. Fulfiller uses a single print Pallet across all sizes of a single garment: This means that no artwork scaling is required, the Print Sizes can be added using a base multiplier of '1' - this always uses the defined Print Area values in mm. 
  1. Fulfiller uses different print pallets across sizes of a single garment: Artwork scaling is required, Print Sizes can be added and scaled to different sizes but only based on matching AR. 



4. The set Print Sizes then become available in the App via a 'Size' menu. You can assess this functionality in the Print Test, and generate example output files based on the selected Print Size.



INTERACTIVE EXAMPLE:

Here is an interactive example of the Poster Product set up with the Print Sizes as selectable options in the App.




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