1 Neopost Addressing Group Adapted for service training, by Keith Wisham, from the original sales presentation created by Mike Maguire

1

Training

RIP & Workflow Softwarefor the M Series Printer

Neopost Addressing Group

Adapted for service training, by Keith Wisham, from the original sales presentation created by Mike Maguire

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Agenda

Goal & Benefits of mColor

What mColor can do

Typical mColor system configuration

Definitions & base knowledge

– Color types

Spot, CMYK, RGB

– Comparing color

Obtaining mColor Software

Installing demo version, creating workflow & testing

Summary/Review

Training Video Links

©2013 Neopost Addressing Group

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Goal of mColor Software

Chief goal of mColor is to provide predictable & repeatable standardization of color; when printing with the M Series Printer (Mach 5, HJ/AS-950C) onto different paper stocks.


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Benefits of mColor Software

Improved Color Output– Image printed using mColor software can deliver

clearer print with more vivid, better defined colors; as compared to using standard M Series driver .

– Just using the driver is okay, however:mColor offers the advantage of using one color management software product that incorporates both Harlequin RIP & Pantone matching features

Color matching and RIP:– mColor identifies spot colors in image automatically

– From there user can match Pantones, adjust color, process via the Harlequin RIP, then go to print


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What mColor Can Do

Can be used to adapt Pantone© spot color designation to match color specifications of object.

Provides global color adjustments to photos & “blended” graphics; where specific PMS (Pantone Matching System) data is not available


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What mColor Can Do

mColor is an interface for all the features used to control the M Series printer

– Driver, Toolbox, image adjustment

– Communicates directly with the printer. Eliminates the need to interface with “windows” driver.

– M Series printer Toolbox appears as clickable icon on interface


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Typical mColor System Configuration

Submit, manage, and preview jobs anywhere on the network, from a Mac or a PC

Client

Client

Server


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Free Windows driver & M Series Toolbox included with every M Series printer

– No guarantee of color reproduction

No Mac driver included with printer– May be able to use Windows driver on Mac

running windows, but not supported.

mColor provides interface for both platforms: Mac & Windows

– Color/Workflow can be managed via Mac.

– Need Windows box to run mColor Server and to attach printer.

Just to Be Clear


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Definitions & Base Knowledge

Before we work with mColor, we need to establish an understanding of the following:

1. RIP (raster image processing or processor)

2. RGB (red, green, blue) & CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black)

3. Spot color

4. Color gamut & space

5. ICC profiles

6. Comparing color

7. Workflow


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RIP = Raster Image Processing

mColor is a RIP and more

Turn images & color into “dots” or pixels

This process is called rasterization

Printers print in dots, hence DPI

MACH 5/950C prints up to 1600 x 1600 DPI


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RGB & CMYK

RGB are primary colors of light: monitor, camera, TV

CMYK colors of print

Adobe Photoshop usually manages RGB & CMYK

Adobe Illustrator usually spot colors

At some point everything is usually converted to CMYK

Screen Print


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Spot Color

Important to know difference between spot color and RGB or CMYK

SPOT COLOR: A defined shade of color usually based on the Pantone matching system. Most common in logos

– Similar to paint formula

– Coca Cola Red has a PMS number

– Not “process” or “4 color”

– Usually created or maintained Adobe Illustrator

mColor can be used to match spot color with a little experimentation


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Matching Spot Color using mColor

Must have Pantone color included in PDF

“Print-ready PDF: Universally accepted way to present file

If file doesn’t contain Pantone Colors (spot colors), there is no way to match color.


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Spot Color Adjustment in mColor

mColor provides tools to edit spot colors without being a Photoshop expert

Fast, visual adjustment, no color

expertise needed

Match the color of offset or laser printed documents

Exclusive to mColor: Very cool feature


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Spot Color Adjustment in mColor

Adjusted red in logo

Matched known sample

Printed out swatchBefore adjustment

Color corrected


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MACH 5/950C Color Gamut

Color gamut refers to various levels of colors that can potentially be displayed or produced by a device

2 types of color gamuts:

1. Additive. Starts with darkness. Color generated by mixing together colored light to generate final color. RGB is additive.

2. Subtractive. Starts with “white light”. Dyes/inks are used to absorb some wavelengths of light and not others, to achieve a color. CMYK is subtractive.

MACH 5/950C Gamut


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CMYK Color Adjustment in mColor

Global color adjustment allows the operatorto make quick last minute adjustments to

improve image


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ICC Profiles

International Color Consortium profile is color management standard for specifying attributes of imaging devices such as scanners, digital cameras, monitors & printers so color of image remains true from source to destination.

Different paper prints same image differently.

Many paper choices = specific ICC profile for each type of paper.

Specifically engineered ICC profiles, for “common” paper types, are included in mColor.


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Comparing Color

Colors change dramatically depending under what light you are using.

Incandescent adds yellow

Florescent adds green

Best case: Light booth

If not: Sunlight


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Comparing Color

What you see on monitor is almost never reproduced in print

Most monitors not calibrated

– Except graphic pros

Laptop screens & projectors not reliable

mColor can be used to reliably match colors.


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Workflow

Commercial printing term for all steps required to get a job out the doors once it arrives

Not unlike mailing process

What is an example of a “workflow” in the mailing process?

Okay, now lets show you how to load mColor, set up a workflow, add a job, adjust color and print.


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Obtaining mColor (Licensed Version)

mColor can be ordered (purchased) using the following part numbers.- There are also many support options that can be purchased.


Neopost Part Hasler Part RENA Part DESCRIPTION

MCOLOR-RIP-N MCOLOR-RIP-H MCOLOR-RIP mColor RIP & Workflow Color Management Software

MCOLOR-RIP-WP-N MCOLOR-RIP-WP-H MCOLOR-RIP-WPmColor RIP & Workflow Color Management Software bundled with an AS/HJ950C/MACH 5

MCOLOR-AD-RIP-N MCOLOR-AD-RIP-H MCOLOR-AD-RIPAdditional RIP Server for mColor Software for Multiple Printers at a single site

MCOLOR-AD-CL-N MCOLOR-AD-CL-H MCOLOR-AD-CL Additional Seat License for mColor Software Client

MCOLOR-UP-RIP-N MCOLOR-UP-RIP-H MCOLOR-UP-RIP Major Version Upgrades for mColor RIP Software (ex: 9.x to 10.x)

MCOLOR-UP-WRK-N MCOLOR-UP-WRK-H MCOLOR-UP-WRKMajor Version Upgrades for mColor Workflow Software (ex: 6.x to 7.x)

Support Options

MCOLOR-DIRSUP-N MCOLOR-DIRSUP-H MCOLOR-DIRSUPAnnual End User Direct Support & Mid-version Updates for mColor Software

MCOLOR-WEBXIN-N MCOLOR-WEBXIN-H MCOLOR-WEBXIN mColor Software Expert Guided Installation via WebEx

MCOLOR-WEBXUP-N MCOLOR-WEBXUP-H MCOLOR-WEBXUP mColor Software Expert Guided Product Update via WebEx

MCOLOR-TRAIN-N MCOLOR-TRAIN-H MCOLOR-TRAIN mColor Live Training Class (held in Ann Arbor, MI) Per Person

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Obtaining mColor (Demo Version)

Demo Version: Fully functionalPrints watermark (black squares, Harlequin logo)

The files to install mColor are part of Service Training items you received.

mColor can also be download from (~300 MB): http://www.renausa.com/ftp/mcolor/installer_page.asp


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Installing mColor (Demo Version)

The Quick Start Guide (on the following pages) will walk you through the mColor installation process.

IMPORTANT!Open the “Quick Start Guide” and READ, before attempting to install.


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Quick Start Guide

Things you need to know:

If you purchased “Expert Guided Install”; please call Xitron at 734-913-1099 to schedule a WebEx appointment.

Make sure you are running under a windows user that is a member of the local “administrators” group. mColor requires administrative access to load and operate correctly.

The “mColor Client” program can be loaded onto as many systems as you like, but the number of “mColor Client” programs that can be open, at any given time, is limited by the “license” that was purchased. The “standard” license provides the ability for two “client” programs to be open at the same time.

Do NOT connect the “M Series printer” or “dongles” to the computer before installing the “mColor” software. If the printer is already connected, please disconnect the USB cable before loading the “mColor” software.

If the “mColor” software is loaded as a “trail” version the output will be printed with a watermark of boxes.

Please review the section titled “Server Installation” in the “mColor documentation.pdf”, to prepare your particular operating system for the installation of the “mColor” software.

Default Passwords. User Name: Administrator Password: ___________________ (leave blank)

Need Help? If you purchased “End User Direct Support”; please contact Xitron (734-913-1099, [email protected]).If you did not purchase the “mColor support options”; please contact your Dealer to inquire about support options.


mailto:[email protected]

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Quick Start Guide

Minimum Recommended System Requirements:

mColor Client: Used to design “workflows”, adjust colors, and to submit jobs or control jobs in the “workflow”.

“Windows PC” running Windows XP Pro, Windows 2003 Server, Windows Vista Business, Windows 7 Pro; or a “Macintosh” systems running OSX 10.7, OSX 10.8. PC and MAC versions of the “mColor Client” are provided.

2Ghz Dual Core Processor or higher

2 GB RAM or higher

DVD ROM drive

100/1000 Network Interface Card

mColor Server: Used to process the job (via the Harlequin-based, Navigator RIP) and send it to the printer.

“Windows PC” running Windows XP Pro, Windows 2003 Server, Windows Vista Business, Windows 7 Pro.

3Ghz Dual/Quad Core Processor or higher. Core i5 recommended.

4 GB RAM or higher

160 GB Hard Drive or larger

DVD ROM drive

100/1000 Network Interface Card

3 Available USB 2.0 ports (for dongles and printer interface)

For best performance; it is recommended that the printer be connected to a dedicated “server”.


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Quick Start Guide

Loading mColor on a Single Computer or “Stand-Alone” System Place the mColor DVD in your DVD drive. If the “Welcome to mColor” installation screen doesn’t automatically

open; browse the DVD, locate and run the file “AutoRun.exe”.

Use the “Full Install” choice to load the “mColor” software onto the computer. The “Full Install” loads the “mColor Client” and “mColor Server” software onto the computer. NOTE: The “Full Install” process can also be started by running the file ”mColorInstaller.exe”.

– If you are loading the software as a “trial” version; when prompted, please be sure to select “Demonstration” from the “Setup Type” window.

– If you purchased the software; when prompted, please be sure to select “Production” from the “Setup Type” window. The next window will prompt you for the “ColorPro” and “M Series Printer” passwords. These passwords can be found on the “code sheets” that came with the “mColor” software (box that contained DVD and dongles).

Connect the M Series printer to the PC via USB. The system should automatically recognize the printer and install the "USBCOMM Device Driver". Note: The printer must be connected via USB and powered on.

Skip this step if loading as a “trial” (demonstration) version. If a “license” was purchased. Connect both “dongles” to open USB ports on the computer. The system should automatically recognize each dongle and install the appropriate device drivers.

Once the software installation is complete; please reboot the computer.

Open/run the “mColor Server” program. The “Navigator” program will also open at this time.If you are prompted with “firewall security” messages, please select “Allow access”.

Open/run the “mColor Client” program. You will be prompted with a “Log In” screen. Enter the “User Name” Administrator and leave the “Password” box blank. The “Server” box should be automatically populated. If not press “Find Servers”. Then press OK to Log In.


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Quick Start Guide

Loading mColor on a Network System (multiple computers connected to a server) Place the mColor DVD into the DVD drive of the computer that has been designated as the “server”.

If the “Welcome to mColor” screen doesn’t automatically open; browse the DVD, locate and run the file “AutoRun.exe”.

Use the “Full Install” choice to load the “mColor” software onto the system that will be designated as the “server”. The “Full Install” loads the “mColor Client” and “mColor Server” software onto the computer.NOTE: The “Full Install” process can also be started by running the file ”mColorInstaller.exe”.

– Connect the M Series printer to the “server” via USB. The system should If you are loading the software as a “trial” version; when prompted, please be sure to select “Demonstration” from the “Setup Type” window.

– If you purchased the software; when prompted, please be sure to select “Production” from the “Setup Type” window. The next window will prompt you for the “ColorPro” and “M Series Printer” passwords. These passwords can be found on the “code sheets” that came with the “mColor” software (box that contained DVD and dongles).

automatically recognize the printer and install the "USBCOMM Device Driver". Note: The printer must be connected via USB and powered on.

Skip this step if loading as a “trial” (demonstration) version. If a “license” was purchased. Connect both “dongles” to open USB ports on the “server”. The system should automatically recognize each dongle and install the appropriate device drivers.

Once the software installation is complete; please reboot the “server”.

Place the mColor DVD into the DVD drive of the computer that has been designated as the “client”. If the “Welcome to mColor” screen doesn’t automatically open; browse the DVD, locate and run the file “AutoRun.exe”.

Use the “Client Only” choice to load the “mColor Client” software onto the system(s) that will be designated as the “client”. NOTE: The “Client Only” install can also be started by running the file ”mColorClientInstaller.exe”. If the “client” is a Macintosh system the “MAC client installer” is located on the DVD in the compressed file labeled “mColor Mac Client.zip”.

Once the software installation is complete; please reboot the “client” computer.

From the “server”, open/run the “mColor Server” program. The “Navigator” program will also open at this time. If you are prompted with “firewall security” messages, please select “Allow access”.

From the “client”, open/run the “mColor Client” program. You will be prompted with a “Log In” screen. Enter the “User Name” Administrator and leave the “Password” box blank. The “Server” box should be automatically populated. If not press “Find Servers”. Then press OK to Log In.


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Quick Start Guide

Additional Tips: The “mColor Server” software was designed to communicate with the M Series Printer via USB. This software

can NOT communicate with a printer that is connected using any other method.

The mColor software is specifically designed to print directly to the “M Series” printer via USB, without the use of a “windows printer driver”. Therefore printer and port selections, within the mColor software, are automatic.

The software does NOT load a “windows printer driver” into the “Printers & Faxes” (Devices and Printers) folder.

It is NOT necessary to load the “M Series Driver” that came with the printer, unless you plan to print from a software program other than mColor. If the “M Series Driver” is already loaded, there is no need to remove it from the system.

The “mColor Server” program must be open/running, before the “mColor Client” is opened.

If you close the “mColor Server” program, the “Navigator” program will automatically close.

If you attempt to close the “Navigator” program, without closing “mColor Server” program, the “Navigator” program will automatically restart.

Wait at least one minute before attempting to re-open the “mColor Server” program. This is necessary to give the “Navigator” program enough time to shut-down (close).

If the status of your job shows as “scheduled”, and it will not print, please refer to the section titled “RIP Configuration” in “mColor documentation.pdf”. Check to be sure the Output Controller is set to “Delete Always” and “Disable Output” is unchecked.

During the “Full Install”, the “mColor Client” and “mColor Server” are both installed, to provide the ability to open/monitor jobs directly from the server. You should leave the ”mColor Client” closed on the “server”, unless needed, to avoid tying- up one of your “client licenses”.

The “Sample Files” directory, on the DVD, contains a number of PDF files that may be useful during the initial mColor learning/training process.

Please refer to “mColor documentation.pdf”, located in the “Documentation” directory on the DVD, for instructions on how to use the “mColor” software.


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Starting Up

Always open mColor Server first

– Let it load (you can reduce, but don’t close)

Then open mColor Client

May get firewall questions choose “allow” or “ok”

When prompted for login User Name: AdministratorPassword: (leave blank)


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mColor Client


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Sample Files

5 sample files included

– Sample files are located on CD and can also be found in programs directory under “mColor”.

– Print-ready PDF’s that can be used to show Full Bleed on #10 and 8.5 x 11.

– Spot Color Examples:Real Estate Graph.pdfSmartSize Envelope 1-10.pdfSmartSize Sample Listing.pdf


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Designing a New Workflow

Click on Workflows and choose New Workflow- Give it a nameIn this case the Workflow is named: New Workflow 1

Create workflow All workflows automatically

start with a “Hot Folder” in the workflow.


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Workflow

Drag and drop RIP into workflowTip: Selecting “Pause After” will give you the ability to preview/adjust before the next step.

Drag and drop RIP Output into workflow. It will change into “M Series Printer”.


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Features under RIP and RIP Output can be used to control the output.

Check / Adjust Spot Colors

• Paper Profile• Black Only Output• Color Adjustment (Course

Adjustment of entire image)• Scaling, Rotation, Mirror, Font

Emulation

• Reverse Order• Copy Count• Pages to print• Print Quality• Print Offset Adjustments


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Workflow

If you want to adjust “spot color” be sure to drag and drop “Spot Color” between Hot Folder and RIP.Tip: Select “Pause After” to add the ability to adjust colors before job is processed.

Click on the Enter/Exit Workflow editor “wrench symbol” to exit the edit (design) mode.


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Add in Files to Print

Now click on the new “Workflow” from the list, to highlight it.

Add PDF to Workflow, to create a job.Tip: You can drag and drop PDF’s into Workflow folder.

In this case we are dragging “Real Estate Graphic.pdf” into the workflow.


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Check/Adjust Spot Color

Click on PDF under “Job Name” to highlight it.

Click on “Spot Color tool”, to show spot colors that are available in this PDF. Tip: If spot color tool is grayed out, there are no spot colors in the PDF (job).


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Click on the “Edit Spot Color Icon” to view/adjust spot colors. In this case, the PDF we are printing contains Pantone 429 U and Pantone 282 U.



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Select a Pantone color you want to adjust.

Make adjustments.

You can print a Swatch Sheet” to compare to a known/approved sample

Can adjust color or reset to original



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Swatch Sheet

Allows you to print on same media and select the color that provides closest match.

Click on matching color to select desired color, then click no Apply.



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Preview “magnifier” can be used to preview job in mColor before printing

QA last check everything is right before printing

Preview


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PDF’s are saved at each stage.

HotFolder (original PDF)

Spot Color Adjustment

RIP (processed output)

Expand Job to Show Each Stage


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Before/After

BEFORE AFTER

NOTE: Demo version prints watermarks (boxes and Harlequin logo).


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Summary: mColor Offers

Improvement in the image quality with optimized ICC Profiles.

Pantone identification automatically

Pantone adjustment

Harlequin RIP

Workflow builder and storage to save configurations

Final slider style global color adjustments

Friendly interface

Great solution, easy to use, dramatically improves color.


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Review

Remember: This is not offset printing! Printer’s Loupe not applicable

– MACH 5/950C is offset printing & never will be

Must have a good file to start!

– Megabytes, not kilobytes

– Do not try to use images that have been copied and pasted from web!

Near exact spot color.

– Pantone information must be in “print ready” PDF

– If color is represented in CMYK you can only do global color adjustments.


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Training Videos

Introducing mColor RIP & Workflow Software– http://youtu.be/KSATDEC1GOk

RENA mColor RIP & Workflow Software

Color Adjustment

– http://youtu.be/BMDuJ70YkIU

Neopost AS-950C Action Video– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n5F-PsAolc


http://youtu.be/KSATDEC1GOk

http://youtu.be/BMDuJ70YkIU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n5F-PsAolc

Documents

1 Neopost Addressing Group Adapted for service training, by Keith Wisham, from the original sales presentation created by Mike Maguire