# InkRIP — file types, design inputs, common pitfalls

InkRIP-only. AM design-practices + Job Manager + hotfolder help. No OEM third-party RIP product names.

## Raster vs vector (inputs)

| | Vector | Raster |
|--|--------|--------|
| Nature | Math paths (points + curves) | Pixels / dots |
| Best for | Logos, simple shapes, text, few colours | Photos, painted art, heavy shading |
| Common formats | AI, EPS, PDF, SVG | TIFF (preferred for print), PNG, JPEG, BMP |
| Scale | Scale freely then RIP | Quality depends on pixel density / DPI |

InkRIP **RIPs** designs (including vectors) into a raster print stream the printer understands.

Training: [Raster vs vector](https://softwaretraining.co.za/inkrip-raster-vector-difference).

### TIFF tip (AM)

For print rasters, **TIFF** is commonly preferred — can hold alpha / transparency and richer colour info than casual JPEGs.

### PDF tip

PDFs may mix raster + vector. Clients often deliver PDF — check size, colour mode, and embedded images after import.

## Size, resolution, DPI

Blurry prints are often a **design size / DPI** problem, not “the RIP is broken.”

AM rules of thumb (viewing distance):

| Viewing | Rough DPI band |
|---------|----------------|
| Close (handouts, magazine-like) | ~150–300 DPI |
| Medium (banner, vehicle graphic) | ~75–150 DPI |
| Distant (billboard, building wrap) | ~20–50 DPI |

Habits:

- Design at (or larger than) final print size; **scale down**, do not invent detail by upscaling tiny rasters.
- Higher DPI → bigger files / slower machines — balance quality vs performance.
- Printer multi-pass can stagger droplets; still start with adequate design resolution.

Training: [Design size & DPI](https://softwaretraining.co.za/inkrip-design-size-resolution).

## RIP / output files

| Extension / kind | Role |
|------------------|------|
| **`.prn`** | Common ripped print file (Job Manager / hotfolder File send). |
| Hotfolder BMP (optional) | Side-car when File send saves BMP. |
| InkRIP project / canvas | Save work so you can reopen layout (native save naming — confirm on Monitor-PC File menu). |
| Driver `.dpf` / Printer folder | InkRIP printer-driver packages (import/export) — not artwork. |
| ICC / colour packages | Colour Profiles leftovers on cncu — profiles, not jobs. |

## Common mistakes (software)

1. **RGB-only design for critical print colour** — start CMYK when print-bound; expect duller conversion otherwise ([RGB/CMYK](https://softwaretraining.co.za/inkrip-rgb-cmyk-difference)).
2. **Upscaling a low-res raster** — mud / pixels; redesign or use a larger source.
3. **Wrong viewing-distance DPI** — close-view art at 30 DPI looks soft.
4. **Skipping Job Manager** — canvas alone is not the print-ready step ([Job Manager basic](https://softwaretraining.co.za/inkrip-job-manager-basic)).
5. **Control software not running** — RIP file exists but machine path fails ([RIP ↔ control](https://softwaretraining.co.za/inkrip-rip-control-connection)).
6. **Hotfolder enabled after files already dropped** — existing files may not process; enable first ([hotfolder help](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/hotfolder-and-output.md)).
7. **Hotfolder canvas smaller than image** — error; canvas must exceed image size.
8. **Expecting layout extras from hotfolder** — no footnotes/borders/layout settings there.
9. **Confusing Output path** — Job Manager Output column shows where `.prn` landed; look there before re-ripping.
10. **Wrong printer / Mode on multi-driver setups** — check Printer + Mode columns before blaming colour.
11. **Deep custom ICC too early** — stay factory until Eric opens ICC depth ([color-icc-concepts](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/color-icc-concepts.md)).
12. **Mixing VinylCut workflows here** — cut/plotter languages belong in the VinylCut tree, not InkRIP.
13. **Putting serials in notes** — never store activation codes in this tree.
14. **Elevated driver scripts without Eric** — admin leftover exists; do not re-run unless asked.

## Software-only file drills

1. Import a known-size TIFF and a PDF; compare canvas size vs intended print size.
2. Note colour mode of each file; convert a non-critical RGB sample to CMYK and observe.
3. Save a practice canvas; send conceptually to Job Manager without a live printer.
4. Sketch a hotfolder File→`.prn` path on paper (watch folder vs output folder).

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).