# InkRIP — hotfolder & output types (software-only)

InkRIP-only. Concepts from AM-stored English hotfolder help (`InkRIP-Hotfolder-Help-English.pdf` prefer V7.2.14.0 / 2026-03-25) + Job Manager / RIP-control training. No first physical printer named.

## Hotfolder — what it is

A **hotfolder** is a watched folder: when enabled, dropping supported images into that folder **automatically** starts RIP/print according to that hotfolder’s saved parameters. Useful for repeat shop jobs without opening every file on the canvas.

Entry (English help): **Tools → Hot Folder**.

### Create / configure (help flow)

1. **Create** → open Hot Folder parameter settings.
2. Select the **printer** (InkRIP printer driver) this hotfolder uses.
3. Choose **Solution** (curve / colour scheme to use).
4. **Send Type:**
   - **TCP/IP** — enter printer IP + port (network path to control / printer).
   - **File** — generate a **PRN** file into a chosen output folder; optional save of BMP alongside.
5. Pick the **folder path** to watch; optional **auto-delete** source files after processing.
6. Optional orientation: horizontal / vertical mirror; rotation 0° / 90° / 180° / 270°; then OK.

### Enable / manage

- Tick the hotfolder row → **Confirm** to enable (Confirm **saves**; window X closes **without** saving).
- Modify / Delete / Clear all / Select all / Invert selection as needed.
- **Spot colour** settings on a hotfolder exist but need activation features — do not put serials/dongle codes in this tree.

### Hotfolder notes (from help — learn these)

| Rule | Why it matters |
|------|----------------|
| Enable the hotfolder **before** dropping files | Files already sitting there may **not** process. |
| Canvas size must **exceed** image dimensions | Otherwise error. |
| No print-confirmation UI options | Hotfolder skips normal/absolute-coordinate confirmation choices. |
| Spot colour OK; footnotes / borders / layout extras **not** | Hotfolder is not full layout Job Manager. |
| Optional clear images on software close | Excludes subfolders. |

Prefer current V7 English hotfolder PDF over older 2024-05-20 leftover when reading manuals (`T:\V\sources\manuals\inkrip\InkRIP-Hotfolder-Help-English.pdf`).

## Output types — RIP result

After RIP, the printer must read the converted file. Training frames two layers:

1. **InkRIP (RIP)** — design/import → Job Manager → RIP.
2. **Control software** — loads the ripped file and drives the machine (leave it running so InkRIP can communicate).

### `.prn` (print / RIP file)

- Common ripped **print file** output when Send Type = File or when Job Manager saves to a path.
- Job Manager **Output** column shows the path when ripping to file (convenient for flash-drive / manual load into control software).
- AM YouTube dump titles mention saving ripped `.prn` (S-INKRIP) — treat as confirmation that `.prn` is a normal shop convention, not a VinylCut format.

### Other related outputs

| Kind | Notes |
|------|--------|
| **Direct / TCP-IP send** | Hotfolder or Job Manager path to printer IP:port — no intermediate file if configured that way. |
| **BMP (optional with File send)** | Hotfolder File mode can also save BMP — preview/debug; not the primary printer language. |
| **Control-software queue** | After `.prn` (or live send), control software prints; InkRIP Job Manager status/progress still useful for RIP-side tracking. |

Exact preferred practice folder for `.prn` on Monitor-PC is still an Eric question (software/config — not hardware model).

## Software-only drills

1. Open Tools → Hot Folder; read Create fields without enabling live print.
2. Mentally map File → `.prn` folder vs TCP/IP → IP:port.
3. In Job Manager detail columns, find where **Output** path would appear after a file RIP.
4. Do **not** enable hotfolder on a production path until Eric confirms watch folder + printer target.

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).