# InkRIP — core workflow: design → RIP → print

InkRIP-only path. Do not mix vinyl-cutter / VinylCut steps here.

## 0. Before starting

- Know what InkRIP is vs **printing control software** (board/control programme on the printer — separate from the RIP). See [https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/ui-overview.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/ui-overview.md).
- Getting Started series: Buy → Download → Install → Activate → Deactivate (softwaretraining).
- Prefer latest AM build + matching **printer driver** package for the attached machine — **physical printer choice deferred** (Eric skipped hardware for now).
- Activation on Monitor-PC: **done** (7.2.14.0.4). Never store serials here.

## 1. Activate (once per seat) — done on Monitor-PC

1. Launch **InkRIP Easy RIP** (`InkRip.exe`).
2. Enter serial / activate for full features (softwaretraining Part 4) — **already activated**.
3. Deactivate before moving seats (Part 5 / uninstall-reactivate materials).
4. Never store serials in learning trees.

## 2. Printer driver inside InkRIP (concepts now; live attach later)

InkRIP printer drivers are **in-app** (not “only Windows printer”):

1. Understand what an InkRIP printer driver is.
2. Install / uninstall drivers; make copies; set properties.
3. Choose / customise **resolutions**.
4. Confirm **ink slot order** (CMYK / white / varnish as applicable).
5. Import / export drivers (`.dpf` / Printer folder) when updating.

Match driver to the physical AM DTF / UVDTF / FastCOLOUR (or other supported) printer **when Eric names one**. Until then, study UI + factory profiles only.

## 3. Design / layout in InkRIP (or import)

Introduction series flow:

1. UI overview ([https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/ui-overview.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/ui-overview.md)).
2. New / open / save canvas (project).
3. Add images; canvas adjustments; basic operations; tips.
4. Toolbar: shapes, strokes, text, fills, footnotes, etc.
5. Transform / nest / align / flip-rotate / equidistant layout / MSM nesting.
6. Respect design size, DPI, RGB vs CMYK practices ([https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/file-types-and-pitfalls.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/file-types-and-pitfalls.md)).

Many shops design in external apps then **import** into InkRIP for RIP — that’s fine; still an InkRIP workflow.

## 4. Colour management (learning depth)

Color Manager / ICC mini-series (high level):

1. About ICC profiles ([https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/color-icc-concepts.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/color-icc-concepts.md)).
2. Machine / nozzle prep; spectrophotometer where used — **deferred**.
3. Ink limit; linearisation; mixed ink values — **deferred**.
4. Create / import / export ICC; apply new profile — **deferred**.

**Default until Eric says otherwise:** factory / bundled profiles only. Skip deep ICC / spectro until printer + media + spectro availability are decided.

## 5. Job Manager → RIP → print

1. Open **Job Manager** (basic operations → detailed info) — see ui-overview.
2. Confirm **RIP ↔ control software** connection for the printer (when hardware exists).
3. Queue job; choose copies, media size, mirror/nest as needed.
4. RIP / output — e.g. save ripped **`.prn`** where the shop expects ([https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/hotfolder-and-output.md](https://8i.co.za/data/amcoza/software/inkrip/hotfolder-and-output.md)).
5. Print via the linked control path; use **hotfolder** if the shop runs hotfolder (Tools → Hot Folder; English hotfolder help in manuals).

## 6. Spot / white / varnish jobs

- Spot colour / white channel / varnish materials exist (create-spot-color help; spot illustration; DTF white control training).
- Treat as InkRIP colour-channel setup — still not VinylCut.

## 7. Housekeeping

- Handy tips; clean nozzle guidance where InkRIP exposes it.
- Keep Printer drivers updated from cncu when Eric says to.
- Do not run elevated driver install scripts unless Eric asks.

## Software-only practice path (current)

UI → canvas → Job Manager read-only → design-practices files → factory ICC awareness → hotfolder/`.prn` concepts → pause before live printer attach.

Updated: 2026-09-05 (SAST).