In this article, you will learn
- which Fixups are available in Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates in the area of Layers,
- which use cases these Fixups are suitable for.
1. Introduction
When print files are uploaded to the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW application, the documents are checked and partially corrected using Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates, thereby bringing them into a normalized state. Normalizing print data is a key step in prepress, as it saves time, minimizes errors, and partially automates work processes.
Not All Fixups Are Available in a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template
The application makes a clear distinction between Normalizing Print Data and Data Preparation for Production. The Normalization step brings the print data to a uniform standard, which forms the basis for the subsequent Data Preparation. The actual preparation for production takes place at a later stage, by applying individual Fixups or defined Fixup Chains.
Technical Spot Colors Are Automatically Moved to the Appropriate Layer
Objects colored with a system-wide defined Technical Spot Color, or with a Spot Color that is Output as a Separation, are automatically moved to a layer whose name corresponds to the respective Processing Steps Type.
This results in the following benefits:
- Technical objects and Spot Colors that are Output as a Separation can be quickly shown or hidden in the PDF Editor.
- In the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW application, this allows technical objects to be hidden more quickly, disabled during rendering, or specifically targeted when exporting technical objects and colors defined as "Output as Separation".
When layers are reduced, the layers of the Processing Steps Groups and Processing Steps Types are preserved, together with all objects assigned to them. Please note that this exclusion happens automatically and cannot be disabled.
2. Available Fixups for Layers
To take full advantage of the benefits offered by a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template, the templates must first be created. A template essentially consists of various Checks and Fixups. Currently, more than 47 different Fixups are available in the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW application. To ensure a clear overview, the individual Fixups are divided into different categories.
This article provides a detailed description of all Fixups that can be used to remove or reduce invisible or empty layers.
2.1. Remove Hidden Layers
Category: Document, Object, Page Content, Layer
Description: This Fixup deletes all non-visible layers of the print file, as well as all objects located on them.
Use Case: By removing invisible layers and their objects, you reduce the number of objects that need to be checked. It also prevents hidden layers from being accidentally activated when Print Items are imposed together in the Impose Editor.
Figure 1: The Remove Hidden Layers Fixup enabled
2.2. Discard Hidden Layer Content and Flatten to Visible Layers
Category: Document, Object, Page Content, Layer
Description: This Fixup removes all objects on hidden Layers. In addition, all remaining layers – including invisible layers – are flattened and removed from the document. The layers of the Processing Steps Groups and Processing Steps Types are excluded from this. These layers, together with all objects assigned to them, are preserved.
Use Case: Use this Fixup when your print data does not require any layers other than the Processing Steps layers. This prevents conflicts during imposition caused by identically named layers with different visibility.
Figure 2: The Discard hidden layer content and flatten to visible layers Fixup enabled
2.3. Remove Empty Layers
Category: Document, Object, Page Content, Layer
Description: This Fixup deletes all currently empty, and therefore unnecessary, layers in the print file.
Use Case: Removing empty layers reduces the complexity of a PDF file and minimizes uncertainty for the user when visually reviewing the print file. Add this Fixup to every Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template. This Fixup can safely be applied to all print data.
Figure 3: The Remove Empty Layers Fixup enabled
2.4. Move Objects That Are Not Assigned to a Layer to a Layer
Category: Document, Object, Page Content, Layer
Description: By default, objects in a PDF file are not assigned to any layer. This Fixup moves all objects that are not yet assigned to a layer onto the layer with the selected layer name.
Use Case: Use this Fixup to move all printing objects of a PDF file onto the Artwork layer, while all other technical objects and separations remain on, or are moved to, the corresponding Processing Steps layers.
Figure 4: The Move objects that are not assigned to a layer to a layer Fixup enabled
Article update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 2.3.0 – 08/2026