In this article, you will learn
- how to perform Batch Processing,
- which parameters are required for its execution, and
- which additional information can be assigned to the print data.
1. Introduction
Batch Processing enables print data to be processed efficiently and in a structured manner. It allows multiple print files to be uploaded simultaneously, Articles to be created, print data to be prepared, and optionally, exported again or forwarded print data directly to the printer – with or without Imposition. By using Production Configurations, recurring tasks can be automated and individual settings can be applied to different orders. This reduces manual input, accelerates processes, and ensures the quality of data processing.
Using the selected Production Configuration, all sub-steps that the print file must go through can be automated. You can view which Operations are used in the Production Configuration, as well as the progress of each Operation, either under Automation > Automation Jobs or Automation > Batch Processing History. In these areas, you can also navigate to the completed job or intervene if user interaction is required.
The menu item Batch Processing is divided into two main tabs:
- Execute Batch Processing – this tab contains all options required to perform Batch Processing. Here, print data is uploaded, the desired Production Configuration is selected, and all additional parameters relevant to processing the print data are defined.
- Batch Processing History – this area displays all Batch Processing Jobs along with their current status. You can review all processing sub-steps here and manually edit files even while automatic processing is in progress.
2. Prepare Batch Processing
Performing Batch Processing essentially consists of two steps:
- Uploading the print data and preparing all relevant parameters – this includes, in particular, the number of copies, the external ID, and the desired scaling factor. Ensure that all required information is complete and correct to guarantee error-free downstream processing.
- Selecting the desired Production Configuration – choose the configuration that best fits your production scenario from the available options. If required, individual parameters within the configuration can be manually adjusted to optimally align the output with the specific requirements of the respective job.
Once these steps have been completed, the Batch Processing process can be started. All defined Operations are then executed automatically, and the results are provided in the respective target location.
2.1. Uploading Print Data
To upload print data in Batch Processing and assign all relevant parameters, proceed as follows:
- Select the menu item Automation > Batch Processing.
- If metadata is to be extracted from the file name, select the desired Template [2] before uploading the files.
- Add the files to be processed. You can either drag the files into the drop zone [3] or click the drop zone and select the files. Alternatively, you can click + Add [1] to upload print data.
- For each uploaded file, a corresponding row is created in the list below. The order of the Print Items can be changed by dragging the handle [5]. A preview image with the current file information [4] is displayed for each uploaded Print Item.
- For each Print Item, specify the Name [7], Quantity [8], Scale Factor [9], and External ID [10]. By clicking the button Global Changes [6], these parameters can be defined globally for all Print Items. For naming, the following special characters are available to simplify global naming:
$– inserts the file name of the respective Print Item.#– adds automatic numbering for each Print Item. The number of#characters defines the number of digits used for numbering. For example, using three characters (###) assigns the number the number 001 to the first Print Item, 002 to the second, and so on.
Figure 1: The menu item Batch Processing with uploaded print data
2.2. Selecting a Production Configuration
After the print data has been successfully uploaded and all required information has been assigned, the desired Production Configuration must be selected. Proceed as follows:
- In the selection menu [12], choose the preconfigured Production Configuration. If you want to make temporary changes within the Production Configuration, you can do so by clicking Edit [13].
- If no suitable Production Configuration has been created yet, you can create one by clicking + Add [14]. For details on how to create a Production Configuration, please refer to the article Creating a Production Configuration.
- If the Print Item name from the Operation Use Print Item Name from Operation "Check-in Artwork and Normalize" [11] should be used, enable this option.
- If you want to make changes to the selected output template, click Edit [16]. This allows you, for example, to temporarily select a different substrate.
Figure 2: The menu item Batch Processing with all required settings
Output Template not Available
Please note that an Template [16] can only be selected and edited if one of the three Operations for creating a Production Job is used in the selected Production Configuration.
3. Starting and Monitoring Batch Processing
After all required settings have been fully configured, you can start the Batch Processing and monitor its progress. Proceed as follows:
- Inn the action bar (Figure 2), click Start [15] to initiate the Batch Processing.
- Confirm your settings and click Start Batch Production [17] in the dialog Batch Processing to start the Operation.
Figure 3: The dialog Batch Processing, where you can confirm your settings and start Batch Processing
- To monitor the progress, switch to the tab Batch Processing History [18]. Here you will find an overview of all current and completed batch processes.
- Use the Quick Filters [19] to simplify searching for the desired Batch Process. The most recently started batch process is displayed as the first entry [20] in the list.
- Select the previously started Batch Process to display which Operations [21] have already been completed and which are still in progress. Any errors encountered will also be displayed in this list.
- Click the button Go to Detail View [22] to navigate directly to the corresponding Automation Job.
Figure 4: Overview of the tab Batch Processing History
Article update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 1.22.0 – 11/2025