How to Configure Hot folder in DesignO?

A hot folder is an automatic delivery channel: DesignO pushes order files to a server folder you control (or writes them to a local path) so your remote printer, prepress system, or archiving process receives print-ready jobs and metadata without manual downloads. Use hot folders to send full order ZIPs (metadata + assets), or only the print-ready artwork files — whichever your workflow requires. 

1. ZIP (order) mode: the ZIP contains the complete order package — metadata (CSV/XML/TXT), customer/order details, and all artwork files (SVG, PDF, PNG, etc.). If imposition is enabled, the imposition sheet may be included. Use this when you need order context and files together.
   
2. Artwork only mode: the ZIP (or output) contains only print-ready artwork files intended for direct printing — no extra order metadata. Use this when the receiving system only expects ready-to-print files. 
   

Decide which mode fits your downstream system before configuring.

Below is a clean, actionable step-by-step guide to define, test and use hot folder settings in DesignO.

Step 1 - Open the hot folder settings in DesignO

1. Log in to the DesignO admin. 
2. Go to Web-to-Print Setup → Production Profile.
3. Select an existing production profile or click Add New.
   

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1. Locate the Enable Hot Folder column and click Edit to open hot folder settings.

Note: Hot folder configuration is done per production profile, so different product types or printers can receive files differently.

Step 2 - Choose where files should be pushed

You have two main delivery targets:

A. Local (server path):

1. Choose Local if the receiving process reads from a path on the same server or a mounted network path.
   
2. Enter the Local Path (absolute path) where DesignO should write files.

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Step 9: Provide the FTP remote path or host URL, FTP username, FTP password, FTP port, and the FTP path for the file.

Step 10: Specify the folder where the hot folder file should be pushed.

Step 11: Set the connection time and enable passive FTP.

Step 12: Specify whether the file is a ZIP file or an artwork file. A ZIP file contains complete order details, while an artwork file only contains the artwork ready for printing.

Step 13: Set up the hot folder. The FTP remote is the host URL for the server. The FTP username, password, and port are provided by the server provider.

If there are difficulties in setting up, provide the details for assistance.

This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of hot folders and how to define their settings. Enjoy exploring this feature.

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