Today, we will delve into the concept of imposition, the types of imposition supported by DesignO, and how to configure a product to achieve an imposed print-ready output file for a pending product. Additionally, we will demonstrate placing an order, provide a reference, and showcase the imposition sheet and output. Let's begin by understanding what imposition is. Imposition involves arranging multiple instances of a product on a single sheet to optimize space and reduce waste. This process is particularly crucial for smaller printing products such as business cards, envelopes, labels, holding signs, parking labels, and direction kits.

Please note that the video and article screenshots may appear slightly different due to ongoing DesignO version upgrades. The tutorial video was originally recorded on DesignO Version 2.0, whereas the help article has now been updated to reflect Version 2.5. As a result, certain UI elements, screen layouts, or timestamp references in the screenshots may vary from what is shown in the video. However, the overall functionality, workflow, and process demonstrated in both the video and the article remain the same and accurate. The steps can be followed as demonstrated, irrespective of the minor interface differences caused by version enhancements.

We will guide you through the configuration of a product for imposition.

Our goal is to obtain an imposed print-ready output file.

We will also walk you through placing an order. A reference will be provided for clarity.

A demo will illustrate the process further. You will see the imposition sheet.

And finally, the output of the imposition process.

To illustrate, let's use the example of a business card.

Imagine a business card measuring three by two inches.

Printing a single business card on a large sheet, for example, twelve by ten inches, would result in significant paper waste.

Through imposition, multiple business cards are printed on one sheet, efficiently using the space and reducing waste. This process is facilitated by software, eliminating the need for manual arrangement.

To apply imposition in a design project, it is essential to navigate through the correct settings.

This process begins by accessing the Production profile of the Printing product type.

From there, the next step involves proceeding to the production profile.

Log in to your DesignO admin panel and then click on the Settings icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Select Production Profile option under the Production section of the settings.

You will see a list of all existing profiles created for your account.

Scroll down and open the Imposition Setting and enable the N-up Output toggle

At this point, users can select the sheet size that corresponds to their printer, such as A4 or 12x18 inches.

Select the preferred Sheet Size

The system calculates how many items fit onto one sheet.

Set:

1. Bleed margin between units

2. Optional fields:
   Vertical Gutter: Enable this option to define vertical spacing between imposed items on the sheet. This helps maintain proper separation between rows during cutting and finishing.
   Horizontal Gutter: Enable this option to define horizontal spacing between imposed items on the sheet. This ensures adequate spacing between columns for accurate trimming and handling.

Sheet Management:

If you want to add your own predefined sheet size, so that it can reflect in the ‘Sheet Size’ dropdown, as visible in the screenshot below, you need to go to the Sheet Management option.

To create your own sheet, you can either click on the ‘+’ icon beside the dropdown, or you can click on the ‘Sheet Management’ module visible under the Production category.

All the sheets visible in the dropdown list will be visible to you.

Just click on the Add Sheet option to create your own sheet with your preferred size and measurement. 

Click on Submit to save your sheet, and it will now be visible in the dropdown of the ‘Sheet Size’ section of the Imposition Setting in the Production Profile.

Ensure that the correct Production Profile, in which we have set the Imposition Settings, have been assigned to the required product as visible in the screenshot below. (in this case, Printing Production Profile)

Once everything is set in the backend, we will now proceed to place an order to use as an example here.

This example uses a two-sided design to show how front and back pages are processed in the imposition output.

Once the design is finalized, a test order is placed from the storefront to generate the imposed print-ready output file.

Once the order is placed successfully, we are able to see that order in the DesignO backend in the Orders under the Order Management section.

Once you edit the order and go to the Products section, you will be able to see the Generate Output and Download Output options.

Once you click on Generate Output, you will then be able to download the output file using the Download Output button.

The downloaded production file displays the imposed sheet layout, where multiple units of the product are arranged on a single sheet according to the selected sheet size, bleed, and gutter settings.

The imposition output is generated as a multi-page file, with the front side displayed on the first page and the back side on the second page, ensuring correct alignment for double-sided printing.

The imposed sheet also includes bleed margin, enabling accurate trimming and finishing after printing.

This method highlights the importance of understanding and applying imposition settings correctly. For those who may have questions or require further clarification, the support team is readily available for assistance at support@designnbuy.com . This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of imposition and its practical application in the printing process, ensuring users can effectively utilize this technique.