KODAK Preps 9.5 (Complete Guide to Imposition Software)

Overview of KODAK Preps 9.5 Imposition Software

KODAK Preps is industry-standard imposition software used to create press-run layouts for bound-work impositions, ganged flat work, and step-and-repeat projects. As a versatile prepress tool, Preps 9.5 enables users to work interactively or leverage stored templates for frequently repeated layouts, significantly reducing manual setup time.

Key capabilities of Preps 9.5 include:

• Support for PDF input files and unpopulated job pages for sheetfed or web press-run layouts

• Compatibility with packaging label and flexible bag printer workflows

• Output to any PostScript-compatible device, including computer-to-plate (CTP) devices, imagesetters, digital printers, and wide-format imposition proofers

• Integration with Kodak Prinergy Workflow systems as well as third-party solutions like Agfa ApogeeX, Rampage, and Harlequin-based RIPs

Whether you are managing a commercial print shop or a packaging production facility, Preps 9.5 provides the flexibility and precision needed to optimize your prepress operations.

Key Features of Preps 9.5

KODAK Preps 9.5 delivers a comprehensive feature set designed for professional imposition workflows.

SmartMark Technology

SmartMarks are intelligent marks that automatically adjust based on the layout. Preps 9.5 introduces updated logic for SmartMarks anchored to pages or page bleeds. This enhancement addresses anchor issues identified in earlier versions, ensuring marks are placed accurately in both preview and output.

Template-Based Workflow

Save frequently used layouts as templates to eliminate repetitive setup work. Preps 9.5 supports efficient template creation and management, allowing you to maintain consistency across jobs while reducing production time.

Integration Capabilities

Preps 9.5 integrates seamlessly with Kodak Prinergy Workflow. For integrated installations, the software is automatically deployed when the Prinergy client installer runs, with templates and resources stored on the Prinergy server’s AraxiPreps volume. The software also supports standalone installations for environments not using Prinergy.

Multiple Output Formats

Send imposition output to a wide range of devices and file formats. Preps 9.5 supports common production workflows, including VPS output and PDF generation.

What’s New in Preps 9.5

Version 9.5 introduces important enhancements and resolves several known issues from previous releases.

Improved SmartMark Anchor Logic

Preps 9.5 implements new logic for SmartMarks anchored to pages and page bleeds. This update specifically addresses anchor-related problems reported in Preps 9.0.x, where marks could appear in unexpected positions during output. For existing jobs, users need to re-create marks in Preps 9.5 to benefit from the improved logic.

Important note: The legacy setting -RETAINLEGACYANCHORMARK:YES in Preps configuration files is ignored in version 9.5. This setting is now obsolete and no longer required.

Resolved Issues

Preps 9.5 fixes multiple issues, including:

• Importing impositions failing when the job home was Azure file storage (PREPS-16652)

• VPS output errors related to page marks anchored to bind edges (PREPS-16666, PREPS-16667)

• Text marks being cropped or shifted incorrectly when anchored to page margins (PREPS-16670)

• Rectangular and custom mark positioning issues (PREPS-16680, PREPS-16681)

Known Limitations

Important considerations for Preps 9.5:

• The Preps Migration Utility does not run on 64-bit Mac systems (PREPS-16594)

• JDF interpretation from MultiPress may not be parsed correctly (PREPS-16591)

• Custom plate additions may cause unexpected rotation in JDF/PJTF output (PREPS-136)

• M1 Mac processors have been tested on OS 12.x, but Kodak recommends caution when deploying on any OS 12 Intel or M1 Mac

System Requirements for Preps 9.5

Before installing Preps 9.5, verify that your workstation meets the following requirements.

Supported Operating Systems

Note: Windows 10 is certified for use with Preps 9.5, though Microsoft’s standard support for Windows 10 ends in 2025. Kodak recommends upgrading to Windows 11 for optimal support and compatibility.

Unsupported operating systems include:

• macOS Catalina (10.15) and earlier – no longer supported as of October 1, 2023

• Windows 10 IoT, Windows 11 IoT, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise

Hardware Requirements

Important considerations:

• Kodak recommends creating a dual-boot environment or Time Machine backup before deploying on OS 12.x Intel or M1 Mac systems

• Kodak has not tested every processor or OS combination but relies on chip manufacturer and OS vendor compatibility testing

Installation Guide for Preps 9.5

Preps 9.5 can be installed in one of two configurations: integrated with Prinergy Workflow or standalone.

Integrated Installation

If your Preps 9.5 version is integrated with Kodak Prinergy Workflow, the software is automatically installed or updated in the Workshop directory when the installer runs on the client workstation. Key points for integrated installations:

• Templates, marks, resources, and printers folders are located on the Prinergy server’s AraxiPreps volume

• The PrepsPrinergy.cfg profile is used when launching from Workshop

• Run the Preps Template Migration Utility to convert legacy jobs and templates

• Do not attempt to overwrite or install Preps directly on the AraxiPreps share of a Prinergy Workflow server

Standalone Installation

For standalone environments, follow these steps:

1. Log on as administrator to your workstation

2. Back up any existing Preps installation – store a copy of the current Preps folder in another location

3. Download the installer from Kodak Partner Place (Service & Support > Prepress Software Downloads)

4. Run the Installation Wizard – double-click the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions

5. Address Mac security settings if needed – on macOS, you may need to adjust Security & Privacy settings to allow applications downloaded from “Anywhere”

6. Migrate configuration settings – use the Migration Utility tool to copy previous settings from your backup to the new installation

7. License the software – use either a floating license from Prinergy Workflow or the software licensing option

Important Installation Notes

• A computer restart may be required after installation

• Preps 9.5 ignores the legacy -RETAINLEGACYANCHORMARK:YES setting in configuration files

• Profile folders for Windows installations now reside at C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Kodak\Preps

How to Use Preps 9.5 Effectively

Working with SmartMarks

SmartMarks in Preps 9.5 use updated anchor logic for pages and page bleeds. To ensure correct mark placement:

1. Launch Preps 9.5 and open or create a layout

2. Apply SmartMarks anchored to pages or bleeds

3. Check mark positions in the preview – if marks appear in unexpected locations, re-create them in Preps 9.5

4. Save new marks – take screenshots of existing SmartMark properties for reference

Tip: For the SmartMark Range field, using “odd” or “even” keywords applies marks only to the first press run. Use t:odd or t:even to apply marks to all runs.

Template and Job Management

When working with templates in Preps 9.5:

• Adding a new press sheet while in template edit mode exits template editing – you can still save as a template

• Duplicating an existing press run keeps you in template edit mode

• You cannot rename a press run after editing when adding it from a template to a job – the name becomes editable after the first save

Output and Preview Considerations

Be aware that text marks placed too close to adjacent pages may appear cropped in output, even if they display correctly in the Preps preview. The preview operates in a sandbox that shows the full image, so always verify output results for critical jobs.

Best Use Cases for Preps 9.5

Commercial Print Production

Preps 9.5 excels in commercial printing environments producing books, magazines, flyers, trading cards, and business cards. Its template-based workflow enables quick turnaround for repeat jobs while the interactive workspace handles custom layouts efficiently.

Packaging and Label Printing

The software supports packaging label and flexible bag printer workflows. For single-sided packaging products like folding cartons and labels, Preps integrates with Prinergy for round-trip access to Pandora imposition software.

Ganged Flat Work and Step-and-Repeat

Preps 9.5 handles ganged flat work (multiple jobs on one press sheet) and step-and-repeat (repeating the same image across the sheet) with precision. These capabilities maximize press sheet utilization and reduce waste.

Integration with Workflow Systems

Beyond Kodak Prinergy, Preps 9.5 supports third-party workflow solutions including Agfa ApogeeX, Rampage, Global Graphics Harlequin, and Artwork Systems Nexus. This flexibility makes it suitable for diverse production environments.

Advantages and Limitations of Preps 9.5

Advantages

• Industry-standard reliability – proven imposition tool trusted by print professionals worldwide

• Flexible deployment options – integrated with Prinergy or standalone installation

• Enhanced SmartMark logic – improved accuracy for marks anchored to pages and bleeds

• Template efficiency – reuse layouts to dramatically reduce setup time

• Broad output compatibility – supports diverse PostScript devices and file formats

• Automation support – workflows can be automated for high-volume production

Limitations

• Migration challenges – the Migration Utility does not run on 64-bit Mac systems

• M1 Mac deployment caution – not fully certified; Kodak recommends testing before broad deployment

• JDF interpretation – MultiPress JDF parsing may have issues

• SmartMark re-creation required – existing marks need to be re-created in version 9.5 to benefit from new anchor logic

• Windows 10 sunset approaching – Microsoft’s standard support ends in 2025, though extended support is available

Alternatives to KODAK Preps 9.5

Ultimate Impostrip Pro Offset

Ultimate Impostrip is gaining traction as a modern imposition solution, particularly integrated with the Xitron K2 Workflow as a replacement for legacy Kodak Prinergy installations. Key advantages include:

• Full dynamic flexibility and efficiency for digital and offset printing

• Perpetual licensing instead of subscription-based models

• Direct access to imposition editing from the workflow interface

• Professional features for managing imposition workflows, including control over page position, bleeds, page-spread, scaling, marks, and margins

Pandora by Kodak

Pandora is Kodak’s imposition software designed specifically for single-sided packaging products like folding cartons and labels. Unlike Preps (which targets commercial double-sided products), Pandora provides specialized packaging imposition tools with full round-trip integration with Prinergy.

Heidelberg Prinect Signa Station

Heidelberg’s imposition solution for commercial products supports import via PJTF and JDF file formats. While Kodak does not formally test this integration, it remains an option for shops already using Heidelberg workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Preps 9.5 compatible with Apple M1 Macs?

Preps 9.5 has been tested on macOS 12.x with M1 processors. However, Kodak recommends caution when deploying on M1 Macs. Consider creating a dual-boot environment or Time Machine backup before implementation, and allow time to ensure all software functions correctly in your specific environment.

What are the main improvements in Preps 9.5 over earlier versions?

Preps 9.5 introduces updated SmartMark anchor logic to resolve positioning issues reported in Preps 9.0.x. The update fixes multiple known issues with page marks, bleed marks, and VPS output accuracy. The legacy -RETAINLEGACYANCHORMARK:YES configuration setting is now ignored.

How do I install Preps 9.5 as a standalone application?

Log on as administrator, back up any existing Preps installation, download the installer from Kodak Partner Place, run the Installation Wizard, and then license the software. Use the Migration Utility to copy configuration settings from previous versions. For full details, refer to the installation guide above.

Can I use Preps 9.5 with Windows 10?

Yes, Windows 10 is certified for use with Preps 9.5. While Microsoft’s standard support for Windows 10 ends in 2025, extended support is available directly from Microsoft. Kodak recommends upgrading to Windows 11 for better support and compatibility.

What should I do if my SmartMarks appear in the wrong position in Preps 9.5?

If SmartMarks anchored to pages or bleeds appear in unexpected locations, re-create the marks in Preps 9.5 rather than using marks created in earlier versions. The new anchor logic in version 9.5 resolves issues present in Preps 9.0.x. Take screenshots of existing SmartMark properties before re-creating them for reference.

Does Preps 9.5 support third-party workflow systems?

Yes, Preps 9.5 works with various third-party workflow solutions, including Agfa ApogeeX, Rampage, Global Graphics Harlequin, Artwork Systems Nexus, and TrueFlow software. It can also operate as a standalone PDF environment.

How do I convert legacy jobs and templates for Preps 9.5?

Use the Preps Template Migration Utility to convert legacy jobs and templates. For integrated installations, templates and resources are located on the Prinergy server’s AraxiPreps volume. For standalone installations, these folders are stored locally.

Final Thoughts

KODAK Preps 9.5 continues to be a vital imposition solution for print professionals, delivering the precision and flexibility required in modern prepress workflows. The SmartMark logic improvements in version 9.5 address critical anchor issues from previous releases, while the software’s template-based approach and broad integration capabilities make it suitable for diverse production environments.

When deploying Preps 9.5, pay careful attention to system requirements – especially if you are using M1 Macs or Windows 10 workstations nearing end-of-support. For most commercial print and packaging operations, Preps 9.5 provides the reliability, efficiency, and compatibility needed to maintain productive prepress workflows. If your organization is evaluating alternatives, consider Ultimate Impostrip for modernized workflows with perpetual licensing, or Pandora for specialized packaging imposition needs.

Always obtain Preps 9.5 through authorized Kodak channels and ensure proper licensing for compliance and access to technical support.