Groups

Groups let you package multiple images together so certain parameters can be applied to the group. With Groups, it is possible to create positioning specific to the Group, nest multiple groups inside a job, or apply Nesting parameters only inside the Group. It is also possible to use Group as a top-level tag instead of <Job> or <Image>.

Images inside a goup can be edited and positioned like any other element in a job. When positioning, keep in mind that the defined position is always relative to the group, not the job. So, for example, two groups may have an image positioned at the coordinates 10 10, but the images will not overlap because the second group is placed next to the first (Notable exception here is when nesting inside groups is used).

Attribute	Description	Possible Values
NestingPreset	Controls the type of Nesting mode that should be used.	Easy Cutting Allow Rotation Easy Cutting No Rotation Minimum Waste No Rotation Minimum Waste Allow Rotation Keep Image Order
NestingWidthMm	Specifies the width of the group. This way the nesting function can be constrained to a specific width.	Any width no larger than media size in mm.

Sample Code for Group

<HotFile>

<Job>

                <Group>

                               <Image FileName="C:\images\imagefile.png"></Image>

                               <Image FileName=" C:\images\imagefile2.png "></Image>

                </Group>

<Group>

                               <Image FileName="C:\images\imagefile3.png"></Image>

                               <Image FileName=" C:\images\imagefile4.png "></Image>

                </Group>

</Job>

</HotFile>                                                                                                                          

Nesting with Groups

Groups can be used together with nesting outside the group (i.e., keep positioning inside the group the same, but nest multiple groups in the job, as well as inside the group (i.e. nest images inside the group together, but have the nesting not affect images outside the group).

For more information and samples on Nesting with Groups, see the article Nesting.

 

Centering with Groups

By grouping images together and then centering the group, we can keep the position of each image inside the group the same but center the entire group inside the job. While regular centering functions will place each image on a new line, grouped images will stay together and can therefore be centered together.

For more information and samples on Centering with Groups, see the article Image.

 

Group as Top-Level Tag

By using <Group> as the top-level tag directly under HotFile, Jobs can be extended across multiple XML files. Since the <Group> tag itself does not close the Job, multiple XML files that only contain groups can be combined into one Job in the HotFolder using the “Start Printing” function in HotFolder > Settings >Job.

For example, if your Start Printing setting is set 1 meter, and you only introduce xml files with the top level <Group> tag, the HotFolder will wait until the total combined length of the XML group files reaches 1 meter. It will then combine all the groups into one job (While retaining their grouping and positioning inside the group) and output that job to the PrintQueue.

Sample code for Group as top-level tag

<HotFile>

                <Group>

                               <Image FileName="C:\images\imagefile.png"></Image>

                               <Image FileName=" C:\images\imagefile2.png "></Image>

                </Group>

</HotFile>                                                                                                                             

• Related Articles

• Nesting

  The Nesting function automatically arranges images in the job and positions them to save media or allow for easier cutting by aligning edges. In the JobComposer, Nesting is applied by selecting images in a job and running the function to create the ...

• Rectangular Nesting

  Repositions and rotates all images in the Job according to set criteria such as easy cutting, save media, etc. Nesting always uses the outer rectangular shape of an image as its boundary, transparencies in files to create complex outlines will not be ...

• Cut Environments

  Cut Environment can be thought of as containers that house the different settings specific to the cut device such as cutmarks, step size, pressure settings, as well as the CutQueue and the Port settings. You can also find a interesting videos on ...

• About Print Environments

  Introduction to Print Environments Print Environments in Ergosoft RIPs can be thought of as a package of settings relating to a specific printer / material / ink combination. Print Environments are sometimes referred to and thought of as Printer ...