Free dtp prepress software for mac

Global Graphics has released a simple to use, free of charge overprint control strip for checking that proofs and prints made from files transmitted as PDF/X have rendered correctly.

The PDF/X standards are becoming increasingly popular methods of delivery of graphic arts content from one company or site to another.

A file prepared in accordance with the standards is likely to process through a prepress workflow with no errors and a more predictable result than a general PDF file.

Its worth remembering, however, that part of the reason for the predictability is that the PDF/X standards are not just file formats - they also specify correct rendering behavior of the files in the RIPs driving proofing printers, image setters and CTP devices.

The Global Graphics PDF/X overprint control strip is supplied as an EPS file that can be placed outside the trim or bleed area of a job in a design application.

When the job is later converted to one of the PDF/X conformance levels and then proofed or printed, the strip will show whether or not the rendering process in that proofing or prepress system has been configured in conformance to the PDF/X standards. It may also be placed on a press sheet by an imposition application.

Client Folder Maker is simple and easy to use folder management tool for the busy desktop publisher, prepress operator or web designer. It allows you to set up special client folders that are used consistently from project to project, based on that customers name and job number.

Client Folder Maker utilizes a very simple approach to building up custom folder names, with support folders used in any job. While the script has a very small footprint, there is also a preferences pane which allows you to add, rename, or delete folders in the job hierarchy, as well as establish a target working folder which would be used for archives. The archives folder can be on your desktop, or on a share.

DownloadDemon DDClientX / DownloadDemonServer ia a easy, simple, smart and save solution (Server/Client) to share/download files.

With password, encryption, and file filter features.

The DTP Dashboard widget calculates the date and time in a decimal format and displays it.

Days according to DTP are counted from April 7, 1795. Time is calculated in a decimal manner in milliDies (a thousanth of a day) and microDies (a millionth of a day). The related website describes the premises and application of the project in practical terms and how time and date calculation will be when the system has been universally implemented.

Scaletron! is a scaling calculator -- an electronic replacement for the old graphic arts proportion wheel, used for calculating enlargements and reductions of artwork. Great for sizing scans and artwork, calculating page enlargements or reductions and other layout or output needs, Scaletron! is an ideal tool for graphic artists, scanner operators and prepress technicians.
Main features:
Scaletron! is simple yet provides several options as to which parameters you want to enter and calculate such as:
- Enter an original width and a new width to get the scaling percentage.
- Enter an original width and a percentage to obtain the new width.
- Enter an original width and height and a new width and get the scaling percentage and the new height.

MatchFlow Composer, formerly known as PageComposer, is a powerful software solution that provides file conversion and RIP-once workflow for Proofers, CtP, Film, Gravure and digital page exchange. Composer enables digital workflow from DTP to CtP : PDF - PDF/X - PostScript - TIFF/IT-P1 - TIFF/IT 8 - (Scitex) CT & LW - DCS2 - EPS - JPEG - TIFF - 1 Bit TIFF.

Matchflow Composer bridges the gap between prepress file formats and any PostScript output device. Users can view, convert and generate secured raster files for any kind of output device.
By leveraging hot folders, job templates, AppleScript and ColorSync, MatchFlow Composer turns your Macintosh into a fully automated prepress system for a digital workflow. MatchFlow Composer users can direct a workflow in multiple directions based on job requirements.
So whether you need to RIP PostScript into TIFF/IT or convert files into PDF/X or DCS2,MatchFlow Composer will manage multiple tasks, quickly and automatically on your Macintosh.

FontExplorer X sets a new standard for font management software. After several relatively sad years for all font users who were looking for a professional font manager, Linotype is pleased to fill the gap with the new FontExplorer X.
Font management has never been so simple, and font sorting, font shopping and font discovery are now more fun than ever. FontExplorer X will give computer users all the font functions they could need, and will allow them to decide how deeply they wish to dive into various font themes.
Powerful font handling
Organize your fonts just like your media files ? using a library, folders, tags and even smart sets. You want direct access to all typefaces from a certain foundry? All italics? Or all fonts tagged with a certain keyword? FontExplorer X makes this easy!
All fonts and formats are recognized automatically and can be managed in a comfortable way. You decide whether FontExplorer X should take control over the folder structure, or if you want to leave it untouched ? we built this software to be as unobtrusive as possible.
Built-in Online Store
Ever wanted to browse through fonts you want in the same way as the fonts you already have? Try Linotypes FontExplorer X and its integrated shopping solution. Whenever you are looking for a particular font, you will find it here. And the best part: you can try it and play around with it before you buy it.
Examine and compare fonts inside FontExplorer Xs online store as if they were installed on your system. If you found your favourite, add it to your shopping cart and purchase it with only a few clicks. This is a whole new font licensing experience.
Auto-Activation
Finally an auto-activation function that really works! FontExplorer X lets you decide which applications may request fonts, and which may not. And of course there are plugins for popular DTP apps like Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Quark XPress.
Detailed font information
FontExplorer X shows virtually every bit of information a font file can contain. You can examine the complete character set, inform yourself about the legal stuff or just see a few sample paragraphs to know what a font looks like in real-life context.
Main features:
Help Functions
- Setup Assistant
- Auto Updater
- Comprehensive Application Help
- Online FAQ Archive
Font Management
- Enable/Disable Fonts
- Clear Font Caches
- Clear Application (Adobe, Microsoft, Quark) Font Caches
- Enable/Disable Sets
- Smart Sets
- Support for Apple?s Font Collections
- Typeface family view
- OpenType style linking view
Font Information
- Customizable Preview
- Detailed Preview
- Character View
- Font Information
- Export as image/zip/disk image
- Character information
System Integration
- Spotlight Support
- Works on 10.3.9 and 10.4
Missing-Font Handling
- Systemwide auto-activation of fonts
- Adobe InDesign CS1/CS2 Support
- Adobe Illustrator CS1/CS2 Support
- QuarkXPress 6.5 Support
Language Versions
- Supported languages are currently English and German.
Miscellaneous
- Integrated Font Store
- Conflict Handling
- Document font scanner
- Growl support
- Free download

Enhancements
- This update (Version 1.2.3) fixes among other things some misbehavior in previous versions of FontExplorer X when used under Mac OS X 10.5. It is strongly recommended for all users of Mac OS X 10.5.
- Updated features: The ?Clean System Fonts Folder? function now also takes care of those fonts that are part of the System installation of Mac OS X 10.5.
- System font requests for auto activation caused requesting applications to hang until FontExplorer X is quit. This has been fixed
- Deleting font caches under Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) now works as expected
- Show/Hide Font Collections under Mac OS X 10.5 now works as expected
- Smart Set conditions ?contained in? and ?not contained in? now work as expected
- Instability (freezes, crashes) with QuarkXPress 6.5 when using the Plug-In have been fixed (new Plug-In v1.41)