The "Optimization" step contains a great number of possible settings. As a basic principle, we recommend that you set known cost data once in the Preferences and apart from that try to find better placements only for a specific job, for example, using the slider. You can collapse the cost data for a better overview (with the triangle button).
You always work with sheet optimization when you are handling gang jobs.
The parameters that you can set differ slightly according to the type of sheet optimization.
You can type in the sheet optimization parameters for the job or load them using a selected parameter set ("Sheet Optimization Setup" button). You can also set certain parameters in the "Plate Template" and "Papers (Printing Materials)" resources and then import them from there ("Use Optimization Parameters from Plate Template" option). This option of combining data does away with creating great numbers of parameter sets and the cost and conditions for certain plates and papers are entered directly at the source.
Another benefit is that you can set up several plate templates in the job that are then all included in optimization. In this case, you should define the optimization parameters in the plate template. The plate template with the best optimization results is then used accordingly and displays in the "Results" step.
In the sections below, you will find a description of the functions in the "Optimization" step or notes on handling them:
Input List for Sheet Optimization (grouping table)
Advanced Settings for Sheet Optimization
Using the Optimization Settings