, the Adobe logo, Acrobat®, the Acrobat logo, Acrobat Reader®, Distiller®, Adobe PDF JobReady™, InDesign®,
®
, and the PostScript logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in
the United States and/or other countries. All instances of the name PostScript in the text are references to the
PostScript language as defined by Adobe Systems Incorporated unless otherwise stated. The name PostScript is used
as a product trademark for Adobe Systems implementation of the PostScript language interpreter, and other Adobe
products. Copyright 1987-2020 Adobe Systems Incorporated and its licensors. All rights reserved. Includes Adobe
®
PDF Libraries and Adobe Normalizer technology.
®
Intel
, Pentium®, Centrino®, and Xeon®are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Intel Core™Duo is a trademark
of Intel Corporation.
Intelligent Mail
Macintosh
®
is a registered trademark of the United States Postal Service.
®
, Mac®, and Mac OS®are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the United States and other
countries. Elements of Apple Technical User Documentation used by permission from Apple, Inc.
®
Novell
and NetWare®are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Oracle®is a
registered trademark of Oracle Corporation Redwood City, California.
PANTONE
™
and other Pantone Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone Inc. All rights reserved. QR Code™is a
trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated in Japan and/or other countries.
Windows
Explorer are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Microsoft
®
, Windows®10, Windows Server®2012, Windows Server®2016, Windows Server®2019, and Internet
®
and MS-DOS®are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
All other product names and services mentioned in this publication are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. They are used throughout this publication for the benefit of those companies, and are not
intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with the publication.
Companies, names, and data used in examples are fictitious unless otherwise noted.
While every care has been taken in the preparation of this material, no liability is accepted by Xerox Corporation arising
out of any inaccuracies or omissions.
Changes are made periodically to this document. Changes, technical inaccuracies, and typographical errors are
corrected in subsequent editions.
The new edition of Xerox FreeFlow VI Suite brings new changes and enhancements to this VI Design
Pro solution. The high-speed and productivity advantages of this VI Design Pro solution can be
extended to new Xerox printers, such as the Nuvera, iGen, high-speed Xerox CF Production Inkjet
Printers, and for the first time, to the non-Xerox Windows-based printers in hybrid print environments.
With more than 20,000 Xerox installs worldwide, driving production and office printers, now
customers can extend the productivity advantages of the FreeFlow VI Suite to all Windows-based
engines in a multi-vendor environment.
FreeFlow VI Compose Open Edition (VIC(OE)) brings the high-speed advantage of Dynamic
Document Construction (DDC) to non-Windows-based printers throughout the enterprise. Document
composition occurs at the printer, which eliminates the following:
•The need for separate and expensive composition servers
•The time consuming pre-composition step
•The need for chunking of data
There are no large files to process on the printer controller, which further accelerates throughput
speed. VIC(OE) provides unsurpassed variable print efficiency.
The purpose of the VIC(OE) option is to allow customers who use the VI Compose software and tools
on Xerox production devices to run those same jobs on other Windows-based production print
equipment.
A validation test file is provided, that tests the device for VIPP
you cannot run VIC(OE) on that device. If the validation passes, the device can support VIC(OE).
Refer to Validation).
VIC(OE) is a modified version of the FreeFlow VI Compose software that is supported on Xerox print
engines. VIC(OE) has been modified to install on non-Xerox Windows-based devices, and to support
license activation through normal Xerox channels.
Due to internal operational differences between Xerox and non-Xerox print devices, some limitations
apply. These limitations exist mainly in the areas of feeding and finishing, but can also exist in other
areas. For example, the limitations can exist in jobs where VIPP
information to the device. Xerox has no control over the third-party devices. Therefore, it is possible
that operations that are normal for Xerox devices, are not allowed on the third-party device. Because
of these possible limitations, before you run jobs in production, Xerox recommends that you run full
validation of the jobs on the third-party device.
Note: As an alternative to running VIC (OE), Xerox supplies a VIPP®to PDF solution called
FreeFlow VI eCompose. FreeFlow VI eCompose processes VIPP
production speeds. FreeFlow VI eCompose provides other powerful features. For more
information, refer to www.support.xerox.com/support/, or talk to your Xerox sales
representative. In addition, you can export PDFs directly from Xerox design tools such as
FreeFlow VI Design Pro and FreeFlow VI Design Express.
®
enablement. If the validation fails,
®
attempts to write file position
®
jobs and generates PDFs at
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
5
Overview
For more information about limitations, refer to VIC(OE) Limitations.
Note: This document describes the order and installation process, and the validation and
licensing processes of VIC(OE). For more information about the FreeFlow VI Suite and the
®
VIPP
language, refer to Documentation and support.
6
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
Overview
Validation
The initial step required to support VIC Open Edition software is to validate that the software runs on
the target device. To perform this validation, download the VIC(OE) validation file. For information
about where to obtain the validation file Compose_OpenValidation.ps, refer to Software Installation.
After you have downloaded the validation file, to evaluate the device capability to run VIC Open
Edition software, follow the instructions in the topic VIC(OE) Device Validation.
VVIICC((OOEE)) DDeevviiccee VVaalliiddaattiioonn
The validation test file tests the non-Xerox production device to ensure that VIC(OE) software can be
installed, activated, and licensed on the device. The validation test does not guarantee that a VIPP
job that runs on a Xerox production device can run on the non-Xerox production device. For more
information about limitations when you use the VI workflow on a non-Xerox production device, refer
to VIC(OE) Limitations.
The initial release of VIC(OE) is targeted for non-Xerox production print devices using a Windows
controller, such as an EFI front end.
Note: For other controller types or additional information, contact Xerox Technical Support.
After you have downloaded the validation test file, refer to Software Installation.
Print the VICompose_OpenValidation.ps file to the target device. To print the PostScript print file to
the target device, use lpr, lp, or other print submission methods.
When the VICompose_OpenValidation.ps file prints, a one-page report is created. The report includes
a section that describes the status of the target device. There are two areas for status: Ability toinstall VI Compose and Ability to run VI Compose. Each of the reports has a green, yellow, or red
status indicator:
•Green text indicates that VIC(OE) software can be installed and run on the device without
problems.
•Yellow text indicates that some limitations have been detected that can impact installing or
running VIC(OE) software on the device.
•Red text indicates that some limitations have been detected that can prevent installing or running
VIC(OE) software on the device.
®
When a yellow or red indicator is printed, a list of the limitations is printed in the Areas ofconcern field. The complete list of possible limitations is as follows:
1. PostScript level <3The PostScript interpreter is not at level 3.
2. unknown underlying file systemThe file system could not be identified. This issue can impact the
installation.
3. unable to write to file systemCannot install the software. Some VIPP
example, the STOREVAR command.
4. unable to get a valid dateGETDATE and associated variables do not return accurate values.
5. startup file not availableThe VICompose software requires a manual restart each time that
the printer is powered off or on.
6. startup mode not availableThe VICompose software requires a manual restart each time that
the printer is powered off or on.
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
®
commands do not work, for
7
Overview
7. startup mode not enabledThe VICompose software requires a manual restart each time that
the printer is powered off or on.
8. string buffer overlap (PS bug)The PostScript interpreter has a known bug that prevents the
VICompose software from running.
•Limitations 2, 5, 6, and 7 changes the installation indicator to yellow
•Limitations 1 and 3 changes the installation indicator to red.
•Limitations 3 and 4 changes the installation indicator to yellow.
•Limitations 1 and 8 changes the installation indicator to red.
For limitations 5, 6, and 7: To force VI Compose software to start the first time after a printer power
on, users can add the following PostScript code to the beginning of the VIPP
®
file that is submitted to
the printer:
true ( ) startjob pop
userdict /XGF known not { xgf/src/xgfdep) run } iffalse
( ) startjob pop
8
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
After the validation test job confirms that the device supports FreeFlow VI Compose Open Edition
software, you can download and install the software and run the 60day trial version.
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
9
Software Installation
Software Downloads
For customers in the USA, you can download software to support the VI Suite of products from the
Xerox website.
•Go to www.support.xerox.com, then select Software & Platforms→FreeFlow→FreeFlow VariableInformation Suite→Software.
•Select the appropriate operating system, then click any of the available links. Two of the links are
listed:
–FreeFlow VI Compose Open Edition Software: Software that is required to install the Open
Edition of VI Compose
–FreeFlow VI Compose Open Edition Printer Validation Utility: Software required to validate
VIC(OE)
10
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
Software Installation
Download the Trial Software
Proceed with this step only if you have run the validation test file, and the results indicate that the
status of VI Compose Open Edition software on the target device is green or yellow.
Download the VIC(OE) software. Currently only a Windows installer is available.
The VISuite_OpenEdition_Windows.zip file is available. For Windows controllers, follow the
installation and licensing instructions for Windows.
®
Xerox
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow®VI Compose
11
Software Installation
Trial Period
VIC(OE) runs as a 60-day trial. During the trial period, the software is fully functional. After the 60day trial period, the software stops working. To enable the software after the initial trial period
expires, purchase the software. After you purchase the software, you receive a production license to
enable the software.
The purpose of the trial period is to validate that VIPP
device, run correctly on a non-Xerox production print device.
As described in VIC(OE) Limitations, there are differences between a Xerox production printer and a
non-Xerox production printer. These differences can cause the job to abort or not print correctly on
the non-Xerox production printer.
®
jobs, which you run on a Xerox production
Before you move these jobs into production on the non-Xerox print device, Xerox recommends that
you test all VIPP
relationship between pages on the complexity of the job. For example, verify that the next record
prints on the next new front, imposition options, and so on.
Note: Before you move a VIPP®job into production on the non-Xerox device, validate that the
output is as expected.
®
applications and validate the output. Validate the media, the plex options, and the
12
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
Software Installation
Installer Installation
WWiinnddoowwss
•To download the VIC (OE) installer, refer to Software Installation. Make the installer available to
the file system of the production device.
•To begin the installation process, double-click the setup_open.exe file.
•Follow the onscreen prompts.
–For EFI controllers: Select the same drive for the VI Compose Open Edition folders where you
installed the EFI software, for example xgfc. A typical installation is the D: drive. Verify the
drive for your installations.
–For all other Windows-based production print devices: To establish if a specified drive is
required, check the vendor documentation.
Note: The installation of the trial software is complete. The trial software operates for 60 days
from the installation date. Do not reset the system clock or otherwise tamper with the date
settings, because any tampering invalidates the trial period, and the trial software expires
immediately.
®
Xerox
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow®VI Compose
13
Software Installation
14
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
3
License Enablement
This chapter contains:
•Enabling a License in the USA .... . ........ . ........ . ........ . ........ ......... . ........ ......... . ........ ......... . ........ ...... 16
•Enabling a License Outside the USA ..... .......... ........ ......... . ........ ......... . ........ ......... . ........ ......... ..... 17
To convert a successful trial license to a purchased license, contact a Xerox sales representative with a
request to purchase VIC(OE). The process that follows depends on your location.
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
15
License Enablement
Enabling a License in the USA
In the USA, the sale and licensing of VIPP®software is handled by The Xerox Connection (TXC). For
more information, go to www.support.xerox .com.
After the order is processed, an email containing a software activation key and the address of a
website used for software licensing and activation is sent to the provided address.
To obtain a production license, supply the MAC address for Windows of the system that you want to
license. A Xerox analyst can help with this task if needed.
Log in to the website, then enter the required details, including the software activation key and the
MAC or HostID address of the system that you want to license.
After the information is confirmed by the license center, an email with an attachment containing the
license file is sent to the address provided.
Move the license file to a known location on the target print device.
WWiinnddoowwss
To obtain a production license file, follow the instructions.
After you obtain a production license file, copy the license file to a safe location on the Windows
system.
To install the license file:
1.Go to the Start menu, then select the FreeFlow VI Compose (Open Edition) group.
2.Select the Activate Software License option.
3.Browse to the License file. To activate the license, select Open.
This completes the license enablement on a Windows system in the USA.
16
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
License Enablement
Enabling a License Outside the USA
For locations outside the USA, the sale is managed by a Xerox Sales representative.
After the sale process is completed, a VIC(OE) kit is provided. This kit contains a link to the
downloadable software and an activation key.
Note: If the software is installed already in trial mode, it is not necessary to download and
reinstall the software.
WWiinnddoowwss
To obtain a production license file, follow the instructions.
After you obtain a production license file, copy the license file to a safe location on your Windows
system.
To install the license file:
1.Go to the Start menu, then select the FreeFlow VI Compose (Open Edition) group.
2.Select the Activate Software License option.
3.Browse to the License file. To activate the license, select Open.
This completes the license enablement on a Windows system outside the USA.
®
Xerox
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow®VI Compose
17
License Enablement
18
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow VI Compose software is designed to operate on Xerox production devices. FreeFlow VI
Compose Open Edition software or VIC(OE), is a modified version of the same software designed to
run on non-Xerox Windows-based production devices. Internal differences can exist between a Xerox
production device and non-Xerox Windows- based production devices. Some limitations may apply
when running VIPP
expected issues relate to how devices pull media and control in-line finishing. If non-Xerox devices use
the same function calls as Xerox devices, the issues may not be present, and tray function calls or
finishing function calls can be ignored.
applications on non-Xerox Windows-based production devices. In general,
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
19
VIC(OE) Limitations
Tray Pulls or Media Switching
Xerox production printers select media from a tray, based on weight, color, and type. The Xerox
production print engine matches the stocks loaded in the trays with the attributes needed to call from
that tray. When a VIPP
back coating attributes, the print engine knows which tray to feed the media from.
There is no guarantee that a non-Xerox production device works in the same way, or understands the
®
VIPP
media calls. Therefore, Xerox cannot guarantee media calls in the job when you print to a non-
Xerox production device.
If the media calls SETMEDIA or SETMEDIATare not used in the VIPP
apply. Set the initial media or tray pull at the queue level on the non-Xerox production device.
For information on an alternative method that can be used to control tray pulls, refer to the VIPPLanguage Reference Manual. You can define the /MediaSubst function. Place this sequence in the
/xgf/src/xgf.def file, then restart the printer. To use this function, the user requires knowledge
of the proprietary PostScript sequences for the media or tray selection on the target device.
®
job calls for a particular media type by the weight, color, type, or front and
®
job, this limitation does not
®
20
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
VIC(OE) Limitations
In-Line Finishing
Xerox production printers support a variety of in-line finishing options. The finishing options include
punch, staple, fold, and jog. Not all Xerox print engines support all finishing options.
There is no guarantee that a non-Xerox production device works in the same way or understands the
®
VIPP
a non-Xerox production device. If in-line finishing is not used in the VIPP
issue.
software finishing calls. Xerox cannot guarantee in-line finishing calls in a job when printing to
®
job, the limitation is not an
®
Xerox
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow®VI Compose
21
VIC(OE) Limitations
Subset Finishing
Subset finishing allows a large job to have actions applied to it at a record or subset boundary. For
example, a 1,000 page job can be made up of 100 records, and each record can have one or more
pages. Each record set can be stapled as a subset.
Non-Xerox production devices may not support subset finishing in the same way that a Xerox
production device supports subset finishing.
22
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
VIC(OE) Limitations
Xerox Specialty Imaging
Xerox production printers support Xerox Specialty Imaging, which are special printing effects unique
to the Xerox production print engines. Xerox Specialty Imaging effects, colors, and Specialty Imaging
fonts are not supported when using VIC(OE), the FreeFlow VI Compose Open Edition software.
®
Xerox
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow®VI Compose
23
VIC(OE) Limitations
VIPP®Commands
Some VIPP®commands rely on access to the data file during processing and the file system of the
device. On Xerox production devices, VIPP
®
is allowed this access.
Depending on the configuration and read or write ability, the VIC(OE) software is allowed access by
the host digital front end, and these VIPP
®
commands may or may not operate. Because of the vast
array of devices in the marketplace, it is not possible to provide an accurate listing of commands that
may or may not function.
Before moving any VIPP
you run all VIPP
®
®
application to production on a non-Xerox device, it is recommended that
applications on the target non-Xerox production device and validate the output.
The following commands rely on features or access rights that may not be available on the non-Xerox
device. This list is not complete:
•STOREVAR
•SETMEDIA
•SETMEDIAT
•SETFINISHING
•STARTBOOKLET
•ENDBOOKLET
24
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
FreeFlow VI Compose software relies on the full Adobe PostScript specifications, including advanced
features, and is designed to run on Xerox production print engines. Xerox has worked at the highest
engineering levels to ensure compatibility and operational functionality on all supported Xerox front
ends (FFPS and EFI) and print engines. Xerox does not have these advantages when running VIC(OE)
on third party production equipment.
What does this mean? Because Xerox has no engineering support for non-Xerox production devices,
Xerox validates any issue reported against a similar Xerox production device. If the Xerox production
device exhibits the same issue, Xerox fixes the issue in a software patch, then provides the fix to the
customer to install and verify. If the patch does not fix the issue on the non-Xerox production device,
it is possible that Xerox cannot assist further, and it can be necessary to escalate the problem to the
equipment provider for resolution.
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
25
Documentation and Support
Documentation
Customers in the United States can download additional documentation to support the VI Suite of
products from the Xerox website. Go to www.support.xerox.com/support, then select Software &Platforms→FreeFlow→FreeFlow Variable Information Suite→Documentation. To download the
following documents, click the FreeFlow VI Suite Documentationlink:
•VIPP
•FreeFlow VI Compose User Guide: Describes the VI Suite workflow, and details how the product
®
Language Reference Manual: Lists all supported VIPP®commands, built-in variables,
transform functions, and so on.
components work together
•FreeFlow VI Design Pro User Guide: Describes the FreeFlow VI Design Pro design tool. This tool is a
Windows-based Interactive Design Environment for the VIPP
Pro to design simple to advanced VDP applications using VIPP
®
language. Use FreeFlow VI Design
®
commands. FreeFlow VI Design
Pro allows users to see in real time the application as it is designed. Changes to the code are
reflected in the GUI display of the tool. When you drag and drop elements in the GUI, the VIPP
®
code is updated.
•FreeFlow VI Design Express User Guide: Describes the FreeFlow VI Design Express design tool. This
tool is an Intel-based Mac OS X, or Windows-based plug-in to Adobe InDesign. This plug-in allows
the creation of delimited data-driven VDP applications using Adobe InDesign, a powerful design
platform. This tool is a drag-and-drop design tool, and no VIPP
®
programming knowledge is
required.
The website contains other VIPP
®
-related documentation for review.
26
Xerox®FreeFlow®VI Compose
Open Edition Installation Guide
Documentation and Support
Support
Only Windows platforms are supported.
VVII SSuuiittee CCuussttoommeerr FFoorruumm
Xerox hosts a Community Support Forum. The VI Suite Customer forum is now part of this larger
support forum. The customer forum allows you to post and review information about Xerox products
and services, all from one location. Take a minute to log in to this customer forum community: http://