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Before you use FreeForm, you must create a master document and a variable document. This 
includes creating the layout for the combined document, as well as individual elements. In a 
page layout or graphics application, arrange the master elements (text and graphics that do 
not change) on one or more pages, leaving space for the variable elements.

After you finalize the design of the master document, print it to the Fiery X3eTY2 and specify 
that a FreeForm master be created from the job (see 

). 

 

Although the Fiery X3eTY2 can store up to 100 FreeForm masters, the printer driver 

interface only allows you to select numbers 1 through 15. To create a FreeForm master with a 
number greater than 15, the operator must create the master page and RIP the job from 
Command WorkStation.

 

You can create the variable document with a word processing application that provides a mail 
merge function, a database application, or a page layout application that supports scripting. In 
each case, information is taken from a list or database and merged into an existing document 
that is designed to accept the information. Each application has different controls for this 
function. For detailed instructions, see the documentation that accompanies the application. 
Before you add variable elements to the master document, format them to conform to the 
layout of the master document. To do this, create a document with the correct formatting, 
and then add the variable information in the appropriate places. 

 

You must create a variable document with the same page count as the master page 

document. For example, if a master document has a record length of four pages, all the 
variable documents must have a record length of four pages. Add empty pages to the last 
record of the variable document, if necessary.

After you create a variable document, print it to the Fiery X3eTY2 and specify that it be 
combined with the corresponding FreeForm master (see 

).

 

When you print a variable document to the Fiery X3eTY2, specify the FreeForm master 
created from your master document with the Use Master print option. The Fiery X3eTY2 
combines the raster data of the variable document with the previously RIPped FreeForm 
master, creating a new raster data file. 

 

A master document can include more than one page. When you print a variable document 
and specify a FreeForm master that contains multiple pages, the variable pages are combined 
with the master pages in a cyclical fashion. The following example illustrates how a variable 
document combines with a two-page master document. 

Pages 1 and 2 of the variable document are combined with Pages 1 and 2, respectively, of the 
master document. The cycle of master pages then starts over, and Pages 3 and 4 of the variable 
document are combined, respectively, with Pages 1 and 2, again, of the master document. 
This pattern continues for each subsequent set of pages in the variable document.

 

This section provides some suggestions to help you print variable data jobs correctly.

• Ask your administrator or operator how FreeForm master numbers are assigned at 

your site.

If FreeForm printing is used by a large number of users at your site, you can assign 
FreeForm master numbers, or ranges of numbers, to specific users or groups. Users can 
select only numbers 1 through 15 as print option settings. The operator can override 
FreeForm master numbers and reassign them to numbers greater than 15 from Command 
WorkStation. Request that the operator assign all FreeForm master numbers to avoid 
potential conflicts in the use of FreeForm master numbers.

• Do not send your variable printing jobs to the Direct connection through Command 

WorkStation.

If you send a variable data job to the Direct connection, the job does not process.

 

• Use the Notes and Instructions fields to communicate instructions about your job to 

the operator.

To create or use a FreeForm master number greater than 15, use these fields to tell the 
operator to override the appropriate job setting (Create Master or Use Master) and RIP 
the job from Command WorkStation.

• Give your jobs unique and descriptive names.

You and the operator must be able to easily identify your jobs if there are many jobs in the 
queues, the FreeForm master numbers are reassigned, or you must refer to another job in 
the Notes or Instructions fields.

• Consider the restrictions on Print Options when using FreeForm.

For more information about these restrictions, see 

 

.

• The following settings for the master document and variable document must match:

Duplex
Orientation
Paper Size
Stapler Mode

• The following setting for the variable document overrides the corresponding setting in the 

master document:

Paper Source

For more information, see