Variable data printing (VDP) links a print job to databases that contain the text and images to use in the print job. VDP typically combines a set of master elements that are common across copies of a document with variable elements that change from copy to copy.

You can create the master and variable data in most software programs, and assign the master and variable data from Command WorkStation, Hot Folders, or the printer driver.

If you create your master and variable data in PPML or Creo VPS format from a supported third-party application, you can send your variable data printing job directly to the Fiery Server through these applications. You can also download your file using Hot Folders.

FreeForm lets you use print options to define and store master-element documents, called FreeForm masters, on the Fiery Server. You can send a variable-element job to the Fiery Server with instructions to combine the job with a particular FreeForm master.

These are some restrictions that apply to this workflow:

• You cannot send FreeForm jobs to the Direct connection.

• If Two-Way Communication is enabled in the printer driver, the printer driver detects what masters already reside on the Fiery Server. Use stored FreeForm masters as often as needed with multiple sets of variable elements.

• If the administrator clears the Fiery Server, all FreeForm masters are deleted. See Configuration and Setup.