# The Basics

Built from the ground up to cut costs, Phoenix is a sophisticated open-API planning and imposition application that uses AI technology to improve efficiencies for print service providers in all sectors including packaging, labels, commercial, and wide format printing.

Phoenix Imposition AI takes an entirely different approach to common imposition solutions. Rather than template-driven, it operates according to machine and production requirements to generate print-ready layouts on-the-fly. It factors in parameters such as project specifications, print devices, finishing requirements, and delivery considerations to search across potentially millions of possibilities for the optimal layout. When a final option has been selected, Phoenix generates print-ready layouts, JDF or die instructions, and reports for all devices in the production chain.

Uniting planning and prepress functions, Phoenix can be integrated into your chosen workflow or MIS system to enable fast accurate estimates, shrink prepress time, automate error-prone tasks, maximize media usage, and reduce postpress complexity.

# Modules

Phoenix is modular which enables you to pick and choose exactly what features you need for your production environment. The features of Phoenix are separated out into the following modules:

# Imposition AI

Imposition AI is the heart of Phoenix and provides intelligent planning and ganging tools. The Imposition AI module includes four tools to heuristically find the most cost-effective way to combine print products - Plan, Optimize, Impose, and Populate. Imposition AI evaluates millions of possible layout options based on each unique production environment, combining the press, stock, template, and device possibilities to find the most efficient results in a matter of seconds. Digital printers are able to leverage ‘Just In Time’ planning to reduce waste and human intervention with shorter runs. Conventional printers can find combination layouts on-the-fly to reduce plates, make-readies, press time, material, and waste to print more profitably than ever before.

# Products Plus

The Products Plus module increases how many products Phoenix can handle for simultaneous planning and ganging, bringing the total from 50 up to 2000 products in one project.

# CAD

Essential for step-and-repeat workflows, CAD makes Phoenix the fastest and most advanced CAD-based step-and-repeat (imposition) application in the industry.

Featuring its unique auto-alignment algorithm, Phoenix uses AI to autosnap artwork to the multi-out die and provide instant feedback when a mismatch occurs between the artwork and die. The net result is hours of saved preproduction time per day. Supported formats include CFF2, DXF, DDES 2/3, and Structural PDF.

# Barcodes

For print providers using barcoded product tracking right through fulfillment, this module adds support to generate dynamic data-driven barcodes featuring vector precision for accurate scanning.

Supported formats include UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, Codabar, Code 128, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, POSTNET, and QR Code.

# Braille

A specialized capability that generates dynamic data-driven braille with ADA compliance including hardcoded size and spacing.

The default alphabet is set to US English Grade 2. Supported languages include US English Grade 1, US English Grade 2, UK English Grade 1, UK English Grade 2, Unified English Grade 1, Unified English Grade 2, Unified French Grade 2, German Grade 1, German Grade 2, and Spanish.

# Grand Format

Indispensable for those offering a large-format print service, Grand Format increases the maximum export size from 3.5m x 3.5m to 10m x 10m.

# Scripting

Gain access to powerful scripting features to draw customized marks, set properties, automate processes, and much more. This module exposes much of the core architecture allowing for unprecedented customization and automation.

# Automate

Phoenix Automation offers an open API platform allowing integration with any external system. Automation options include REST Web Service, Switch Connector, Scriptable Hot Folders, and MIS Connectors.

# Production Max

The Production Max module increases max output in automated scenarios.

Production Max increases the base Automation limits to add an additional 30,000 maximum layouts, 10,000 m² maximum export area, and 10,000 maximum Imposition AI sessions. This module can be purchased multiple times as desired to meet specific production needs.

# Installation

Phoenix is packaged as a .msi installer for Windows and a .dmg disk image for Mac. You can download Phoenix from our Downloads (opens new window) page.

# Upgrading

Before upgrading Phoenix, please be aware of the following:

We always recommend exporting a copy of your Phoenix Libraries before performing any upgrade. You can export your Phoenix libraries from the Preferences → Diagnostics window.

# Windows

Open the Phoenix .msi installer and follow the installation wizard instructions.

# MacOS

Mount the Phoenix .dmg disk image. In the resulting mounted installer, copy Phoenix to your Applications directory

# License activation

Phoenix can be activated with an activation key or by logging in to a tilia Cloud account. On startup, Phoenix will check to see if you have a license and, if not, prompt you to enter your activation key or choose to log in with tilia Cloud.