A PMM Image Step in PrintFactory is an image edit that’s applied to your artwork automatically. Within a Printer-Media-Mode (PMM), each Image Step can be one of:
Image Edit Script: A saved sequence of Editor Image edit commands (e.g. saturation, hue, levels).
DTG/DTF Preset: A separation or knockout preset using the DTG Separation tool in Editor.
Sample Document: A saved AUR file containing white generation and/or DTF screening settings.
These steps let you automate complex pre-press edits, ensuring every file processed with that PMM gets the same treatment.
Consistency: Guarantee uniform saturation, contrast, and halftone across jobs.
Efficiency: Eliminate repetitive manual edits, once a script/preset is set up and saved to the PMM, it’s applied automatically.
Flexibility: Layer multiple steps (edits → separations → screening), all chained in the PMM.
Open Calibrator.
Select the PMM mode.
Click the Duplicate icon (bottom of the window).
Give it a clear name, e.g. DTF-AutoWhite-Enhanced.
This preserves your original settings and original PMM so you can choose between applying the automatic image steps or not by selecting the original or duplicated PMM.
Use Editor to craft reusable scripts:
Open a Test Image:
File → Open → choose a high-contrast sample (e.g. a photo with bright and dark areas).
Apply Image Edits from the Image menu:
Saturation: Push to +10 +20 points to “pop” colors. (or whatever is required for your specific needs)
Contrast/Levels: Increase midtones by adjusting Input Levels
Other options: Hue/Brightness/etc
Save as Script:
Edit → Save Image Edit Script → name it, e.g DTF-BoostPop
Load into PMM:
In Calibrator, right-click your PMM → Add New Image Step → choose Image Edits → Select the correct Image Edit
Separation presets knock out shirt color amognst other options. Read about it more here
In Editor, go to Extra → DTG Separation.
Configure for your fabric.
Save as a DTG preset: File → Save Preset → e.g DTF-BlackKnockout
Back in Calibrator, Add New Image Step → DTG Preset → select your DTG Preset
Halftone screening converts continuous tones into dot patterns. Read more about it here:
In Editor, Extra → DTF Screening → opens the halftone dialog.
Channel: White
Shape: Round
Angle: 22°
Frequency: Start at 30 LPI; adjust between 25–35 LPI based on your film test charts.
Choke:
0.12 mm for fine detail
0.15–0.20 mm for standard designs
0.25 mm for large, bold graphics PrintFactory.
Input Range (Bump Curve): 10%–90% to avoid screening highlights (e.g. skin tones, 95–99%).
Preview & Tweak
Once happy, save the .aur file as a Sample Document.
Open the White tool
In Editor, go to Extra → White Generation.
Choose White generation method
Transparent is the most common method used for DTF, including Choke + the "No choke on White" option
“No choke on White”
This content-aware choke method prevents any inward offset on areas containing only white ink, preserving fine white details.
Adjust Density
Set your white‐undercoat density (often 100%).
Preview & Save
Toggle off CMYK channels in the Output panel to inspect just the white layer. Once satisfied, save as a Sample Document (.aur)
When you’ve created your halftone screening and/or white-ink generation exactly as you like, save it all into one reusable AUR file that can be dropped straight into any PMM:
1. In Editor, load a representative artwork or a simple test image.
2. Apply your DTF screening &/or White generation setup
Extra → DTF Screening → choose your dot shape, angle, frequency, choke, bump-curve, etc.
Extra → White Generation, tweak your white-underprint method and spread/choke settings.
3. Save as a Sample Document (.aur)
File → Save As → PrintFactory Sample Document (*.aur)
4. Give it a clear name explaining all steps so that you can recognise and re-use it.
By modularizing your pre-press edits into Image Steps, you ensure a repeatable, scalable DTF workflow, reducing manual work, minimizing errors, and delivering consistent prints every time.