1. General questions on callas software products
2. Questions on command-line modules
3. Questions on pdfToolbox
4. Questions on archiving PDF print files with PDF/A and PDF/X
5. Requirements for conversions to PDF
6. Paths to the user folder
7. How to integrate callas pdfToolbox 5 with Enfocus Switch 10
8. Compatibility with Mac OS 10.7 - Lion

Question: What is the target user group of the callas software prepress plug-ins and command-line (CLI) modules?

Answer: Both the plug-ins and the CLI modules are targeted at users who want to create PDF files that are suitable for printing both quickly and easily. pdfColorConvert and pdfCorrect are the ideal tools for converting the colors of PDF file objects such as images and graphics and eliminating typical sources of error in PDF files in order to prepare them for professional printing. The plug-ins, which boast easy-to-use user interfaces, are particularly well suited for use with a manageable number of PDFs for checking and post-processing. The CLI modules are suitable for use in automated workflow systems with high output volumes.


Question: I am already using a single server module of the new callas pdfToolbox Server. Do I have to get a new license for the product or is there something else I have to consider?

Answer: No, you do not need a new license for your module. Current customers can use their already licensed CLI-Version as a callas pdfToolbox Server Module. For that purpose you should download and install the current version of either callas pdfToolbox Server or callas pdfToolbox CLI for UNIX . The new modules will be installed over the old ones. callas pdfToolbox Server or pdfToolbox CLI will identify already installed licenses and activates them as a new callas pdfToolbox modules. The newly added modules run for 30 days without restrictions and afterwards in limited Demo-Mode. It is possible to upgrade these modules to fully licensed versions at any time.

Question: Do I need Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to process PDF files with callas software tools?

Answer: Only for our plug-in products. Our command-line (CLI) modules can be fully automated and act as stand-alone products that can be run on a whole range of operating systems and workflow systems.


Question: Are the demo versions of the plug-ins and CLI modules identical to the full versions?

Answer: Yes, the demo versions are fully-functional. However, they have a restricted lifetime. You can test our software for 30 days without restriction or obligation.


Question: How do I get the full version of a plug-in?

Answer: If you want to buy an Adobe Acrobat plug-in, simply download the product you require – if you have not already done so – from the Web shop in the download area of the callas software Web site. If you want to buy a CLI module, you can also contact your local dealer.


Question: Who do I contact if I have general questions on a product?

Answer: First, contact your local dealer. As a rule, our partners are able to provide you with sufficient information on all our products.


Question: I’m experiencing problems when installing or uninstalling software. Where can I get help?

Answer: If you have a more complex, technical question, you are welcome to send an e-mail to support@callassoftware.com.


Question: How can I update my callas software product?

Answer: It’s really easy to update a callas software product – you simply install the new version on top of the old version.


Question: How do I find out when the new version of my software is available?

Answer: Customers who have a software maintenance agreement (SMA) automatically receive a notification informing them of all version changes for callas software. They can also access detailed information on the changes made in the special SMA area of the callas software Web site.

In addition, we list all new versions of our software at www.versiontracker.com.

Recipients of our newsletter are only informed about major updates to our software.


Question: When a new version of a plug-in or CLI module comes out do I need to uninstall the old version before installing the new one? Do I need the serial number?

Answer: No. The old serial number remains valid and is stored in the system. You do not need to delete the old version. The new version overwrites the old version including the registration information.


Question: I urgently need a particular additional function for a callas software product. What can I do?

Answer: At callas software, we are constantly striving to improve our products. Past experience has shown us that it pays to collaborate with customers on solutions and enhancements to the CLI versions. These functions can be tested on site in real production environments and then integrated into the standard version later on. If you have questions or suggestions, please send an e-mail to technology@callassoftware.com.


Question: Where can I exchange information with other users?

Answer: callas software has a forum where interested users can exchange information about their experiences and specific usage conditions and discuss the integration of callas software into their existing workflows. Click here to visit the forum.

You might also like to visit the Swiss-based site www.hilfdirselbst.ch (German only). It contains prepress forums on the professional use of software for prepress processes, color management, and further processing. Many valuable posts about using our tools in your daily work can be found here.
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Question: Can callas software command-line versions also be downloaded directly from the site?

Answer: No. However, you can use the e-mail form in the download area of our Web site to order a 30-day test version.

You can only buy CLI modules from your local authorized dealer.


Question: How do I call the command-line modules?

Answer: You call the command-line modules using a script command. This allows them to be integrated individually even in highly complex workflow systems. The command-line modules are also delivered with pdfAutomator, an easy-to-use user interface for the client PC.

This allows you to set up and test checking, correction, and color conversion processes in just a few minutes and without requiring scripting. Extensive workflows can be set up using FullSwitch workflow software from Enfocus. Pre-installed configurators and interfaces for the callas software CLI modules enable a seamless integration process and the processing of large datasets without the need for the customer to write a single line of code. Click here to visit Enfocus...


Question: Does callas software also offer special project implementation or the integration of one or more CLI modules in a workflow with software such as HELIOS or Enfocus FullSwitch?

Answer: callas software does not provide these services. However, we would be happy to put you in touch with a competent software integration specialist and callas software partner in your area who will be able to advise you and provide practical help. For more information, contact technology@callassoftware.com.


Question: Which CLI license do I need?

Answer: callas software offers different licenses for command-line modules depending on your particular usage scenario.

One option is the server license. It enables you to process PDF files in the CLI module and then print them out.

Another option is the ASP license. This creates a digital file as the result of the entire process. This file can be reused within the license holder’s company, meaning that the added value lies solely in the digital processing.


Question: What is the main advantage of signing up for a software maintenance agreement (SMA)?

Answer: The main advantage of a software maintenance agreement is the fixed, calculable price of the software. A user with an SMA has permanent access to free updates and technical support, enabling secure technical and financial planning for your company.
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Question: What does the error message “Corrupt Font. Invalid Compact Font” that arises in Acrobat after creating a preflight or inventory report mean?

Answer: Some 3rd party plug-ins like PitStop Professional are incompatible with the method to create the preflight or inventory report. Currently this error message can only be avoided by deactivating the 3rd party plug-in.
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Question: In which ISO format is print data best archived?

Answer: As PDF/A is rather emphatic and distinctive about assuring long-term reproducibility or reutilization of PDFs, the print data that is sent to the printers as PDF/X must best be created as PDF/A too, so that archiving is possible immediately without additional processing.

Question: I already have printable PDF/X files. Will I face problems when converting to PDF/A?

Answer: No, conversion takes place mostly without problem – basically, every PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-3 file must also be saved simultaneously as PDF/A-1b.

Question: What are the differences between PDF/A and PDF/X?

Answer: The two standards PDF/X and PDF/A were developed by ISO to be largely compatible with each other – i.e. a PDF file can be simultaneously compliant with PDF/A and PDF/X.

Detailed technical information on the differences between PDF/A and PDF/X is given here...

Question: Can a PDF/A file be simultaneously compliant with PDF/X and vice-versa?

Answer: Yes, both PDF/X and PDF/A have been intentionally developed by ISO in such a way that a PDF document can conform to both standards at the same time. Thus, although typographical aspects – e.g. information on trappings – are not explicitly demanded by the PDF/A standard, they are not forbidden either. PDF/A also doesn’t forbid creation of PDFs so that they will be considered as production-compatible in the graphics industry. In detail, divergences between PDF/A and PDF/X have indeed resulted from the development chronology of standards. In practice, these minor differences seldom pose a problem and conversions ought to be smooth.

Question: How do you generate a simultaneous PDF/A & PDF/X compliant file?

Answer: With the Preflight functions developed by callas software, like in Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional, a simultaneous PDF/X and PDF/A compliant document can be created from a PDF in a single step – simply set up a Preflight profile where both standards can be activated in the “Convert to PDF/X or PDF/A” menu. You can try out the whole thing using Acrobat Professional 8 – the Preflight functions available there offer various options, e.g. save a PDF/A as PDF/X; or save a PDF as PDF/A and as PDF/X in one go. With the correction options available in Preflight you can also sort out some problems through appropriate correction.

On the contrary, Adobe Acrobat Professional 7 offers PDF/A support only to some extent, as the PDF/A standard was not yet fully ready during the development of Acrobat 7.

If automatable solutions are demanded, the pdfInspektor CLI and pdfaPilot CLI from callas software can help: Both command-line modules are based exactly on the same source code as the Preflight function in Acrobat, however run unmanned in Server mode, alternately on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or Sun. They can be integrated in Helios or Switch environments without any problem.
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