PersonalEffect- What’s New

See also PersonalEffect release notes

Version 12.2 (June 27, 2023)

Watch a short video overview

Page numbering – Page visibility

The new page visibility feature lets you define whether a page in your design will or will not be visible, depending on the specific page-numbering logic that you set. 

For example, it could be used to add chapter filler pages, i.e. dynamically show a page in between chapters, so that the new chapter always starts on an odd page. 

In addition, it could be used to add document filler pages, i.e. if printing booklets, it can show additional pages so the total number of pages for each recipient will be aligned with booklet sheet constraints – for example multiples of four pages. 

This is now the method to add filler pages. It has better support, including all output types. If you are using the former filler page feature of PDF/VT output, it will continue to work with 12.2, but we recommend that you move to this new feature.
Read more     |     Video training

RGB colors

XLIM now honors RGB color swatches.

While production using Adobe InDesign Server always honored your document’s color swatches, XMPie’s XLIM production engine has, until now, converted RGB swatches to CMYK. From now on, XLIM documents will use either CMYK or RGB, based on the color defined in the document.

uChart now also honors RGB colors in both XLIM and InDesign production.

This is great for customers who create output for screen consumption instead of print. It is also a key requirement for StoreFlow customers who are using uStore’s 3D preview feature to show gloss or matt textures, since these are defined with RGB colors.

Digital PDF accessibility

From now on, when you produce an Interactive PDF or Adobe PDF using the “Separate files for each recipient”  option (or you process only a single record), the output will include InDesign supported accessibility features, such as tag information.

InDesign includes a number of features that allow you to prepare the document with additional information that is used to create accessible PDFs, which are easier for people with disabilities to use. The PDF accessibility features are designed to be used by a PDF reader. For more information, see Creating accessible PDFs (adobe.com).

uProduce maintenance

The uProduce dashboard now includes new maintenance options which are designed to help you with server maintenance tasks, such as SQL server maintenance and deletion of unneeded server objects.

Some of these tasks are similar to the GDPR features, such as automatic deletion of jobs and data sources after a preset time.  For that a new capability to mark a data source as not-permanent has been added.

Read more     |     Knowledge base article

Support for Apple Silicon M2 chip

This version supports the new Apple Silicon M2 chip.

The M2 processor is  a powerful replacement for the M1, allowing it to provide higher graphics performance than the M1.

Version 12.1 (March 30, 2023)

Watch a short video overview

New PDF/VT-3 output format

PDF/VT-3 is a new variable data format that is now available in uCreate Print and uProduce.
As new printers and RIPs that support this new format come onto the market, XMPie customers will be able to immediately take advantage of this new format.
Video training

Tag a dynamic document before linking to a data source 

This new ability allows you to start working on your document and make it fully dynamic before connecting to a data source. You design your document as usual, create content objects, variables, etc, and connect to a data source at any later stage, if needed. For example, use this option when preparing a document for uStore, where all input comes from customization and there is no need for input data at all.
To use this ability, start by selecting Manual Definition as the input data type.
Read more

Improved user interface 

The uCreate Print user interface has significantly changed to improve usability.

  • It is now possible to highlight in the document only selected content objects, to help you identify where one or more content objects are located in the design. 
  • Dynamic page or spread visibility configuration is now also available by right clicking the page on the InDesign Pages panel. This new ability allows you to select multiple pages and apply dynamic properties to them at the same time. This is similar to the functionality added to the Layers panel in the previous version.
  • The creation of new content objects, variables and input data fields has been redesigned to facilitate and simplify the process of creating these objects. In addition, it is now possible to create several connected objects at the same time. For example, an input field and the content object that references it can be created in one go.
  • The task of editing a rule now has its own dedicated rule editor, allowing you to focus on rule editing only. 
  • You can now set the output resolution of a PNG and JPEG proof jobs in connectivity mode, enabling you to configure uStore product proofs without the need to go through the uProduce dashboard.
  • New advanced capability to embed and extract a plan into or out of the InDesign document. 
  • Additional UI improvements:
    • The panel can be resized to the full height of the screen.
    • The panel can be scrolled using the mouse wheel.
    • The dial indication automatically moves to the variable when a dial content object is turned to a variable.
    • Improved organization of the Preferences dialog.
    • Ability to turn a link content object into a variable.
    • Ability to select the save location for the document structure file.
    • Clickable large button to start adding dynamic content to the document.
    • Improved icon design.

Video training

Production platform enhancements

  • When producing a job using flat data (introduced in version 11.3), you can now use filtering to filter the data.
  • Ability to generate flat data directly from the plan and data source, similarly to proofset. In addition, new compression and asset collection options for proofset and flat data creation.
  • Ability to resubmit a job directly from the job center, preserving the job’s configuration. 
  • Support for SQL Server 2022.
  • Ability to control the number of InDesign server instances used during turbo production.
  • Ability to sort table records by the primary field configured in the plan.
    Activate this ability in uCreate in the Preferences dialog. 
  • Additions to the uProduce REST API.  Video training

Video training

Version 12.0 (November 17, 2022)

Support for Adobe CC-2023

This version supports for Adobe CC-2023 only.

Support for macOS Ventura

PersonalEffect 12 supports macOS Ventura (version 13) for desktop products.

Direct Mail enhancements

Direct mail enhancements of version 11.3 are now supported also for XLIM.

Version 11.4 (November 17, 2022)

Watch a short video overview

Final support for Adobe CC-2022

This is the last version that supports Adobe CC-2022.

Support for macOS Ventura

PersonalEffect 11.4 supports macOS Ventura (version 13) for desktop products.

Direct Mail enhancements

Direct mail enhancements of version 11.3 are now supported also for XLIM.

Version 11.3 (September 29, 2022)

Watch a short video overview

Direct Mail enhancements

For customers who do direct mail or transactional work, the uProduce server includes new features to help manage mail output which includes a different number of pages per recipient.

  • Create flat ADOR data  Now, when you process an InDesign document in the uProduce server, it is possible to generate flat ADOR data, in addition to your chosen VDP output format.
    Your output will include a CSV file in addition to the print output file. The CSV file includes the ADOR values, plus additional information such as the number of pages in the output per recipient.
    This file can be used to create the Mail Record Data File that is used by many inserters, or used as a simple manual run sheet to check the output from your printer.  Read more
  • Use flat ADOR data as a data source  The created flat ADOR data file can be downloaded, sorted, manipulated and uploaded back to the dashboard as a new data source, and then be used as the source for generating the final output. Read more
  • New Preflight output format  Preflight carries out the entire production process, without generating the final output. It can be used for checking various production problems, such as missing fonts, missing assets, overflow, etc.
    It can be useful to choose Preflight in conjunction with flat ADOR data creation to quickly create a data source file, which can be edited and then uploaded to the dashboard as a new data source. Read more

Improved user interface

The uCreate Print user interface has significantly changed to help improve usability.

  • The new Dynamic Content menu has been added to the menu bar. It incorporates XMPie-related tasks, such as linking to a data source, setting the assets folder or generating VDP output.
  • The uCreate Print panel has been renamed to Dynamic Content panel, and contains only menu options relevant to managing content objects and variables.
  • The Dynamic Content panel now reflects the data source structure by making all fields (column headers) available as input data fields. You can edit the data schema or input data fields directly from within the panel, similarly to what previously could have been done only in uPlan.
  • The right-click context menu has been renamed to Dynamic Content, and has been redesigned for improved usability.
  • A right-click menu has been added to InDesign’s Layers panel, enabling you to set visibility not only to single but also to multiple layers at once.
  • In InDesign’s Layers and Pages panel, a new sub menu has been added to the Options menu, enabling you to set visibility not only to single but also to multiple layers or pages at once.
  • InDesign shortcuts for XMPie actions are better named and grouped in the InDesign Keyboard Shortcuts window.

Document structure analysis

A new analysis method that analyzes the full structure of the document has been added. The result of this analysis is an XML file that accompanies the document in its full life cycle. This file is used internally by XMPie to facilitate capabilities that require knowledge of the document structure.

The document structure information includes a list of the ADORs used in the InDesign document, ADORs per page, location of the ADORs, fonts, etc. If you wish to access the document analysis, select Advanced > “Save Document Structure XML” from the Dynamic Content menu.

Enhancements

This version significantly improves the following features: uProduce RESTful API, logging, destination (S3).

 

Version 11.2 (May 8, 2022)

Watch a short video overview

XLIM page numbering

The Page numbering feature is now supported also for XLIM documents.
 
 
Page numbering run information

The ability to use run information in page numbering has been added. For example “Run Page Index” and “Run Record Index”. This is useful for post-printing error detection.

 

Typekit fonts

PersonalEffect now supports Adobe’s Typekit fonts in both uCreate Print and uProduce production.

New QLingo functions

  • Fetch function
    The Fetch function allows you to make HTTP requests to a server, such as Rest API calls.
    Read more     |     Video training
  • AsJsonArray function
    The AsJsonArray function takes multiple comma-separated expressions and returns a JSON array containing the values of the expressions.
    Read more

Version 11.1 (January 9, 2022)

Windows Search Indexing

When using the file system asset source type, it is now possible to use Windows Indexing to improve search performance.

This is especially useful in cases when the file system asset source contains many folders and subfolders. During production, searching these folders may take a long time and could thus affect asset-resolving performance. If you observe poor performance when searching for asset files, it is advisable to use Windows Indexing, now supported by PersonalEffect.

For Windows Indexing to work you must first configure in on the server.

Note that this feature is relevant only if your folders contain a large number of files, otherwise, this will result in performance degradation.  Read article

Support for video assets 

PersonalEffect now supports MP4 and MPEG video assets for XM campaigns.
uVideo output, for example, can be used as assets.

PNG proof when working in uCreate Connectivity

When working in uCreate Print Connectivity mode, it is now possible to create a proof in PNG format to streamline uStore product creation. 

Enhancement of uCreate Print panel

Options in the uCreate Print panel right-click menu have been modified to allow you to easily carry out common tasks.

For example, multiple ADORs can be marked as Campaign Dials with a single click. 

Version 11.0 (November 28, 2021)

Support for Adobe CC-2022

This version supports Adobe CC-2022.

Support for Apple Silicon

This version supports the new Apple Silicon (M1) CPU.

The M1 processor is  a powerful replacement for the Intel CPUs, and is used in Apple’s newest Macs. 
Intel-based Macs are still supported.

Support for macOS Monterey

PersonalEffect 11.0 supports macOS Monterey (version 12) for desktop products.

 

Support for Windows 11 operating system

PersonalEffect 11.0 supports Windows 11 operating system.

Support for Windows Server 2022

PersonalEffect 11.0 supports Windows Server 2022 operating system.

Version 10.2 (October 1, 2021)

Enhancements

This version significantly improves the following features: Page numbering, uProduce RESTful API and uPlan extension for VS code. 
See release notes

Keyboard shortcuts

It is now possible to create keyboard shortcuts for XMPie actions via InDesign’s keyboard shortcut option.

Create keyboard shortcuts for quick access of XMPie actions that you frequently use. This will save you a huge amount of time while you work, as you will not need to use the mouse.  

For example, if you often use the “Save on XMPie Server” or “Dynamic Print” actions, create shortcuts for them.  Video training

Web ADORS for use in Circle

PersonalEffect now supports Web ADORs for use in Circle analytics.

Web ADORs are special link ADORs which are created for each of the web touchpoints in the Circle project. When placed in an email, SMS or other media they return a link to the webpage configured in the web touchpoint.

These special link ADORs automatically include the media and source parameters used for the source web reports.

Read the help in  English    Deutsch     Français     |    Video training

Version 10.1 (June 30, 2021)

Watch a short video overview

Page numbering

A new Page Numbering feature has been added, which enables you to create design
elements that incorporate page numbering information.

The page numbering information can be formatted using JavaScript logic to display
as text or barcode, or to control visibility.

Read more in English  Deutsch   Français      |     Video training

uProduce RESTful API

uProduce RESTful API exposes uProduce functionality via REST API calls. 

Currently this API is partial and does not cover all uProduce functionalities and capabilities, which will follow later on. This API is fully compatible with the web services API. The two APIs can be used in conjunction to cover the entire range of uProduce functionalities and capabilities.  

uProduce RESTful API conforms to the Open API Specification (Swagger) v.2 and v.3, which is used to create API clients such as Postman and Visual Studio. 
The URL for the specification document is: 

http://<your_uproduce_server>/xmpierestapi/uproduce-oas3 or 2

The URL for the API help is: 
http://<your_uproduce_server>/xmpierestapi

Note that the uProduce API is a paid add-on. Customers who have previously purchased it are entitled to the uProduce RESTful API without additional payment.

Video training

uPlan extension for VS code 

We are happy to announce XMPie’s uPlan Visual Code extension.

This extension is currently in the experimental phase. At this stage we are still exploring, trying to gain knowledge, adjust and derive comprehensive insights for future development of the software.

The uPlan Visual Code extension is used as a plan editor within Visual Code to define advanced business rules and logic for your campaigns. 

Here are some of the extension’s main capabilities:

  • Intellisense for QLingo and JavaScript
  • Code snippets for QLingo and JavaScript
  • Multiple item actions such as delete, cut and paste
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Problem checking and highlighting

Video training

Version 10 (November 4, 2020)

Support for Adobe CC-2021

This version supports Adobe CC-2021.

Search

New uPlan search option for searching  the plan for ADORs, variables, functions, filters, audiences, user views, schemas and data sources.

Database server fail-safe configurations

Changes in the licensing mechanism to support database server fail-safe configurations based on replication technology.

Version 9.8 (June 28, 2020)

Watch the What’s new video

PDF page and layer selection

uCreate Print now gives you the ability to select which page and layer of your PDF document will be used in your design.
When placing an asset ADOR in your InDesign document, you can specify the required page or layer.
For example, if the PDF contains several layers per page, such as art, dieline and bleed, you can choose the specific layer to be used.
During production, only the defined page and layer are considered.  

Read more     |      Video training

uImage server processing stability improvements

A process has been added to the uImage Processing unit to prevent any Photoshop  user -interaction pending actions. 

In addition, Photoshop is now automatically configured to best fit server production. 

QLingo functions

New QLingo functions:

  • IsAssetExist
  • GetAssetPath
  • GetAssetWebURL
  • GetPDFAssetPageCount
  • Rectangle (dynamic color style)     |     Video training
  • Web.URLContentAsFile     |     Video training

Read more

JavaScript

Custom JavaScript functions can now directly access uPlan’s built-in functions, or other custom functions that have been created in the plan file. 

Read more

Version 9.7.2 (March 2, 2020)

Maintenance release

This is a maintenance release that includes bug fixes to improve MacOS Catalina stability.

 

Version 9.7 (January 19, 2020)

Support for Adobe CC-2020

This version supports Adobe CC-2020.

Support for MacOS 10.15

PersonalEffect 9.7 supports macOS 10.15 Catalina for uCreate Print.
(Versions earlier than 10.14 are no longer supported.)

JavaScript

Custom JavaScript functions can now access the values of various uPlan elements, such as Recipient record values, Variable values and UserView record values.

Video training

 

Version 9.6.2 (September 1, 2019)

Table row styling enhancements

The following enhancements have been made to the table row styling feature:

  • It is now possible to choose whether to apply copy fitting to a table within a story.
  • It is now possible to choose whether to apply the suppress trailing spaces feature to a table within a story.
 
 

Version 9.6 (July 22, 2019)

Table row styling

Table row styling allows you to control the way a data record of a dynamic table is presented.

Using this feature you can define, for each data record, the background color, font and other style attributes, as well as the layout and dynamic content. You can also dynamically span a data record over multiple styled rows, or omit a data record altogether.

For example, you can create a table with two designs: blue for debit and green for credit.  In the data source, in the “XMPieDesignSelector” column, you will assign each row the required design.

This feature is available for InDesign composition only. 

Read the help in  English    |     Video Training

Version 9.5 (May 19, 2019)

PDF password protection

A personalized PDF can now have password protection. This increases the security of documents intended to be shared online.

The password is provided as an ADOR. The output is single PDFs, each protected by the password provided by the ADOR.

This capability will also be available via PDF on Demand in Circle in the future.  Read more

Dynamic PDF placement box selection

When adding an image box and placing an image ADOR in it, you can select which box will be cropped out of the PDF (in case the ADOR resolves to a PDF) to be placed in the image box.

The crop options include bounding box, art, trim, bleed and media. Read more

Increased composition performance

PersonalEffect composition throughput increased for documents with table autoflow with visibility ADORs.

The performance is up to 20% faster with complex documents.

 

 

 

 

Version 9.4  (November 2018)

Support for Adobe CC-2019

This version supports Adobe CC-2019 version 14.0.

Important!

 

XMPie Email Service (XES) version 3.5

PersonalEffect 9.4 now includes XMPie Email Service (XES) version 3.5.

See also XES release notes.

Support for MacOS 10.14

PersonalEffect 9.4 supports macOS Mojave (10.14) for desktop products.

See also XES release notes.