What is the Stabilizer?
The Stabilizer action is used to convert incoming PostScript files into PDF format. It provides a reliable and consistent way to prepare PostScript files for further processing within the workflow.
The Stabilizer only acts on PostScript files — existing PDF files are passed through unchanged. This action ensures that PostScript files are converted into a format that the workflow can easily handle.
Purpose and Functionality
The Stabilizer action is designed to:
- Convert incoming PostScript files to PDF format.
- Ensure that files are in a consistent format for subsequent processing.
- Pass existing PDF files through the workflow without modification.
How the Stabilizer Works in a Workflow
Workflow Placement
- The Stabilizer action is typically placed at the beginning of a workflow.
- When a PostScript file enters the workflow:
- The Stabilizer converts it to a PDF.
- The newly created PDF then proceeds to the next workflow step.
- If the incoming file is already a PDF:
- The Stabilizer passes the file through unchanged.
- No processing or modification is applied to existing PDFs.
Example Workflow
- Hot Folder → Job is submitted via a hot folder.
- Stabilizer Action → Converts PostScript files to PDF (existing PDFs are passed through unchanged).
- Preflight → Optional step to check for errors (applies only to PDFs after conversion).
- RIP → Converts the file to a raster for output.
- Output → Sends the processed file to the output device (e.g., platesetter, proofer, or digital press).
Configuring the Stabilizer
Creating a Stabilizer Action
- Open the Navigator Server.
- Go to Server Setup → Manage Actions.
- Select New Action and choose Stabilizer from the list.
- Name the action appropriately (e.g., "PostScript to PDF").
Importing Stabilizer Settings
You can import Stabilizer settings from a .dpf
file using the Import Files dialog:
- Go to Server Setup → Import Files.
- Select Stabilizer Document Parameters (
*.dpf
) and click Import.
Using the JobOptions Utility
The JobOptions.exe
utility (found in the Navigator Server Utilities folder) allows you to create and customize Stabilizer settings:
- Open
JobOptions.exe
. - Define settings for:
- Resolution
- Color Space
- Compression
- Font embedding
- Save the settings as a
.dpf
file. - Import the
.dpf
file into the Navigator Server.
Best Practices
- Configure Stabilizer settings to match your specific production environment.
- Test stabilized files before deploying to production workflows.
- Keep backup copies of custom
.dpf
files for easy reconfiguration. - When handling existing PDFs, configure other workflow actions (like preflight or color management) to handle any necessary adjustments.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Fonts missing in the output | Fonts not embedded in the original PostScript file | Enable font embedding in the Stabilizer settings |
Incorrect color output | Incorrect color profile applied | Review color settings in the .dpf file |
Large file size | High-resolution images not compressed | Adjust compression settings in JobOptions.exe |
Existing PDFs unchanged | Stabilizer action does not modify PDFs | This is expected behavior — apply preflight or other actions if modification is required |
Summary
The Stabilizer action is a key tool for handling PostScript files in Navigator workflows. By converting PostScript files to PDF, it ensures consistent processing and reliable output. While existing PDFs are passed through unchanged, the Stabilizer reduces potential errors and increases overall workflow efficiency.