Getting started

Visualis3R is designed for designers and print professionals to simulate embellishments and substrates accurately — without costly physical proofs.

1. Import a PDF — Open Visualis3R and choose a PDF file. The software rips it into grayscale TIFFs for each separation (CMYK, glitter, foil, etc.).
2. Check the layer panel — The Color Separations Panel shows all detected layers. Any layer with a warning triangle needs configuration before it will render correctly.
3. Adjust the substrate — Select your base material from the Substrate Controls to set the surface the print will appear on.
4. Use environmental controls — Move lighting position and intensity to inspect metallics, foil, and varnish realistically from any angle.
5. Navigate the design — Use scroll to zoom and drag to pan around the artwork canvas.

Interface overview

The main panels you'll use on every project:

• Color Separations Panel — Lists all PDF layers. Configure each one to unlock full rendering.
• Substrate Controls — Change the base material and fine-tune how print sits on top of it.
• Environmental Controls — Adjust room environment, lighting position, intensity, and background overlays.
• Layer Mapping Manager — Remap custom layer names to recognised effect types when automated detection can't match them.
• Settings Menu (top right) — Access metadata, logo, and capture preferences.

Predefined layer names — such as Duplo, Glitter, Foil, White, Emboss, and Mask — are detected automatically. Custom names can be remapped via the Layer Mapping Manager.

Presets vs defaults

Presets are saved configurations for specific effects (e.g. gold foil, matte varnish, custom emboss). They can be named, stored, exported, and reused — ideal for building a library of materials. Defaults are your personal starting point, automatically applied when opening Visualis3R or resetting a section.

1. Create your look — Adjust colour, texture, reflection, bevel or lighting until it matches your target effect.
2. Save as preset — Click the preset save button and give it a clear, descriptive name.
3. Set as default — Optionally click Set as Default so this preset loads automatically in future sessions.
4. Export or import — Share preset files between systems to build consistent libraries across your team or clients.

Environment controls

The environment system controls the scene around your artwork, not just the effect properties.

• Room environments (indoor / outdoor presets)
• Lighting position and intensity
• Secondary spotlight effects
• Background overlays — e.g. neutral grey for prepress work

File setup & configuration

Foils are applied as spot colour layers or as a base material. Supported types include gold, silver, bronze, and rainbow holographic.

1. Create foil layers — In Illustrator or Photoshop, create spot colour layers named Gold Foil, Silver Foil, or Rainbow Foil. Include a Mask layer if die-cutting and an Emboss layer if raising is required.
2. Export as PDF — This preserves layers and spot colours for import into Visualis3R.
3. Import and configure — Open the PDF in Visualis3R. Select each foil layer and assign its type. Unconfigured layers show a warning triangle.
4. Adjust realism — Tune properties to match real-world samples (see table below).
5. Save as preset — Store configurations for reuse across projects or clients.

Foil properties

Setup & configuration

Varnish effects support flat clear toner and raised 3D sculptured varnishes used in digital finishing devices such as Duplo, Ricoh Pro Series, Fujifilm Revoria, and Xerox Iridesse.

1. Create coating layers — In design software, create spot colour layers named Clear (flat glossy coating) or Duplo (3D sculptured raised varnish).
2. Export as PDF — Preserves layer and spot colour data for Visualis3R import.
3. Import and configure — Open in Visualis3R. Select the coating layer and choose the appropriate varnish type.
4. Adjust properties — Tune gloss level, texture intensity, and varnish depth to match your target process.
5. Combine with other effects — Varnish layers work with foil, spot colours, and CMYK for combined embellishment previews.

Varnish properties

Setup & configuration

Metallic inks simulate the reflective particle-based finish of metallic printing inks and toners, distinct from foil stamping.

1. Create metallic layers — In design software, create spot colour layers named Gold, Silver, or a custom metallic name.
2. Export as PDF — Preserves separation data for Visualis3R.
3. Import and select layer — Visualis3R recognises the metallic layer names. Unconfigured layers display a warning triangle.
4. Configure properties — Set the base metallic colour and adjust grain, flake size, and reflectivity to match a specific ink or toner.
5. Combine effects — Metallic inks work alongside holograms, embossing, and foil for complex multi-effect previews.

Metallic ink properties

Setup & configuration

White ink enables striking designs on black paper, clear film, and other non-white substrates, and can be combined with foil stamping or colour layers.

1. Create a white ink layer — In Photoshop or Illustrator, create a spot colour layer named White.
2. Colour it cyan in design software — White set to Overprint or Multiply appears transparent on-screen. Using cyan to represent white follows industry standards from manufacturers like Ricoh.
3. Export as PDF — Preserves the layer for import.
4. Import and configure — Visualis3R recognises the White layer. Select the substrate (e.g. black paper or clear film) to see white ink render correctly against it.
5. Set white type — Choose between underprint (beneath CMYK) or overprint (on top) depending on your workflow.

Use cases & tips

• Black paper printing — Place white ink beneath CMYK to maintain accurate colour reproduction on dark stock
• Clear film / labels — White underprint creates an opaque base so colours appear vibrant rather than transparent
• Foil combinations — White ink can be layered with foil stamping for premium packaging effects

Setup & configuration

Neon inks are ideal for eye-catching designs that expand beyond the CMYK gamut. Visualis3R supports the Touch7 Neon Color System and custom neon values.

1. Create neon layers — In design software, create spot colour layers named Neon Yellow, Neon Pink, or using your device's specific neon colour names.
2. Export as PDF — Preserves spot colour data.
3. Import and configure — Visualis3R recognises neon layer names. Unconfigured layers show a warning triangle.
4. Select device profile — Choose the target printing device (e.g. swissQprint) to match the neon ink gamut accurately.
5. Combine with CMYK — Neon layers can be blended with CMYK to produce expanded-gamut results — for example, neon yellow combined with red for a more vibrant orange.

Neon properties & applications

• Advertisements and posters requiring maximum visual impact
• Packaging that needs to stand out on shelf
• Security printing using UV-reactive inks
• Event and retail graphics

Glitter as spot colour (post-finishing)

Ideal for garment printing (logos on T-shirts) or greeting cards (individual design elements). Glitter is applied to specific areas of the design.

1. Create a Glitter spot colour — In Illustrator or InDesign, create a spot colour named Glitter and apply it to the areas you want to sparkle.
2. Export as PDF — Preserves the spot colour layer.
3. Import and configure — Visualis3R detects the Glitter layer. Select it and configure the glitter type and properties.
4. Adjust properties — Set colour, scale, and intensity to match your real-world glitter.

Glitter as base material

For designs printed on glitter paper or board, apply glitter at the substrate level rather than as a spot colour layer.

• Select glitter as the base material in Substrate Controls
• Adjust colour and scale to match the physical stock
• Add CMYK and other embellishments on top as normal

Setup & configuration

Lamination affects the reflectivity and appearance of the substrate and all other embellishments beneath it. Layer order matters — laminate over foil produces a different result to foil over laminate.

1. Create a Laminate layer — In design software, create a spot colour layer named Laminate.
2. Export and import — Export the design as PDF and load into Visualis3R.
3. Configure lamination — Select the Laminate layer and adjust Gloss Level and Texture Intensity.
4. Set layer order — Lamination over foil (foil is protected under laminate) vs foil over laminate (foil sits on top of the laminated surface) produce visually distinct results.

Lamination properties

• Lamination over foil — Foil sits beneath the laminate. Creates a soft, protected foil look.
• Foil over lamination — Foil applied on top of a laminated surface. Creates a sharper, more reflective foil edge.
• Lamination over embossing — The laminate follows the raised surface, enhancing tactile depth.

Setup & configuration

ECG inks extend the printable colour gamut using bright supplementary channels such as Orange, Green, Blue, Red, and Violet. Visualis3R can configure these to match specific printing devices.

1. Create ECG spot colour layers — In design software, create spot colour layers named Orange, Green, Violet, or your device's channel names.
2. Export as PDF — Preserves all channels for import.
3. Import and configure — Visualis3R detects ECG layers and marks unconfigured ones with a warning triangle.
4. Select device profile — Choose from Ideal Alliance, HP, Landa, or input custom LAB / RGB values for accurate gamut matching.
5. Blend with CMYK — Optionally combine ECG channels with CMYK to push specific hues further — e.g. orange + red for a more vibrant orange-red.

Common ECG channels

• Ideal Alliance (CMYK + OGV standard)
• HP Indigo extended gamut
• Landa Nanographic printing
• Custom — input your own RGB or LAB values

Setup & configuration

Visualis3R does not include built-in Pantone lookup tables, but uses a flexible catch-all mechanism to recognise and configure any spot colour by name and RGB/hex value.

1. Create a spot colour layer — In Illustrator, create a spot colour and name it descriptively (e.g. Brand Orange) with appropriate colour values.
2. Determine the RGB/hex values — Use a reliable source such as colorxs.com, or switch the colour to RGB mode in Illustrator to read the values directly.
3. Export as PDF — Export the design with spot colours intact.
4. Configure in Visualis3R — Input the RGB or hex values. Adjust metalness, texture, and flake size for metallic spot colours.
5. Save as preset — Store the configuration for consistent reuse across all projects using that brand colour.

Supported colour types

• Standard Pantone and custom flat spot colours
• Brand-specific proprietary colours
• Metallic spot colours with flake and texture
• Foil effects mapped to any custom name

Setup & configuration

Invisible inks remain hidden under standard lighting but glow under UV blacklight. Ideal for security printing on passports, event tickets, and credit cards.

1. Create an Invisible layer — In design software, create a spot colour layer named Invisible for areas where UV-reactive ink will be applied.
2. Export as PDF — Preserves the invisible layer.
3. Import and configure — Visualis3R detects the Invisible layer. Select it and set the UV ink colour and intensity.
4. Enable UV blacklight — Click the UV Blacklight icon in the interface to toggle blacklight simulation on. The invisible areas will glow visibly.
5. Adjust the glow — Increase intensity for a vibrant effect; decrease for a subtler, more realistic appearance.

Properties & applications

• Passports and identity documents
• Event tickets and access control
• Credit cards and financial documents
• Brand anti-counterfeiting features
• Interactive packaging and promotional materials

Setup & configuration

Embossing creates raised (or recessed) designs on the substrate, adding tactile depth visible through lighting and shading effects.

1. Create an Emboss layer — In design software, create a spot colour layer named Emboss for the areas you want raised.
2. Export as PDF — Preserves the emboss layer for import.
3. Import and configure — Visualis3R detects the Emboss layer and applies default settings. Adjust properties to match your target process.
4. Adjust properties — Set height, bevel, shadow and highlight intensity to simulate blind emboss, foil emboss, or sculptured emboss.
5. Use environmental controls — Move the lighting to emphasise the depth and dimension of the emboss from different angles.

Emboss properties

Setup & configuration

Unlike the proprietary Color-Logic FX Viewer, Visualis3R supports Color-Logic effects alongside other embellishments for fully integrated design previews.

1. Create Color-Logic layers — In design software, create a spot colour layer typically named CL 4713 SILVER for metallic effects (silver or white ink base).
2. Export as PDF — Preserves the Color-Logic spot colour layer.
3. Import and configure — Open in Visualis3R. Select the Color-Logic layer and choose the substrate or ink type (e.g. silver foil, rainbow holographic, white ink).
4. Add further embellishments — Add varnish, neon inks, or other spot colour layers on top of the Color-Logic base for a complete combined preview.

Supported processes

• Printing on metallic substrates (silver foil, rainbow holographic)
• Silver ink or white ink metallic workflows
• Cold foil and sleeking processes
• Combined embellishment previews (Color-Logic + varnish, neon, etc.)

Available materials

• Gloss coated — Shiny, reflective surface that enhances colour saturation. Default on Reset to Default.
• Uncoated paper — Non-reflective; ink absorbs slightly, producing less saturated colours.
• Transparent / clear film — Used for labels. Combine with white ink underprint for opaque colour areas.
• Foil Substrates — Any colored foil substrate can be simulated and you can add textures
• Rainbow Holographic — Perfect for that WOW factor and very commonly used in the printing industry
• Brushed metal / foil substrate — Metallic base for premium packaging and labels.
• Glitter paper — Sparkle substrate for greeting cards, fashion and retail.
• Plastic — Perfect for simulating printing on plastics, such as credit cards/ID cards

Adjusting substrate properties

Each material has adjustable properties that determine how colour, reflectivity and transparency behave on top of it.

File setup & configuration

Masking uses a solid filled area to define the visible portion of the design, simulating a physical die cut. This is distinct from a die line — the mask must be filled, not just an outline stroke.

1. Create a Mask layer — In Illustrator, create a spot colour layer named Mask. Fill the desired die-cut shape with the solid Mask colour (not just a stroke outline).
2. Set to Overprint or Multiply — Ensures the mask layer interacts correctly with the artwork beneath it.
3. Export as PDF — Preserves layers and spot colours.
4. Import into Visualis3R — The software rips the PDF. Locate the Mask layer in the layer list and enable it to clip the visible area.
5. Verify the cut shape — Everything outside the mask area will be hidden, revealing only the die-cut shape.

Design considerations

• Mask vs die line — A die line is a single outline stroke; Visualis3R requires a filled area as the mask. Create the filled version of your die shape in a dedicated layer.
• Resolution — For designs with small text or fine lines, increase resolution in Visualis3R before ripping. This improves clarity but increases ripping time on multi-page files.
• Multi-page PDFs — The mask applies per page. For complex packaging with multiple panels, each page/panel can have its own mask shape.

Use cases

• Client approvals — Share transparent PNGs with proof metadata (version, copyright, date) embedded in the image
• Website assets — High-res transparent PNGs for product pages and portfolio imagery
• Mockups — Place transparent PNGs over product photography in Photoshop for realistic 3D pack shots
• Dynamic presentations — WebM videos demonstrate how foil and glitter react to movement and light
• Marketing & social media — Short looping videos showcase embellishment effects on websites and social platforms
• Proofing — Provide clients a live dynamic view of the design before committing to production

• Keep video recordings short to manage file size — longer recordings produce larger WebM files
• Use panning and tilting to highlight reflective elements like foil and glitter
• Ensure metadata is professional and version-specific for client-facing outputs
• For advanced mockups, cut individual panels of the transparent PNG in Photoshop to wrap around 3D box visuals