Hotfolders in VerteLith are designed to help print shops automate their workflow and minimize manual steps. This article will guide you through what hotfolders are, how they work, and how to set up and manage them efficiently for streamlined, consistent print production—ideal for environments such as Print on Demand.

Instructions to use VerteLith Hotfolders

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using hotfolders in VerteLith to automate your print environment.

Step 1: Understand hotfolders and print environments

• What is a hotfolder?
  • A hotfolder is a specific directory on your computer or network that automatically processes print jobs. Each print environment in VerteLith can be linked to a hotfolder, automating tasks and minimizing manual input.
  • Hotfolders contain two subfolders:
    • Hold Folder: Files placed here are held in the queue for review before printing.
    • Print Folder: Files placed here are printed immediately using preset configurations—no manual intervention required.
  • A shared hotfolder can be accessed by multiple users across a network.

Step 2: Create a print environment and assign a hotfolder

• Create a Print Environment:
  • Go to Manage > Print Environment and select "Add Print Environment."
  • Specify a name and define settings for media, resolution, ink limits, etc. (You can create multiple print environments for different job types.)
• Assign a Hotfolder:
  • During creation or editing, set the location for the hotfolder.
  • VerteLith will automatically create the hold and print subfolders inside it.
  • Files placed in these subfolders are processed according to their folder (held for review or printed immediately).

Step 3: Manage and edit hotfolders

• Hotfolders are tied to print environments, so any changes to the environment (media, resolution, etc.) affect all files sent through that hotfolder.
• Edit: You can modify print settings or change the hotfolder path as needed.
• Delete: Removing the print environment also deletes the associated hotfolder and all its jobs.

Step 4: Advantages and use cases

• Automation: Reduce manual steps and increase efficiency for recurring jobs.
• Consistency: Print jobs use the same settings every time, minimizing operator errors.
• Speed: Perfect for high-throughput environments—files are printed as soon as they are placed in the folder.

Tip: VerteLith supports up to 64 print environments per printer, so you can create tailored hotfolders for different job types and workflows. For example, assign a unique print environment and hotfolder for each banner or poster material type, letting designers simply drop their files into the correct folder to trigger automated, consistent processing.

Here’s a practical example:
Let’s say your shop prints banners and posters using different materials. Set up a print environment for “Banner on Vinyl” and one for “Poster on Matte Paper,” each with their own hotfolder. When a designer drags a file into the relevant hotfolder, VerteLith processes and prints it with the right settings, no operator needed.