Affinity Designer/Photo TIFF File Export

[Datum]

Hello,

I recently purchased a Direct To Film (DTF) Printer from over seas. The printer came with a RIP Software developed by MainTop called RIP 6. The program requires us to convert or export our design file to TIFF and upload it to the RIP Software to generate the print file. 

When I take the design file and export to the TIFF, there is an error message that pops up stating that the file type is unsupported. The manufacturer is telling me that I have to use adobe BS, I mean PS. which I am having a hard time believing, nor do i want to go into an agreement if I don't have to. 

I figured I would start here to see if there is anyone who has experienced this or knows anyone who has and is able to continue to use affinity? 

There is also something called "Spot Channeling" that apparently only be done with photoshop. This needs to be done when an image that needs to printed on a specific location on the print medium, needs to be done to ensure the image prints on the appropriate location. 

I have attached some pictures of the software and a video of how the "spot Channel" an image before uploading it to RIP 6, instructions as to how to start a new project in the software etc  

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

20230801_102308683_iOS.heic 20230801_102352739_iOS.heic maintop.pdf 20230801_005435380_iOS.heic

[walt.farrell]

There are a couple of possibilities that come to mind:

1. By default, TIFF files will be exported with the .tiff suffix by the Affinity applications. Some other applications require .tif (one f) instead. If that's the case, you could rename the file after you export it, or (on Windows) you can change the suffix while Exporting, when you choose the file name and export location.
   or
2. By default, TIFF files will be exported with compression. Some applications require uncompressed files, or only support certain kinds of compression. In that case, turn off the compression in the Export options, or specify a different kind of compression.

[v_kyr]

If ".TIF" won't do it either, print from PDFs.

[Datum]

Thank you for both of your replies. @walt.farrell you were almost bang on. I ended up getting a hold of the software developer and they helped me trouble shoot the problem. It was pretty cool as they knew the affinity software and were actually able to take my design file and examine it, to provide feed back on what I was doing wrong. They told me to do the following:

1. Not to make it transparent

2. Change the compression to LZW

3. Change the suffix from x.TIFF to x.TIF 

After I made those changes, I was able to successfully upload the .TIF file to the RIP Software. I still have to render it from the RIP to a .PRN file and print it but at least I was able to get it this far. 

Thanks everyone.

[walt.farrell]

Thanks for letting us know what was needed.

[R C-R]

On 8/1/2023 at 3:09 PM, walt.farrell said:

... you could rename the file after you export it, or (on Windows) you can change the suffix while Exporting...

But we still can't do that on macOS (or I think on iPadOS) which, although minor, is still annoying.

[walt.farrell]

Just now, R C-R said:

But we still can't do that on macOS (or I think on iPadOS) which, although minor, is still annoying.

And that's why I said that "on Windows" you can do it while exporting.

[R C-R]

3 minutes ago, walt.farrell said:

And that's why I said that "on Windows" you can do it while exporting.

I know. I was just venting my frustration about this longstanding Mac bug, or whatever you want to call it.

[Datum]

@walt.farrell I have another question for you. I am trying to achieve what is done in the video but except, in affinity. Any idea if this is possible with affinity? 
 

This came from the manufacturer of my DTF printer. They are telling me I need photoshop and do not want to get it. I am doing everything I can to avoid it. They call it “Spot Colour”.
 

Thanks in advance 

[lacerto]

Obsolete.