Compare CalderaRIP Versions

Understanding CalderaRIP Versions

CalderaRIP is a powerful Raster Image Processor (RIP) software trusted by professionals in digital printing, signage, and textile printing for its performance, color accuracy, and workflow optimization. Over the years, Caldera has released several versions, each introducing new features, improvements, and compatibility updates to meet the evolving needs of print service providers.

Below is a comparison chart of major CalderaRIP versions, highlighting differences in functionality, supported OS and key enhancements. Perfect if you’re considering an upgrade of your old CalderaRIP version!

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SUPPORT & COMPATIBILITIES
V11
V12
V13
V14
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
Technical supportTroubleshooting available for the version
No longer supported
No longer supported
No
No
No
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
Yes
Version updates & upgradesAutomatic version update with CalderaCare
No
No
No
No
No
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
Linux OSCompatibility with Linux OS. Learn more.From Debian 8.6 to 8.8From Debian 8.6 to 9.5From Debian 8.6 to 10From Debian 8.6 to 10.2From Debian 9.5 to 10.2Debian 10 & Ubuntu 22.04Debian 10 & Ubuntu 22.04Ubuntu 22.04 & Ubuntu 24.04Ubuntu 22.04 & Ubuntu 24.04
macOSCompatibility with macOS. Learn more.From Mavericks to High SierraFrom El Capitan to MojaveFrom El Capitan to Big SurFrom High Sierra to Big SurFrom High Sierra to MontereyFrom High Sierra to VenturaFrom High Sierra to SonomaFrom Ventura to SequoiaFrom Sonoma to Tahoe
EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGIES
V11
V12
V13
V14
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
Adobe PDF Print EngineNative PDF management engine
APPE 4
APPE 5
APPE 5
APPE 5.5
APPE 5.5
APPE 6
APPE 6.2
APPE 6.3
APPE 7
Note: To use it, your computer's processor must support AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) instructions.
PS & EPS SupportNative PS GhostScript engine (GS) or PS to PDF converter
GS
GS
GS
PS2PDF
PS2PDF
PS2PDF
PS2PDF
PS2PDF
GhostScript removed. PS/PDF files must be processed via Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE).
X-Rite i1Prism ProfilerColor engine for ICC profiling based on X-Rite technology
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
GENERAL FEATURES
V11
V12
V13
V14
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
Printer detectionAutomatic detection of printers in the network
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Reopen jobsReopen a job from the Spooler
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Print configsManage print configurations
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
QuickPrintUse print presets as workflows
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
EasySelectEasily select custom sizes and media types loaded in the printer (depending on the manufacturer and model communications)
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
CalderaDockThe app to manage Caldera software (installation, licenses, updates, etc.)
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Digital licensesDongle-free digital licenses
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Windows virtualizationCaldera License Server now runs on Windows
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Custom annotationsAdd custom annotations (barcodes, QR codes) to jobs
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
CalderaJobsEasily find, (re)print, archive, delete any job
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Nesting Content ViewReopen and view the content of an Autonest
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Smart Hotfolder35% faster workflow with PDF files, and 60% faster workflow with TIFF files
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
PreviewInspect your jobs before printing
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
CalderaJobs Date FilterUse the date filter to easily find any job
New
✓
✓
✓
PrintProofExport TIFF proofs of your jobs before production to automate approval workflow
New | CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
Duplicate HotfoldersSave time configuring new Hotfolders
New
✓
✓
REST API - CalderaConnectConnect CalderaRIP to third-party apps (webshop, ERP)
New | CalderaCare
CalderaCare
Print Standard Verifier
CalderaCare
Hardware Acceleration
CalderaCare
PREPRESS FEATURES
V11
V12
V13
V14
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
Tiling+Intuitive tiling module to prepare complex large format jobs
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tex&RepeatModule for pattern repetition (textile printing)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Contour NestingContourNesting optimized for (Grand)CutServer
✓
V2
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
PrintBleedPixel cloning and contour duplication to expand print area
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Tile OrderChoose the printing order of your tiles
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Smart ImportAutomatic job submission to the RIP (extract information from filename)
New | CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
CalderaCare
Extended White Under MarksSet white and transparent cut marks with colored background (for printing/cutting on transparent film)
New | CalderaCare
CalderaCare
COLOR FEATURES
V11
V12
V13
V14
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
Pantone, RAL, HKS, PPGOfficial spot color libraries included in CalderaRIP
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Color correctionColor corrections in CalderaRIP/ColorBooks
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
RelinearizationRelinearize a profile with EasyMedia
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Exponential targetsNew targets with more patches in the highlights to improve linearization accuracy
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
High dynamic linearizationIncrease linearization accuracy in difficult conditions
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Alpha-to-spotConvert "alpha" layers to spot colors (for whites and varnishes)
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
2xCMYKFiner screening and ink optimization for 2xCMYK printers
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Pantone FHI Spot ColorsNew Pantone "Fashion & Home Interior" included
New
✓
✓
✓
CUT FEATURES
V11
V12
V13
V14
V15
V16
V17
V18
V19
Extra MarksAdvanced management of registration marks (for flatbed cutters with GrandCut)
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Trim-O-MatikCompatibility with Trimmer ranges (Fotoba, Crest, Kala XY)
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
CalderaCare or subscription
CutServer/GrandCutServer(Grand)CutServer now behaves as a server instead of a cut driver
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
✓
Fotoba ASPAutomate trimming with Fotoba "Automatic Slicer Positioning" feature
New
✓
✓
✓
✓
Grouped material assignationAssign materials to media categories instead of specific media, and save time configuring cutters
CalderaCare or subscription

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