How to Set Up a File to Print with Fiery ECI
If you’ve ever needed to print something important—like a full-color marketing brochure, a detailed proposal, or a stack of postcards—and wondered how to make sure it comes out exactly right, then you’re in the right place.
When you’re using a professional digital printer from Canon, Xerox, or Ricoh, and your job depends on precision and color accuracy, Fiery ECI (EFI Color and Imaging) is likely your best friend. But if you’re new to Fiery or just haven’t had time to explore all it can do, this guide will walk you through the process, step by step.
Whether you’re managing print jobs for a busy Denver design firm or running a local real estate office in Colorado Springs, learning how to properly set up a file for Fiery can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
First Things First: What Is Fiery ECI?
Let’s start with the basics. Fiery ECI is a powerful digital front-end (DFE) system made by EFI. It acts like a translator between your computer and your digital printer—turning your file into a flawless print job with accurate colors, layout consistency, and finishing precision.
If your printer uses Fiery, you’ll likely be working with Fiery Command WorkStation, the software interface where you send and manage your print jobs. It gives you total control over how your file prints—from color settings and imposition to duplexing and finishing.
Think of it as your mission control for printing. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Step 1: Prep Your File for Success
Before you even open Fiery Command WorkStation, your print job starts with your file. Whether you’re working in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or even Microsoft Word, the way you set up your file plays a huge role in how it looks on paper.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Always design in CMYK if possible. RGB might look great on screen, but CMYK is the language of print.
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Use high-resolution images—300 dpi is the gold standard.
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Add bleed and crop marks. A standard 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed helps prevent any white edges when your document is trimmed.
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Flatten your transparencies if you’re using InDesign or Illustrator.
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Outline your fonts or embed them. That way, they won’t shift or disappear during printing.
Once everything looks just right, it’s time to export your file to a print-ready PDF.
Step 2: Export Your File as a PDF/X
Fiery works best with PDF/X formats, which are designed specifically for printing.
If you’re using Adobe software:
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Go to File > Export (in InDesign) or File > Save As > Adobe PDF (in Illustrator/Photoshop).
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Choose PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4—both are great for professional printing.
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Under Marks and Bleeds, check the box for Crop Marks, and select “Use Document Bleed Settings.”
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In the Output tab, either leave color conversion off or convert to your press’s ICC profile.
Once you’ve exported, you’ve got a file that’s ready to talk to Fiery—and look amazing in print.
Step 3: Launch Fiery Command WorkStation
Now comes the fun part—setting up your job in Fiery Command WorkStation, or CWS for short.
Once you launch the software and connect to your Fiery server (usually assigned to your digital press), you’ll see the Held, Printed, and Archived queues. This is where you’ll manage your jobs.
Don’t worry—it might look complex at first, but it’s user-friendly once you get going.
Step 4: Import Your File into Fiery
There are two super simple ways to load your job into Command WorkStation:
Option A: Drag and Drop
Just click and drag your PDF file from your desktop into the Held queue in Fiery. This lets you preview and adjust settings before printing.
Option B: Use the Import Feature
Click on the Import Job button or go to File > Import Job, and select your PDF. Choose to hold it, print it right away, or send it to “Print and Hold.”
Pro Tip: Holding your job gives you time to double-check settings—especially useful when you’re working with custom media or tight color requirements.
Step 5: Adjust Print Settings in Job Properties
Now that your job is in the queue, right-click it and select Properties. This is where you make the magic happen.
Key settings to explore:
📄 Media Tab
Choose the right paper size, weight, and tray. If you’re printing a 12×18″ tri-fold brochure on glossy cover stock, make sure that media is loaded and selected correctly.
🎨 Color Tab
Pick a color profile (like GRACoL or SWOP), use Fiery Spot-On to match brand colors, and apply automatic photo enhancements if needed.
🔄 Layout Tab
Need imposition? Whether it’s 2-up business cards or a saddle-stitched booklet, you can set it up right here.
📑 Finishing Tab
If your printer has a finisher, you can select options like stapling, folding, or hole punching.
🔁 Duplexing
Decide whether your job should be single-sided, double-sided, or even flipped for booklet printing.
This step is where Fiery really shines—giving you the power to fine-tune every aspect of your print job.
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Step 6: Preview Your File with ImageViewer
Not sure if everything will look just right? You can use Fiery ImageViewer for a full soft-proof preview.
This tool lets you zoom in, check alignment, inspect fonts, and see how colors will render—before you send the job to print.
You can even catch issues like text cutoff, incorrect bleeds, or color shifts that may have slipped through the cracks.
Step 7: Hit Print or Send It to the Queue
Once everything looks perfect, you’re ready to print.
Click Print, or send the job to the Print queue from the Held list. Fiery will start ripping (processing) the file and send it to your printer exactly the way you configured it.
And just like that, you’re on your way to professional, production-level prints—without the hassle.
Step 8: Save a Preset for Next Time
If you print similar jobs often (like monthly reports, marketing flyers, or postcards), you can save your setup as a preset in Fiery.
Just open Job Properties, configure everything the way you like, and then click the Presets drop-down to save it.
Next time, all it takes is one click to apply those settings. It’s a total time-saver.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
Even the best systems hit a snag now and then. If something feels off, here are a few things to check:
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Colors look wrong? Make sure your file is CMYK and that you’re using the right ICC profile.
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Fonts missing? Double-check that you embedded or outlined them.
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Paper jams or misfeeds? Verify the media type and tray in both Fiery and your printer.
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Job not printing? Make sure you’re connected to the right Fiery server and that your queue is active.
Still stuck? That’s what we’re here for. As your local Colorado print technology experts, ABT is just a phone call or email away.
Why Fiery Printing is a Game-Changer for Colorado Businesses
Whether you’re running a print shop in Fort Collins, a real estate office in Denver, or a school in Colorado Springs, using Fiery ECI puts you in control.
Here’s why so many Colorado businesses trust Fiery:
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Spot-on color accuracy for branding and design
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Simplified workflows for recurring print jobs
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Advanced imposition for booklets, flyers, and brochures
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Real-time previews so you catch mistakes before they hit the press
And when you partner with ABT, you get more than just great printing—you get local support, expert advice, and a team that truly understands your business needs.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to set up a file to print with Fiery ECI might feel a little technical at first, but once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature. You’ll appreciate how much control you have over every detail—and how much better your print jobs look because of it.
At ABT, we help businesses across Colorado get the most out of their digital printing systems. From Fiery setup to color calibration, we’re here to make your print life easier.
Ready to streamline your print workflow?
📞 Contact ABT today to schedule a Fiery workflow consultation or on-site training.
Let’s make your print jobs faster, sharper, and smarter—together.
