printing-foundation

Calculate imposition, CTP plate counts, spine thickness, and creep for print jobs.

Updated Feb 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/skeeper75/widget.creator --skill printing-foundation
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agentโ–ผ
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: printing-foundation
Source: https://github.com/skeeper75/widget.creator/tree/main/.claude/skills/innojini-printing-foundation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/skeeper75/widget.creator --skill printing-foundation

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

๐Ÿ’ก This Skill requires json, argparse, math, pathlib, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and data (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides essential, foundational knowledge for printing calculations and layout, enabling accurate cost estimation, efficient production planning, and error prevention in the printing industry.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Imposition Calculations: Determine optimal page layouts (UPs) on sheets or rolls.
  • CTP Plate Calculation: Calculate the exact number of CTP plates needed for a print job.
  • Page Layouts: Understand standard folding and binding arrangements (e.g., cross-folds, parallel folds).
  • Spine & Creep Calculation: Accurately calculate book spine thickness and creep for binding.
  • Use Case: When designing a brochure, use this Skill to calculate the correct imposition for a 16-page signature, determine the CTP plates needed for a 4-color CMYK print, and ensure the spine thickness is correctly accounted for in the cover design.

Quick Start

Calculate the CTP plates needed for a 100-page booklet with 16 pages per signature and 4-color printing.

Frequently Asked Questions about printing-foundation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I calculate CTP plates needed for a multi-page booklet?โ–ผ

Calculate book spine thickness by multiplying the number of pages by the paper specification thickness. This Skill computes precise spine and creep adjustments using Python scripts to ensure accurate binding and cover design.

How does imposition work for different folding and binding layouts?โ–ผ

Imposition arranges pages on a printed sheet so they appear in correct sequence after folding and binding. This Skill calculates optimal page layouts and UPs for cross-folds and parallel folds to streamline production planning.

Can I calculate creep compensation for thick bookbinding signatures?โ–ผ

Yes, you can calculate creep compensation for thick bookbinding signatures using this Skill. It processes paper specifications and job parameters via Python scripts to adjust page margins and prevent text drift at the fold.

Do I need Python to run printing layout and imposition calculations?โ–ผ

Yes, Python is required to run imposition and printing layout calculations. This Skill relies on Python scripts and standard libraries like math and json to process job parameters and output precise production measurements.

Why is creep compensation important in print production planning?โ–ผ

Creep compensation is important in print production because thick folded signatures cause inner pages to push outward, shifting margins. This Skill calculates creep adjustments to maintain consistent page alignment across bound booklets.