Customer Quick Start

For the v1.0.0-PC1 / RC2 production-candidate family. Updated October 19, 2026.

Your first job: Install → Start 10-day trial (or use paid activation) → Open artwork → Separate → Review and approve → Export or print → Save.

1. Install the complete package

• Use a Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit PC and the complete installer from bs4uautosepstudio.com or your order email. A 32-bit installer is not currently offered.
• You do not need to install Python, Photoshop, or another Adobe application.
• Keep your order email and installer. Verify the package using the supplied instructions and SHA-256 manifest. A matching hash checks file integrity; it does not establish publisher identity.
• Back up existing jobs before an update, then close AutoSep. Run the installer, read the EULA, and accept it only if you agree.
• Code signing remains pending for limited Early Access packages. If Windows shows Unknown Publisher or a security warning, contact support for verification guidance. Do not disable Windows security.
• Memory and disk needs grow with artwork size, channel count and film DPI. Start with a modest sample image and review the application’s diagnostic estimates.

2. Start your trial or activate a paid license

On an unlicensed computer, the free 10-day trial starts automatically on first launch. No invitation, checkout or manually issued trial license is required. Existing paid activation is preserved. The following steps apply to paid activation:

1. Open License & Updates from the application tools.
2. Choose Create Activation Request and save the .bs4ureq file outside the installation folder.
3. Email it to support@bs4uautosepstudio.com with your order number and purchase email. Support returns your signed license file within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
4. Use Import License to import the returned .bs4ulic file.
5. Select Validate License and confirm VALID.

Repeat activation on each authorized computer for a multi-PC license (Holiday Special: up to 3 PCs). Do not copy a machine-bound license to a different PC. Build 1002 uses offline activation with a license file only. Continued production after the automatic 10-day trial requires a valid paid signed license.

3. Open and set up a job

1. Click Open Artwork… and choose PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, WEBP or supported PSD artwork.
2. Enter the job name and customer. Choose a writable BS4U Jobs output folder.
3. Set the finished print dimensions, garment, available press stations and mesh.
4. Start with the applicable garment preset: Black Cotton, White Cotton, Polyester or Triblend.
5. Choose SPOT, SIM, CMYK or INDEX to match the art and intended inks.

Spot suits distinct ink colors; Simulated Process suits blended artwork; CMYK builds cyan, magenta, yellow and black plates; Index uses a limited palette of solid pixels. Qualify CMYK/Index settings for your own shop. PSD support imports artwork for production and is not a complete Photoshop editor; read any import warnings.

Optional: remove the background

Use the main-window background-removal tool before separating. Preview edge-connected color background removal, adjust tolerance and feathering, then apply or cancel. Save a transparent PNG if needed, or restore the original. Replacing an existing plate set requires confirmation. This offline color-based tool is not an AI subject cutout.

4. Generate the initial plates

Review the artwork and separation settings, then click AUTOSEPARATE ENTIRE JOB. Check Separation Info, the Live Ink Bar, specialty plates and plate previews.

Leave Auto LPI from Mesh enabled unless your shop has a calibrated value. Confirm output DPI, film polarity, mirroring, marks and finished size. Count underbase, highlight white and blocker gray toward your available press stations.

Generate the initial separation before manual plate edits. Running automatic separation again is a new generation step, not a way to print an edited plate.

5. Review, merge and approve

• Open Proof & Plate Review. Inspect the garment proof and each individual plate.
• Click a plate row to select it; click again to deselect it. Select separated rows independently—no Ctrl key is required and plates between them are not automatically selected.
• Check the selection count. Use Clear Selection if necessary, then Merge Selected to merge exactly the highlighted plates.
• Use Move Up or Move Down to set plate order. Recheck the proof after changing the order or colors.
• Review fine details, specialty plates, halftones, dimensions and QC messages.
• Use Save to History to preserve the revision. For jobs using revision approval, choose Approve Revision after review. Changes invalidate approval; review and approve the changed revision again.

View, Export, Print and Reprint use the current live plates. Keep the approved revision with the job. Do not rerun automatic separation simply to output it.

6. Export and use FilmRIP

Use the job export controls for the reviewed live plates. Keep the generated film files with their matching job revision.

For direct Windows printing:

1. Open BS4U FilmRIP and select the shop’s printer profile.
2. Choose Use Selected Profile. Confirm printer, driver, media, output DPI and physical size.
3. Select the intended density mode. If you use Apply Density to Live Plates, review the changed plates, renew approval where required, and re-export the films.
4. Select a current generated film and choose Prepare 1-Bit Spool Raster for preflight.
5. Select the installed Windows printer and use Direct Print.

A changed profile, changed live plate, altered film or older export may require a fresh export. Do not bypass a provenance warning by renaming or copying an old film.

Double Strike sends two passes; some printers eject between passes and require accurate manual refeeding. Generic profiles are starting points, not certified printer/ink/film combinations. Export DPI settings do not guarantee the printer’s physical resolution or density.

7. Check the film and save the job

Before exposing screens, check physical dimensions, orientation, registration, density and printable detail. Resolve production warnings and qualify the actual printer/ink/film/exposure setup.

Keep the editable job revision, matching films, proof and job ticket together. Save Master Job Package can retain a portable job package. Configure Data Backup and keep a separate copy of important jobs. Scheduled shop backups require the application to be running; portable backups exclude email credentials and machine-bound licenses.

Normal output files

• separations/*_GRAYSCALE_RIP.tif: continuous-tone separation masters; black means full ink coverage.
• films/*_HALFTONE_FILM.tif: screened film files with registration marks and slug.
• proof/*_GARMENT_PROOF.png: garment proof.
• JOB-TICKET.txt and JOB-TICKET.pdf: production setup and print order.
• _BS4U_DATA/job_ticket.json: internal job metadata; keep it with the job.

Help when something stops you

Problem — Next action

License does not validate — Confirm this PC, license term and Windows clock; send the exact error to support.

Direct Print rejects a film — Load the intended job revision, review/approve it and export again.

Printer is missing — Install and check the real Windows printer driver and queue.

PSD import warning — Read the stated limitation and use the documented source-format fallback.

Large artwork is slow — Review diagnostic size estimates and reduce unnecessary dimensions or output DPI before regenerating.

Shop data appears corrupt — Preserve the original files, restore a verified backup and contact support.

For help, email support@bs4uautosepstudio.com with your order number, AutoSep version, Windows version, printer model and the exact steps/error. Review diagnostic files before sending; omit passwords, private keys, payment details and unrelated customer artwork.

Training and support: https://bs4uautosepstudio.com/support/

Your purchase and refund policy

Paid purchases, including the Holiday Special, include one year of updates and email support, with no required monthly subscription. The purchased version continues working on each authorized PC afterward.

You may request a full refund within 30 calendar days of purchase, including after activation. Email support within that period with your order details. Refunded licenses are canceled and use must stop on all covered PCs. See 30-Day Refund Policy.