Frequently Asked Questions

A Raster Image Processor (RIP) is a mission-critical software component in printing systems. When printing documents (typically containing text, photos, illustrations, and graphics), the first step is converting the document data into a format the printer can understand. This format is called a Page Description Language (PDL). The printer driver software generates the PDL file, including instructions for text placement, font selection, graphics rendering, color management, and more.

The RIP takes over after the PDL file has been sent for printing. As the brain of a printer, the RIP accepts the PDL input and generates a raster output (grid of dots) that the printer subsequently marks on paper. The rasterization process involves converting the document data (such as lines, curves, text, etc.) present in the PDL file into a raster image, representing how the final printed page will appear, with each pixel containing information about toner or ink color, intensity, and position.

The RIP ensures that the complexity and richness of the original design are faithfully reproduced in print. The RIP also orchestrates precise color and font management and navigates transparencies, halftoning, and more.

Adobe Embedded Print Engine is Adobe’s cutting-edge RIP technology for A4, A3, and entry-level large-format printers. It powers millions of printers worldwide across a diverse spectrum of device types and ensures that every print mirrors the quality and intent of the original design.

Trillions of PDF documents are currently in circulation worldwide. Its prominence as a document format lies in its ability to ensure that the document quality and appearance are reproduced accurately, whether viewed on-screen or brought to life in print. PDF epitomizes device independence, allowing the document to be reproduced across various devices while preserving content integrity and formatting. PDF also enables last-minute object-level operations and optimizations and offers unmatched flexibility.

In addition to being a document format, PDF is also a PDL understood by many printers and multi-function printers (MFPs) used today. This makes PDF a universal language, standardizing the end-to-end print workflow and ensuring that cross-platform and hardware compatibility is never an issue. All mobile print services support conversion to PDF. In addition to that, PDF also supports Digital Rights Management. Embedding support for PDF in the printer as a PDL at the device level brings consistency in performance attributes such as print speed and output finesse, ensuring reliable and uniform printing experiences.

Desktop devices can now print any document as PDFs and send these jobs to the printer via the Microsoft IPP Class Driver, the printer driver in Windows compatible with Mopria Certified printers, and AirPrint in macOS. With the help of PDF-enabled printers, users get a consistent experience with what they see on their desktop and in their print output. Another critical component impacting current and future PDF use is its support within a mobile and cloud computing environment. PDFs are increasingly sent to printers from mobile devices using services such as AirPrint (for Apple iOS devices) and Mopria (for Android devices), as well as cloud print platforms (e.g., Microsoft Universal Print). PDF doesn’t just uphold the traditional office printing norms but also seamlessly integrates with the dynamic landscapes of mobile and cloud computing.

One can unlock a world of advantages with printers equipped with native-PDF printing support. These benefits translate into enhanced print performance, quicker processing, and more predictable output (especially for color). Some other advantages include:

• Accurate output: Experience accurate output that faithfully replicates what you see on your screen. Our “what you see is what you get” (“WYSIWYG”) technology ensures your print results match the content displayed on your desktop or mobile device screen. Whether it’s reports, images, presentations, or engineering drawings, native PDF printers authentically represent your content on paper.
• Consistent print output across devices: Thanks to native-PDF integration, achieve consistent print output across various devices, whether a personal printer in a home office or an enterprise-class device in a traditional office setting.
• Superior color quality: Elevate your color printing experience with support for International Color Consortium (ICC) profiles, delivering precise color representation.
• Seamless cloud and mobile printing: Print from anywhere easily, thanks to cloud and mobile support. Experience two critical processing efficiencies:
  • PDF’s compact document size enables efficient transmission over mobile networks with limited bandwidth.
  • Achieve superior print quality by printing at device resolution (versus raster format), especially when using mobile devices.
• No conversion hassles: Say goodbye to format conversion headaches. Native-PDF support eliminates the need for conversions between PDF and other formats supported by the printed, such as PCL, PostScript, or raster. Experience increased processing efficiency and faster printing times.

The Embedded Print Engine dominates the market with unparalleled performance and reliability. It is the unmatched leader in the A3 RIP segment (commands over 70% market share) and will command over 65% of the A4 RIP market by 2026.

Print OEMs profoundly trust Embedded Print Engine. It specializes in delivering high-value content precisely as expected, leveraging the core technologies that power Adobe Creative Cloud, Acrobat, and Adobe Express.

The Adobe Print Team brings decades of consulting experience, ensuring our partners receive top-tier guidance and support. Our approach includes dedicated tandem account management, providing two technical account managers to ensure seamless communication and problem resolution.

The Embedded Print Engine means continuous innovation and future readiness, dedicated to embracing and leveraging the latest industry and technology trends. It offers a one-stop solution for all print needs, ensuring a consistent print experience across all office printing devices.

The financial strength of Adobe guarantees substantial ongoing investment in research and development. Combined with flexible, competitive licensing models, the Embedded Print Engine is the best choice for print manufacturers seeking to advance their offerings and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Adobe's brand equity also adds a premium value, allowing partners to leverage Adobe branding in their marketing strategies.

The Embedded Print Engine is a versatile RIP solution that can be integrated into various printing devices. It leads the market with unparalleled performance and reliability. It is the unmatched leader in the A3 RIP segment (commands over 70% market share) and will command over 65% of the A4 RIP market by 2026. In addition to being the industry's RIP technology of choice in the A3/A4 segments, recent enhancements to the Embedded Print Engine have enabled it to take maximum advantage of the capabilities of a self-contained LFP with minimal complexity. Hence, the Embedded Print Engine is your go-to technology for harnessing peak performance from office workgroup printers, delivering efficient and high-quality prints for personal printers with minimal resources, or realizing the utmost print fidelity for large format printers.

If you are a printer manufacturer looking to explore the capabilities of the Embedded Print Engine, we offer convenient options to kickstart your evaluation process. If you already have an Adobe Print Team Account Manager, contacting them directly is your optimal first step. They can provide personalized advice and support based on your past interactions and specific needs.

If you don't have a dedicated representative, worry not! Complete the 'CONTACT US' form on this website or email aepe@adobe.com, expressing your interest and outlining any specific requirements or questions you may have.

Upon receiving your inquiry, our dedicated team will promptly contact you. We are committed to thoroughly understanding your unique needs and expectations. Subsequently, we will schedule a comprehensive presentation to guide you through the innovative features and capabilities of the Embedded Print Engine. We aim to ensure you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about its implementation and integration into your print workflow.

For print equipment buyers, explore a range of print devices offered by our printer manufacturer partners to find the perfect fit for your requirements.

If you are a printer manufacturer, transitioning to the Embedded Print Engine is a seamless choice, whether you currently use Adobe RIP or clone technology. If you are migrating from an existing Adobe RIP, rest assured that the process is straightforward. Minimal changes to the interface are involved, and Adobe will provide you with comprehensive documentation and dedicated support to ensure a smooth transition. The timeline for migration may vary based on any customizations you have implemented. Still, our team will assist you in migrating these customizations to leverage the benefits of the new architecture and core technologies. For those transitioning from non-Adobe technology to the Embedded Print Engine, we offer comprehensive technical workshops, extensive documentation, and world-class ongoing support to facilitate a quick and hassle-free transition. Make the move to Adobe Embedded Print Engine with complete confidence!

The Embedded Print Engine caters to many devices, from resource-constrained personal printers to heavy-duty office workgroup printers to large format printers. We recognize that you may be developing various devices for specific markets or regions, each with its unique business model and needs. With this in mind, we are committed to providing flexible licensing terms tailored to your requirements. Our long-term vision is to support your growth as you introduce products based on Adobe Embedded Print Engine into the market.

Apple awards AirPrint certification to printers and Multi-Function Printers (MFPs) that meet their rigorous criteria for seamless printing from Apple devices. These criteria encompass testing various device aspects crucial to the AirPrint workflow. One critical criterion is assessing the quality and performance of RIPped PDFs printed on these devices.

The good news is that Adobe has collaborated closely with Apple to secure AirPrint certification for the Embedded Print Engine. What does this mean for you? Suppose your printing device integrates the Embedded Print Engine. In that case, you can rest assured about the quality and performance of printing PDFs required for the AirPrint certification test suite. Say goodbye to ANY worries about meeting AirPrint's demanding standards—Adobe Embedded Print Engine has got you covered!

At Adobe, our team of world-class engineers has played a pivotal role in collaborating with the globe's foremost printer manufacturers, empowering them to craft exceptional devices tailored to diverse market segments. Our commitment to you continues beyond ensuring the implementation of the Embedded Print Engine for your printer platform.

We understand that your needs, and those of your customers, may extend beyond the Embedded Print Engine. That's where we provide end-to-end solutions that add further value to your print offerings. Whether you seek customized solutions, advanced features, or comprehensive support, contact us – we are all ears.