Design Templates 2.0: Cloud-Connected, and Always Up-to-Date
In the current Workflow 2020, Adobe Illustrator design templates are already central to every project. These templates contain crucial metadata embedded directly within the file, enabling designers to visualize their designs in 3D accurately. However, embedding metadata directly in the template files also means that any updates require creating entirely new files. This approach leads to inefficiencies, extra manual work, and increases the risk of designers inadvertently using outdated templates, potentially causing production delays or errors.
Challenges of Workflow 2020
- Template metadata are embedded directly into the
.aifiles. - Impossible to dynamically update metadata once the template was in use.
- Every property change required manual template updates and redistribution, creating workflow bottlenecks.
Introducing Design Templates 2.0
Instead of embedding extensive metadata directly, each new template now simply includes a unique identifier. This identifier directly links each template to the cloud, where all metadata and properties are stored.
Key Improvements:
-
Unique Template Identifier:
- Simplifies each template file by removing embedded metadata.
- Connects directly to the cloud for all required properties.
-
Cloud-Based Template Properties:
- Allows updating template properties at any moment, even after templates are in use.
- Provides a central, instantly updatable location for:
- Article names and descriptions
- Logo dimensions and placements
- Colour values and configuration parameters
- Specific design rules and production constraints
-
Dynamic Template Versioning:
- Each template has an integrated revision log.
- When a designer opens a template in the Adobe Illustrator 3D Plugin 2.0, they instantly receive a notification if they’re using an outdated template version, preventing costly design errors.
Enhanced Integration with Ai3D Plugin 2.0
Design Templates 2.0 and the Adobe Illustrator 3D Plugin 2.0 together form a robust design ecosystem:
- The plugin dynamically retrieves and updates template properties directly from the cloud, ensuring designers always have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Automated alerts notify designers about updates, reducing mistakes, saving time, and significantly streamlining the design process.
Enhanced Data Layers
A specialized data-layer setup will be created to enhance how enhanced data layers are handled:
- Each template will be prepared to contain detailed information and precise placement coordinates. The following data layers will be setup for plugin readout
- Logo dimensions
- Colour information
- Fluorescent colour information
- The Adobe Illustrator 3D Plugin 2.0 reads and interprets this data from the template during the design phase.
- Once the design is submitted, this detailed data is directly embedded into the Cloud 3D Models.
- The Cloud 3D Model Viewer then uses these embedded data layers, allowing designers, clients, and production to access accurate dimensions and colour details interactively, simply by hovering over specific parts of the model.
This integration provides greater clarity, precision, and ease-of-use, significantly improving the approval process, reducing potential misunderstandings, and ensuring design accuracy from concept to production.
Benefits of Design Templates 2.0
✅ Simplified Maintenance: Centralized storage of metadata makes updates fast and efficient.
✅ Increased Efficiency: Designers avoid working with outdated templates, significantly reducing errors and revisions.
✅ Better Collaboration: Consistent data access and clear communication across designers, sales reps, and production staff.
✅ Improved Client Experience: Accurate data ensures a smoother, clearer approval process, minimizing client confusion or dissatisfaction.
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