Presentation

Protector is designed to encode Illustrator files in order to render the files unmodifiable.

Protector creates EPSF files which can be imported and printed by any program accepting this format.

The precision and quality of the artwork remain unchanged. Protector simply alters the PostScript code to obtain an identical, yet locked, copy of the file.

The name of the file creator is automatically modified to match the name of the registered owner of Protector.

Protector is fully compatible with MultiFinder and can operate in the background.  Protector is also System 7 compatible (in both 24 and 32 bit modes), but does not take advantage of the new System 7 features.

Operation

To protect a file, open the file through the File menu.

Create a locked copy of the file by selecting the Encode option in the Options menu.

Protector accepts all Macintosh Illustrator files (versions 1.9.3 to 3.2) as well as files already locked by Protector.

However, only Illustrator files containing an EPSF header can be encrypted (in other cases, the Encode option in the Options menu is not available).

IMPORTANT: Always save the encoded file under a name different from the original file name.

WARNING: After encoding a file, always check that the file prints correctly before delivering it.  Avoid accumulations of numerous imports (locked or not) because this can lead to insufficient memory problems.

It is possible to cancel the operation at any time by clicking the Stop button, or by hitting the standard keyboard cancel command (Command-period).

Imported Files

If you have imported files, and you have not saved the Illustrator file with the “Include imported files” option, Protector will look for the files on the drive, and ask you too find them if they are absent.

Protector does not lock imported files.
There are two ways in which you can obtain a full protection of the imports:
  • Import into the Illustrator file other EPSF files which are already locked.
  • Save the Illustrator file without the “Included imported files” option, change either the name or the location of the imported files and, when Protector asks, indicate their location.

Preview

This option enables a preview of the artwork at actual size.

You can activate it by double-clicking the main window image.

Information

The Information menu indicates the custom colors, fonts, patterns and imported files in the Illustrator file.

The value of the selected color is indicated in percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
The type and size of each imported file are displayed. If Protector does not find the file, nothing is shown.

Configuration

Protector’s preferences option offers a selection of the type of encoding to use in the protection process.
To obtain maximum protection, select all options.

The “Unnecessary commands” are commands used by Illustrator which are not needed for correct printing (locked objects, grouped objects, etc...).

Adobe Illustrator EPSF rider

Protector is compatible with the EPSF rider provided by Adobe. The code added in the “Adobe Illustrator EPSF Riders” file is always present in the locked file. However, given that Protector alters the PostScript prolog of the Illustrator file, this code must not use the Illustrator drawing commands (m, l, y, c, t,…).

Further Information

Protector is distributed under the shareware system, which allows you to try it before you buy. Feel free to duplicate and distribute it to your friends or upload it to bulletin boards etc. on the condition that it is not charged for in any way and that this documentation is not removed or altered. Please note that Protector is  NOT public-domain, we retain ALL rights to this program.

   If you wish to continue to use this program after a reasonable period of trial, you must become a registered user by sending in a shareware fee (US$20 suggested) to the address mentioned at the end of this document.

   If you do not pay the fee then we cannot justify the time to enhance Protector’s features, or to maintain compatibility with future System and Illustrator releases when we could be following more lucrative lines of business. The trial period allows you to evaluate the usefulness of Protect‘and to determine if its guaranteed future availability is worth the shareware fee.

   When you send your shareware fee, please quote your address and the version number of Protector you are using.  we will register your copy and send you a disk with a new and improved version as soon as it’s completed.

We welcome all suggestions and criticisms.

                   ArtéStudio
                   62, rue Monsieur Leprince
                   75006 PARIS  FRANCE