An introduction to GreenLight and the steps to follow to get set up.
GreenLight from Circular Software is a clever Mac desktop tool that runs alongside Adobe InDesign to allow publishers of all sizes to run workflow specific ‘checklists’ and ensure all files are correct, complete, and consistent.
Checklists are made up of individual checks that may range from digital and print production best practice, accessibility requirements, and publisher specific rules. These can be centrally managed and instantly shared with every InDesign user both in- and out-of-house.
If issues are found the user is taken to an online Knowledge Base that gives clear explanations and guidance on what needs to change.
When files are correct, users prove this with a GreenLight stamp which is added to files both visually and to their metadata.
Once the ‘greenlit’ status is given to the creatives files, GreenLight handles the automatic export of print-ready PDFs, translation files and a set of archive files to the publisher’s exact requirements.
The GreenLight desktop app is available as different versions:
GreenLight Free can be used free of charge to run accessibility checklists suitable for PDF, EPUB and print workflows along with limited print production checklists.
GreenLight Pro is a subscription version of GreenLight with extended features including more for print production and the addition of co-edition checks, checklists and tools.
GreenLight Custom publishers each have a GreenLight application made specific to them.
If you haven’t already signed up, click the Log in button at the top right of this page to register on the Circular Software site.
Sign up to become:
Members can search our site, browse our full Knowledge Base and download our desktop apps.
Members can also become Circular Software Users to see information on available updates, access step-by-step tutorials and chat with us directly from their User Page.
The GreenLight desktop app is available from the following links depending on the version of GreenLight that you are to use:
Download directly from the GreenLight product page
GreenLight Custom publishers each have a GreenLight application made specific to them and it is important that you use the correct version of GreenLight when working with them.
Invited to use GreenLight by a GreenLight Custom publisher? Then be sure to download GreenLight from their Client Page.
Need help finding a Client Page? Ask your publisher contact or ask us!
Once downloaded, simply drag the GreenLight app to your Mac before launching.
GreenLight can run from any location but adding to the system or user Applications folder is typical.
On first launch it will need to be granted permission to talk to and control other applications.
GreenLight contains all the recommended and required settings files it needs and can quickly add them to the correct positions on any user’s Mac. The settings files consist of:
Adobe’s colour settings are system wide and admin permission may need to be granted for GreenLight to access. See advice in article below.
Each User of Circular Software has a unique Circular Software ID number which associates them with their Mac.
On every launch of GreenLight this Circular Software ID number, along with system info including the exact versions of Circular Software, Adobe InDesign and macOS, is updated.
As a Circular Software User you have access to your Circular Software User Page, where you can access your version info, edit your account info and find links to updates and our growing list of step-by-step tutorials.
A link to your User Page is shown in the top navigation bar when logged in to the Circular Software site and from the Help menu of the GreenLight app.
For GreenLight Custom users, an online File Creation Policy document outlines how files are prepared for a particular publisher.
The File Creation Policy covers topics such as Filenaming, File Structure, Colour Management etc. in depth.
The File Creation Policy is held online and can be accessed directly from the GreenLight Custom client page and can be accessed through the GreenLight Custom Help menu.
Go to the next GreenLight tutorial – Checking a document with GreenLight
