General questions

Q: What is DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: DREAMCOMPOSER® is a web-based application that provides a 3D visualization platform for creating high-quality packaging designs. It offers a variety of finishing effects and decorations to enhance the appearance of packaging designs.

Q: What types of packaging can I design with DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: You can design different types of packaging, including cardboard boxes, bottles, mascara tubes, jars and more. DREAMCOMPOSER® offers flexibility when designing virtual packaging objects.

Q: How does DREAMCOMPOSER® work?
A: DREAMCOMPOSER® works by interpreting PDF files that contain the layout and design of the packaging. It allows you to apply finishing effects and decorations to specific layers or channels within the PDF, resulting in a fully designed 3D model of the packaging.

First steps

Q: How do I register with DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: DREAMCOMPOSER® can be reached via the URL: https://dreamcomposer.de. After navigating to the landing page, click on the ‘Login’ button at the top right. Use your registered e-mail address and password to log in. If you have forgotten your password, use the ‘Forgot your password?’ option to reset it.

Q: How do I set up a file for DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: To set up a file for DREAMCOMPOSER®, make sure you use layers or color channels to separate finishing effects, export each layout with embedded layers/channels to a PDF and name the die-cut layers accordingly. Arrange the layers with a view to visibility and build them up from the basic design. Detailed instructions can be found under 'Creating PDF files for DREAMCOMPOSER®'.

Design and shape preparation

Q: How do I start a project in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: When you use DREAMCOMPOSER® for the first time, the context menu ‘Upload project’ appears. You can add a file using drag-and-drop or search for the file manually on your system. You can then access your project list, from which you can choose from active projects. To start a new project, use the button in the bottom left-hand corner.

Q: How do I prepare a custom shape?
A: After uploading your project, DREAMCOMPOSER® will ask you to select a shape. The custom option is enabled by default. You can also select individual shapes. Use the cut and fold tools to select the appropriate layers/channels from the PDF. Finally, fold the layout as required.

Q: How do I use predefined customized shapes?
A: Custom shapes are ideal for simple layouts or non-cardboard boxes. Select a shape from the list shown with no layers applied. Access the area tab to select layout parts and apply them to the predefined areas of the shape.

Using materials and effects

Q: How do I apply materials and effects in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: In the ‘Layer Design’ step, you select materials and technologies for the embedded layers/channels. Select substrates and adjust the layer order if necessary. Switch effects and technologies as desired. Different options will appear based on your selections. Click directly on the desired effect to apply it. You can find detailed instructions in the tutorials under 'Materials and effects'.

Q: How can I share my project with others?
A: After applying materials and effects, there are several options available to you. These options cover both sharing your finished project and refining the appearance of the 3D view. This includes adjustments such as lighting and background changes.

Q: Are there keyboard shortcuts in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: Yes, DREAMCOMPOSER® offers keyboard shortcuts that work on Windows and macOS keyboards. You can find these shortcuts in the settings under ‘Keyboard shortcuts and controls’.

Troubleshooting

Q: I have problems during certain steps. What should I do?
A: If you encounter problems, make sure your PDF file is set up properly with separate layers/channels. Check your selections in the ‘Cut and Fold’ tab and make sure your layers are named appropriately. If the problems persist, contact DREAMCOMPOSER® support via dreamcomposer-support@kurz.de.

Q: The software seems to be slow. How can I improve the performance?
A: To improve performance, finalize your design files as much as possible. Smaller file sizes usually result in faster performance in DREAMCOMPOSER®. Also adjust settings such as rendering quality and backlighting to optimize the experience in the 3D view.

Licenses and payment

Q: What does a subscription include?
A: A subscription provides you with one or more floating licenses for DREAMCOMPOSER®. Each license allows a single user to access the application.

Q: How does the free trial version work?
A: You can try out the full version of DREAMCOMPOSER® for 30 days. If you cancel before the end of the trial period, you will not be charged.

Q: Can I buy a license for my team?
A: Yes, you can purchase one or more licenses for your team. Each license is a floating license that can be assigned to another user.

Q: What happens if I cancel my subscription?
A: If you cancel, your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle but will not be renewed thereafter. You will then lose access to DREAMCOMPOSER®. You will retain access to your projects but will not be able to edit them or view them in 3D. You can resume your subscription at any time.

Q: Can I switch from monthly to annual billing?
A: Yes, you can switch from monthly to annual billing at any time.

Q: Can I buy additional licenses later?
A: Yes, you can purchase additional licenses at any time. You have the option of either upgrading your current subscription or starting a new one.

Q: Can I have multiple subscriptions?
A: Yes, it is possible to have multiple subscriptions. This allows a mix of different billing cycles (e.g. monthly and yearly) for better flexibility. Please note that each subscription is independent and will incur separate charges.

Q: Which payment methods do you accept?
A: You can pay by credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Q: Can I pay by invoice?
A: Yes, please contact our support team to arrange payment by invoice.

Q: Who is responsible for payment processing at DREAMCOMPOSER®?
A: Payment processing at DREAMCOMPOSER® is handled by our partner Paddle.com Market Limited (Judd House, 18-29 Mora Street, London EC1V 8BT). Paddle is our official online reseller and ‘Merchant of Record’ and therefore handles all aspects of payment processing, including invoicing, receipts and refunds, in compliance with applicable legal requirements.

Further information on the legal conditions for buyers can be found in Paddle's buyer conditions.

FAQ