FAQ

General Questions

1. Q: What is DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: Go to Subsection 1
   DREAMCOMPOSER® is a web-based application that provides a 3D visualization platform for creating high-quality packaging designs. It offers a range of finishing effects and decorations to enhance the appearance of packaging designs.

2. Q: What types of packaging can I design with DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: You can design various types of packaging, including cardboard boxes, bottles, mascaras, jars, and more. DREAMCOMPOSER® offers flexibility in designing virtual packaging objects.

3. 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.

Getting Started

4. Q: How do I set up a file for DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: To set up a file for DREAMCOMPOSER®, ensure that you use layers or color channels to separate finishing effects, export each layout with embedded layers/channels in a PDF, and label die cutting layers appropriately. Order layers with visibility in mind, building up from the base artwork.

5. Q: How do I log in to DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: DREAMCOMPOSER® is accessed through the URL: https://dreamcomposer.de. After navigating to the landing page, click the "Login" button on the top right. Use your registered email and password to log in. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password?" option to reset it.

Designing and Shape Preparation

6. Q: How do I start a project in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: Upon your initial use of DREAMCOMPOSER®, the upload project context menu will appear. You can drag and drop a file or manually browse your system for the file. Subsequently, you'll access your project list where you can select from active projects. To initiate a new project, use the button in the bottom left corner.

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

8. Q: How do I use preset bespoke shapes?
   A: For simple layouts or non-cardboard packaging, individual shapes are ideal. Choose a shape from the list, which will display it without applied layers. Access the faces tab to pick and apply layout parts to the predefined areas of the shape.

Applying Materials and Effects

9. Q: How do I apply materials and effects in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: In the "Layer Design" step, select materials and technologies for the embedded layers/channels. Choose substrates, and adjust the layer order if necessary. Toggle effects and technologies as desired. Different options appear based on your selections. Click directly on the desired effect to apply it.

Sharing and Settings

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

11. Q: Are there any hotkeys available in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
    A: Yes, DREAMCOMPOSER® provides hotkeys that are functional on both Windows and macOS keyboards. You can find these hotkeys in the settings under "Hotkeys & Controls."

Troubleshooting

12. Q: I'm experiencing issues during certain steps. What should I do?
    A: If you encounter problems, ensure that your PDF file is properly set up with separate layers/channels. Verify your selections in the "cut and crease" tab and ensure that your layers are appropriately named. If issues persist, consider reaching out to DREAMCOMPOSER® support via dreamcomposer-support@kurz.de.

13. Q: The software seems slow. How can I improve performance?
    A: To enhance performance, finalize your design files as much as possible. Smaller file sizes typically lead to faster performance in DREAMCOMPOSER®. Additionally, adjust settings such as rendering quality and background lighting to optimize the 3D view experience.

Licences and Payment

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

2. 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 reassigned to another user.

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

4. Q: Can I switch from monthly to yearly billing?
   A: Yes, you can switch from monthly to yearly billing at any point.

5. Q: Can I buy more licenses later?
   A: Yes, you can acquire additional licenses at any time. You have the option to either upgrade your current subscription or initiate a new one.

6. Q: Can I have multiple subscriptions?
   A: Yes, having multiple subscriptions is possible. This allows for 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.

7. Q: Who is responsible for payment processing in DREAMCOMPOSER®?
   A: Payment processing for DREAMCOMPOSER® is handled by our partner, Paddle.com Market Limited (Judd House, 18-29 Mora Street, London EC1V 8BT). Paddle acts as our official online reseller and "Merchant of Record," handling all aspects of payment processing—including invoicing, payments, and refunds—in accordance with applicable legal regulations.

   For more information on buyer terms and conditions, please refer to Paddle’s Checkout Buyer Terms.