TECH SUPPORT AND FACILITIES
Equipment loans, technical staff, digital printing and more...
Frequently asked questions:
HOW DO I BORROW EQUIPMENT AT VCA & MCM?
Refer to the Equipment Loans section below and follow the instructions.
HOW LONG CAN I BORROW EQUIPMENT FOR?
Most equipment is available for 48 hours only. Some equipment such as projectors may be available for longer. Check with the Equipment Storeroom staff for more details.
IS THERE A LIST OF AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT?
Yes. You can view the equipment via the CHEQROOM app once you have created an account - see the instructions below in the Equipment Loans section.
CAN I BORROW EQUIPMENT FOR THE GRADUATE EXHIBITION?
No. Unfortunately due to the limited equipment available it is not possible to fairly distribute it across all cohorts. As the Graduate show approaches academic and technical staff will be able to inform you of external hire options.
HOW MUCH DO PRINTS COST?
Refer to the Digital Printing section below!
HOW DO I SET UP FILES FOR PRINTING?
General specifications for print file setup can be found below in the Fine Art Digital Printing section.
WHAT PAPERS ARE DIGITAL PRINTS PRINTED ON?
The Digital Print Studio offers standard plain paper for plan prints, Epson Enhanced Matte paper for standard inkjet prints and Canson 310gsm cotton rag archival paper for high-end/fine art printing. Prints are made with pigment based inks, dedicated printer rip software and custom media profiles through either an Epson P9560, Epson P5070 or an Epson P800.
CAN I PRINT ON ACETATE?
Maybe! We are currently testing a clear film option so check back soon for updates...
CAN I PRINT ON OTHER PAPERS?
Unfortunately it is no longer possible to BYO paper. Printing on uncoated papers can leave ink residue inside the printer along with paper fibres that clog the print heads. This then requires time-consuming cleaning and servicing to be performed. Also colour accuracy cannot be guaranteed as the paper will not be appropriately profiled for the printers.
WILL MY PRINT FILE GET PRINTED IF I HAVEN’T PAID FOR IT AND/OR CAN I PAY LATER?
No. Print files are only processed once payment is received.
DO I NEED A HARD DRIVE?
Yes - well maybe! You cannot permanently store files on the Digital Studios computers. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BACK UP AND STORE YOUR DIGITAL FILES. Alternatively you can use cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud however this option can be problematic for video production applications and other processes that produce large files. Contact fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au if you have any specific questions regarding the storage of your data.
CAN I BOOK A TECHNICIAN FOR ASSISTANCE?
Yes! See the Technical Staff section below.
CAN A TECHNICIAN TEACH ME HOW TO USE PHOTOSHOP ETC?
No, technical staff are not available to teach software. Speak to your academic supervisor about classes, inductions.and tutorials. Links to various online tutorials can be found toward the bottom of this page.
CAN I ACCESS SOFTWARE SUCH AS ADOBE CC FOR FREE TO USE ON MY OWN COMPUTER?
Unfortunately the faculty cannot provide free access to applications such as Adobe CC, Final Cut Pro, Sibelius etc. However access to Affinity Suite has been recently made possible through the University's Student IT Portal - full details are below. Reduced EDU pricing and extended trial periods are available on other titles and software is free to use in all the Digital Studios located on the Southbank campus. See below for more info or contact fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au for specific advice.
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT’S NOT LISTED ON THIS PAGE?
Feel free to email fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au for more information.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE FINEARTSMUSIC-DIGITAL@UNIMELB.EDU.AU EMAIL ADDRESS FOR EQUIPMENT LOANS. CONTACT THE RELEVANT STOREROOM DIRECTLY WITH YOUR ENQUIRY.
Equipment loans
MCM MUSIC STOREROOM
The MCM Music Storeroom contains music related items that can be borrowed by students and staff. Technical staff can also be booked for technical assistance in relation to projects, assignments, tutorials or equipment. To be eligible to borrow items you must first sign up to the Cheqroom loan system:
Register for Music Equipment Loans (Cheqroom)
Instructions on how to use the Cheqroom app along with download links can be found below.
The MCM Music Equipment Store operates by appointment only:
Book an appointment at the Music Storeroom
Download detailed instructions on accessing the Music Storeroom
View the storeroom location on the Campus Maps
ALL SCHOOL LOANS
The All School Loans Storeroom contains visual art related equipment (cameras, projectors, lighting etc) that can be reserved & borrowed by students and staff with an active Cheqroom account
ALL SCHOOL LOAN TIMES
Mon - Fri 9:30 am -10:30 am
Mon - Fri 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
To be eligible to borrow items you must first sign up to the Cheqroom loan system:
Register for All School Equipment Loans (Cheqroom)
View the ASL Storeroom location on Campus Maps
ART STUDIO LOANS
The Art School Loans Storeroom contains visual art related equipment (flatscreen monitors, drills, easels, plinths) that can be reserved & borrowed by students and staff with an active Cheqroom account.
ART STUDIO LOAN TIMES
Mon - Fri 10:00 am -11:00 am
Mon - Fri 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Please note that this equipment can only be borrowed for use ON CAMPUS. To be eligible to borrow items you must first sign up to the Cheqroom loan system:
Register for All School Equipment Loans (Cheqroom)
View the Art Studio Loans location on Campus Maps
PLEASE NOTE
- All reservations must be made via the CHEQROOM app. No phone or email bookings will be processed.
- Only the equipment listed in the CHEQROOM app is available for loan, other specific requests cannot be accommodated at this time.
Cheqroom
Cheqroom is the online equipment reservation system/app used by the various equipment loan areas. To reserve equipment you must first register for a Cheqroom account:
Register for equipment loans (Cheqroom)
You will receive an email inviting you to create an account - DO NOT CREATE AN ACCOUNT VIA THE CHEQROOM WEBSITE, USE THE LINK PROVIDED IN THE INVITATION EMAIL ONLY.
After your account is created download the Cheqroom app to begin reserving equipment:
How to use Cheqroom:
How to make a reservation with the Cheqroom mobile app
How to change storeroom locations in cheqroom if you have requested access to more than one storeroom location:
How to change storeroom locations within the Cheqroom mobile app
All reservations must be made via the Cheqroom app. No phone or email bookings will be processed.
Digital Studios (computer labs)
Access to computers and software is possible at three main locations across the Southbank Campus. See below for details, availability and location:
| Application | Lab G09 B863 (30) | Lab G12 B863 (25) | Lab R137C B874 (20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Office | Available | Available | Available |
| Adobe CC | Available | Available | Available |
| Affinity Suite | Available | Available | Available |
| Davinci Resolve | Available | Available | Available |
| Final Cut Pro | Available | Not available | Available |
| Logic Pro | Not available | Available | Not available |
| Ableton Live | Not available | Available | Not available |
| Sibelius | Not available | Available | Not available |
| MuseScore | Not available | Available | Not available |
| Finale | Not available | Available | Not available |
| Vectorworks | Available | Not available | Not available |
| Isadora | Available | Not available | Not available |
| Rhino (v7) | Not available | Not available | Available |
| Autodesk | Available | Available | Available |
| View on Campus Map | View on Campus Map | View on Campus Map |
Please note this information is subject to change, check frequently for changes and updates.
Student IT
For assistance with WiFi, VPN, user accounts and passwords, email, MyUni Apps, document printing and other IT related enquiries visit https://studentit.unimelb.edu.au
Looking for Staff IT support or using a University-owned device? If you require assistance with your staff account or university-owned device please call the Service Centre on (03) 8344 0888 for support.
myUniApps
myUniApps provides students with secure and free access to general-use and faculty-specific software, streamed online from University servers. Provided you have a web browser and an internet connection, you can use MATLAB, ArcGIS, SPSS, EViews, RStudio, SAS, and much more, from anywhere.
Affinity Suite
Affinity is a suite of software from Serif that is used for photo editing, graphic design and page layout. Affinity is available to all University of Melbourne staff and students to use on University owned and personal computers.
Affinity Photo 2 – photo editing and raster painting.
Affinity Designer 2 – vector graphic design and illustration.
Affinity Publisher 2 – page layout software boasting StudioLink, a unique way of using the editing tools from the two other Affinity products.
For more information visit https://studentit.unimelb.edu.au/software/affinity
Zoom
Zoom is the University preferred video conferencing/live streaming application. For everything regarding Zoom visit https://www.unimelb.edu.au/zoom
Visual Art Technical Staff
Follow the links below to make an appointment with staff for advice and assistance:
Teaching Workshop
Ceramics
Sculpture
Printmaking Workshop
Photography
Painting
Art Studio
Art Studio (Honours & Postgraduate)
Drawing & Printmaking
GCVA (Graduate Certificate in Visual Art)
Stock Shops
Fine art digital printing
Digital Printing is available on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays DURING TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT PERIODS. Print files that are uploaded by 10am on these days will be available for collection later that afternoon.*
FILES UPLOADED BY 9:00 AM MONDAY WILL BE PRINTED BY 5 PM.
FILES UPLOADED BY 9:00 AM WEDNESDAY WILL BE PRINTED BY 5 PM.
FILES UPLOADED BY 9:00 am THURSDAY WILL BE PRINTED BY 5 PM.
FILES UPLOADED ON TUESDAY WILL BE PRINTED ON WEDNESDAY.
FILES UPLOADED ON FRIDAY WILL BE PRINTED ON MONDAY.
THESE TIMES APPLY DURING TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT PERIODS ONLY. OTHER TIMES BY APPOINTMENT.
*Interuptions to printing may occur if staff members are away ill or on leave. Please check above for any planned closures or disruptions.
Large print runs may require more time so please contact the Digital Print Studio at fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au to confirm the current turnaround time. If you require printing urgently it is generally no problem however please confirm a time in advance.
For enquiries regarding current turnaround times, file setup, test strips, paper stock etc contact fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au or:
PLEASE NOTE THIS SERVICE IS FOR PRINTING ARTWORKS. FOR GENERAL DOCUMENT PRINTING SUCH AS EXHIBITION POSTERS/PROMOTION AND WORD DOCS ETC PLEASE UTILISE THE LASER PRINTING FACILITIES IN THE LIBRARY / HUB BUILDING B863 SOUTHBANK.
Unimelb Student Print information
How to print
STEP 1 of 4
File preparation - set up your file using these specifications as a guide:
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Print files must be saved at the correct size and include any required border. Please include your name and print size etc as detailed above and remember that printing will not be processed until paid for.
ALL FILES WILL BE PRINTED AS SUBMITTED. IF YOU REQUIRE A SPECIFIC BORDER IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FILE.
If there is no border present the image will be printed fit to page with a 1-2 cm border. This means your image will be resized to fit on either the length or width of the paper plus 1-2 cm border to avoid any unwanted cropping of the image.
If you require a specific border, crop or registration marks etc please contact fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au before uploading to discuss your requirements.
Need a template? Set your file to the correct specs by downloading a print template file here:
STEP 2 of 4
Choose paper - there are 4 papers currently available for fine art digital printing. Please note that sizes may vary depending on current availability:
STANDARD PRINTS
Epson Enhanced Matte (matte non-archival 192 gsm)
Generic coated plain inkjet paper (FOR PRODUCTION PLAN PRINTING/ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS ONLY)
ARCHIVAL PRINTS
Canson Rag Photographique (smooth rag matte archival 310 gsm)
Canson Platine (semi-gloss archival 310 gsm)
Canson Photogloss RC (gloss - currently available in A2 and A1 only)
Unfortunately it is not possible to print on your own paper. Printing on uncoated papers can leave ink residue inside the printer along with paper fibres that clog the print heads. This then requires time-consuming cleaning and servicing to be performed. Also colour accuracy cannot be guaranteed as the paper will not be appropriately profiled for the printers.
STEP 3 of 4
Order prints - click on the following links to order your printing via the University's Online Store:
STANDARD PRINTS
Order A4 Standard EPSON PAPER Prints
Order A3 Standard EPSON PAPER Prints
Order A2 Standard EPSON PAPER Prints
Order A1 Standard EPSON PAPER Prints
Order A0 (110cm x 80cm) Standard EPSON PAPER Prints
If you require a ISO A0 size print (118cm x 84cm) please order a custom length below:
Order A0 Custom Size Standard EPSON PAPER Prints (110cm x custom length)
ARCHIVAL INKJET PRINTING
Pay for A3 CANSON PAPER Archival Prints
Pay for A2 CANSON PAPER Archival Prints
Pay for A1 CANSON PAPER Archival Prints
Pay for Large Format CANSON PAPER Archival Prints (24"roll)
Pay for Large Format CANSON PAPER Archival Prints (44" roll)
(More paper options available March-April 2024)
PLAN PRINTING (PRODUCTION STUDENTS)
*PLEASE NOTE THIS SERVICE IS FOR PLANS & ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS/DIAGRAMS ONLY. CONTINUOUS TONE IMAGES AND GRAPHICS ETC MUST BE ORDERED AS STANDARD INKJET/ARCHIVAL PRINTS.
Order A0 Plan Prints (Black only)
Order A1 Plan Prints (Black only)
Order A2 Plan Prints (Black only)
Order A0 Plan Prints (Full colour)
Order A1 Plan Prints (Full colour)
Order A2 Plan Prints (Full colour)
SCREEN PRINTING
*PLEASE NOTE THIS SERVICE IS FOR SCREEN PRINTING PREPARATION ONLY. CONTINUOUS TONE IMAGES AND GRAPHICS ETC MUST BE ORDERED AS STANDARD INKJET/ARCHIVAL PRINTS.
Pay for A2 Black Ink only Prints - SCREEN PRINTING ONLY
Pay for A1 Black Ink only Prints - SCREEN PRINTING ONLY
STEP 4 of 4
Upload files - upload your file to the corresponding Dropbox folder below. Please be sure to upload to the correct folder!
Upload a Standard Print file to dropbox
Upload an Archival Print file (matte paper) to dropbox
Upload an Archival Print file (semi-gloss paper) to dropbox
PLAN PRINTING (PRODUCTION ONLY)
Upload a PLAN PRINT(authorised production) file to dropbox
Upload a PLAN PRINT (student work) file to dropbox*
*Please confirm by email (fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au) that you have uploaded a PLAN PRINT FILE so a collection notification can be sent to you. Dropbox does not send your email address through to the print studio automatically therefore a notification cannot be sent to you.
THERE IS NO NEED TO EMAIL THE PRINT STUDIO TO CONFIRM STANDARD OR ARCHIVAL FINE ART PRINTS.
PRINT PICKUP
You will receive an email notification with instructions on how to collect your printing once the job has been completed. The Digital Print Studio is located here:
View the Print Studio location on Campus Maps
DO IT YOURSELF INKJET PRINTING
Do-It-Yourself digital printing is now available in R137c B874. Here you can experiment printing your own digital files (up to A3.) Payment covers both the ink and paper and is priced the same as the Digital Print Studio prints of the same size.*
*There are technical differences in the prints from the 2 locations - the Digital Print Studio utilises high-end colour management and specialised printer software to guarantee colour accuracy. The printer located in Room 137c operates via Photoshop with basic general colour management and print options. Please note that only specific papers can be used with this printer and any other materials will cause damage to the machine - acetate, rag paper, cardboard, foils etc.
Purchase A3 EPSON MATTE paper for DIY Printing
Purchase A3 ILFORD SMOOTH PEARL paper for DIY Printing
FILM SCANNING
High Dynamic Range (HDR) scans via an Imacon Flextight Film Scanner. Supported film formats include: 35mm, 120 (medium format) and 4x5 (large format). Booking is required in order to ensure that staff are available to complete the scans for you. The film scanner is located in the Digital Print Studio and is only available via booking (link below).
*Please note that due to the sensitive mechanics of the film scanner hardware and the increasingly limited availability of spare parts the scanner will now be operated by staff only. Bookings are to be made directly with Andrew McLaughlin in the Digital Print Studio and he will meet with you to discuss your scanning requirements.
For questions and bookings contact fineartsmusic-digital@unimelb.edu.au or book a consultation.
View the Digital Hub & Print Studio location on Campus Maps
Tutorials
Looking for software basics? Follow the links below to access online tutorials and resources:
Room bookings
Digital studios (computer labs), gallery spaces and other tutorial areas can be booked through TimeEdit, the Faculty's room booking system. Click the button below to be redirected to the TimeEdit page: