METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WEB IN A PRINTING APPARATUS

A method is provided for controlling a web (3) in a printing apparatus (1). Said printing apparatus (1) comprises a transport assembly (61) for moving the web (3) through a transport path (MP) along a printing unit (10) for printing an image (PA) onto a print area of the web (3). The method comprises the steps of: Feeding the web (3) from a supply roll (R2) through the transport path (MP) to the transport assembly (61); Switching the printing apparatus (1) to a ready-to-print mode, wherein the printing unit (10) does not print an image (PA) on the web (3) and the web (3) is maintained ready to be printed on; wherein in a printing mode after the ready-to print mode the following steps are performed: Moving the web (3) through the transport path (MP) in a transport direction (C) along the printing unit (10) by the transport assembly (61); and printing the image (PA) onto the print area of the web (3) by the printing unit (10), wherein the image (PA) is printed by applying an image material, which solidifies on the web (3) during the printing step; and wherein the ready-to-print mode comprises the step of: operating the transport assembly (61) to prevent a deformation of the print area of the web (3) in the transport path (MP), while maintaining the web (3) in the ready-to-print mode. According to the invention the web (3) is maintained ready to print while preventing a deformation of the print area of the web (3) in the transport path (MP).