Hybrid Software has released the latest version of its Packz PDF editing software, v7, offering enhanced intelligent automation and personalisation.
The application runs natively on the latest Apple M1 CPU/GPU and the newest Mac computers, meaning Packz 7 benefits immediately from the processor’s performance and efficiency. Pack 7’s fully ICC compliant colour management is now powered by ColorLogic, with the combination of ColorLogic’s range of spectral colour technology combined with Hybrid Software’s automation expertise and integration possibilities affording ‘supreme colour matching for any printing technology’ in Packz and workflows, according to the pre-press software specialist.
New to Packz 7 is Patchworker, which expands the capability for variable data printing by shifting and changing design features in the same variable data production run, regardless of the digital printing press. This, noted Hybrid Software, means print service providers and press owners can produce an unlimited variation of personalised labels or seasonal packaging, and increase their addressable market size.
As of the launch of Packz 7, the user community can search and discover options in MARS, an in-app platform that contains predefined dynamic marks, digital proof templates, pre-flight reports and more. These can be downloaded and are immediately available for use.
As well as new elements, Packz 7 includes the latest version of Packzimizer, which gangs multiple jobs on quantity whilst respecting layout templates and/or die-cut libraries. Packzimizer outputs print-ready impositions for digital presses with maximum substrate usage and press uptime.
Pactions has also been enhanced with even more parameterisable actions. The advanced automation tool inside Packz allows recording of repetitive actions, and repeats them at any time on a single or multipage artwork in Packz or Cloudflow. The new actions will contribute to an even more improved productivity and profitability.
Further, Environments bring an ‘extra level of comfort’ to the already personalised multi-screen user interface and workspaces. The entire behaviour of Packz 7 can be set with a single click, and screensets, barcode presets, pre-flight checks, colour books and profiles, mark libraries, etc, are aligned with the brand the user is producing for.
Snap Sets then help to align and transform image and linework by showing snap references to guides, points and any artwork elements. Packz 7 detects barcodes under any angle, while GS1 QR and Digital Link become part of the already wide range of codes that can be generated and make connections to business-to-business and business-to-consumer information.
‘The biggest changes are hidden deep inside Packz 7,’ noted Hybrid Software COO Patrick Coussement.
Pascal Wybo, product manager, editors at Hybrid Software, commented, ‘The ‘web-to-pack-and-label’ industry is growing rapidly because of the demand for more adorned personalised labels and eye-catching boxes; folding carton and corrugated converters are entering the digital print space; while pre-press and platemaking service providers are using their know-how to refocus on streamlined workflows with direct connectivity to digital pressrooms.
‘The advances on all levels of the industry lead to Packz 7.’
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