Hybrid Software has launched a major release of PACKZ and STEPZ 8.5 PDF production editing software containing new features and enhancements to support the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging.

PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors product manager Pascal Wybo said, “We are excited to announce a new feature called ‘Press View’. The functionality supplies professionals with instant views of how graphics, especially spot colours which are critical to brands, are printed under various printing conditions. In many cases, accurate colours can be printed with fewer inks, fewer plates, and faster press speeds.”

Spot colours can be defined as named Pantone colours or specified directly using the CXF standard. In addition, PACKZ and STEPZ now support the new GMG Version 2 API for full compatibility with the latest GMG Open Color software.

Press View shows the colour accuracy of a spot colour transformation

PACKZ 8.5 also introduces a powerful new feature called Content XML, allowing print service shops to transform PDF artwork templates into standard XML markup language, with the ability to drive high-quality dynamic artwork creation from their ERP or MIS systems.

The creative variation of text, linework, colour, and images can be easily leveraged in digital print-on-demand web solutions for engaging one-to-one packaging.

The company has also introduced tools to create Digimarc digital watermarks, which encode the artwork surface with an imperceptible pattern for new data insights and smart packaging recycling for a circular economy.

PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW also allow error-free inspection of Digimarc watermarks within the PDF editors and workflow processes.