Updates

Native PDF editor ArtPro+ from Esko

Esko boosts user accuracy and efficiency with ArtPro+ software upgrade.

ArtPro+ opens any classic ArtPro file or normalized PDF file and turns it into native PDF. Compared with other solutions on the market today, crucial production metadata, such as barcode properties, screening or ink information, are now not only maintained but translated into the latest PDF ISO specifications, and both the graphical content and packaging relevant metadata are migrated.

The lastest version 18.1 of ArtPro+ has just passed the compliancy test for the Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.

Enfocus Switch 2019 Spring released

Enfocus has announced the release of Enfocus Switch 2019 Spring. From now on Enfocus plans to release two Switch updates every year.

An overview on the new features is presented in a short YouTube video (5’05”) and in a comprehensive PDF document.

Attention: Switch Client for transmitting jobs and meta data to the server is no longer supported in this version. The local app is replaced by a web client which runs in the internet browser.

Mako SDK supports PDF/X-4

Actino annouced that the version of the SDK, Mako 4.7, provides support for PDF/X-4 output, which complies with the PDF/X-4 standard (ISO 15930-7:2010). It is now possible to create PDF/X-4 files from any of the supported input formats: PDF, XPS, PCL/XL, PCL5 (or PostScript via PDFLib, included with Mako).

Mako’s developers worked hard to create the prerequisites for compliant PDF/X-4 output. These include font embedding, DeviceN color handling, color characterization and output readiness, optional content, trapping flag, and metadata. All this can be applied automatically, regardless of the input via the PDF/X-4 default, but OEMs like Actino Software can control the process as needed.

Harlequin RIP Version 12.1
with PDF Processing Steps

Global Graphics supports PDF Processing Steps (ISO 19593-1) in the latest version 12.1 of their Harlequin RIP. This is a new ISO standard designed for labels and packaging workflows, that specifies a standard way of encoding processing steps such as die and fold lines or dimensions into a PDF file. It provides an unambiguous way of marking the technical content that’s required in the finishing step of the production workflow but not intended to be printed.

The benefit to converters is that they can automate common digital press workflows, such as starting a print run with a few iterations of just the cut and fold lines for checking registration with dies and other finishing equipment. The main print run will then usually need all the processing steps turned off, so just the live graphics are shown and there’s no risk of cut lines being visible on the final print. A few more copies of just the technical separations may be printed at the end to detect if registration with cutters and converting equipment has drifted during the job.

Acrobat May 2019 Update
with PDF 2.0 and PDF Processing Steps

Adobe released planned updates for Acrobat DC and Acrobat 2017. As usual there are separate installers:

The update can also be installed using the Acrobat menu Help > Check for Updates….

In addition to many improvements in the user interface (e.g. Review, Signatures, Reopen closed documents, Search, Commenting, Microsoft integration) there are finally also some interesting new features for print production in the preflight function:

Read more…Acrobat May 2019 Update
with PDF 2.0 and PDF Processing Steps