Hybrid Software releases Packz 11.5 with customer driven innovations

Packaging Solutions

Hybrid Software has released version 11.5 of its Packz PDF editor for label and packaging pre-press. This release marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to customer driven development.

‘What makes this release especially significant is the input from our user community,’ said Pascal Wybo, product manager. ‘Our DNA is to listen to customers and act on their input. For the 11.5 release, we have actively engaged with users to gather suggestions, feature requests, and usability insights. This collaborative effort has shaped the development of Packz 11.5, making it a reflection of the needs of our industry.’

The latest version introduces the Halftone Detection Tool, a powerful extension to Packz Max that features integrated Harlequin RIP technology for control over screening parameters directly within the editor. This high precision quality control tool is engineered to support print professionals during the pre-press phase with fast and accurate measurements of critical screening parameters.

The Halftone Detection Tool evaluates screen frequency and screen angles directly from the Packz Max RIP output preview and any 1-bit TIFF file opened in the software. Beyond basic screening metrics, the tool delivers in-depth analysis of dot gain compensation, minimum and maximum dot sizes, and plate linearisation, ensuring optimal plate and print quality with consistent results across production environments.

In collaboration with technology partners Arden Software, Engview, and TreeDiM, Hybrid Software continues to extend the CF2 standard with the introduction of 3D variants in Packz 11.5 and partner products. This new capability allows multiple fold angle configurations – such as fully closed, lid open, or folded flat – to be embedded within a single CF2 file.

These 3D variants are instantly rendered in Hybrid Software's iC3D ray tracing software and are fully compatible with structural design systems from companies that support the Extended CF2 format and 3D variants. This enhancement significantly streamlines 3D packaging workflows, enabling faster design iteration and improved communication across the production chain.

Based on ColorLogic technology, the software now renders spot colours on screen with exceptional accuracy using their spectral or colorimetric data. The improvements are most notable for spot colour tints and blends of spot and process colours, maintaining a consistent hue.

Spot colour specifications are retrieved from CxF/X-4 spectral data in a PDF file or from selected colour books. Packz also supports substrate simulation by selecting ‘Absolute Colorimetric’ in the display preferences.

Packzimizer Laneplanner introduces new features that enhance production accuracy and efficiency for roll fed digital printed labels. The Laneplanner now supports maximum roll length specifications in version 11.5, ensuring optimised layouts stay within physical press or finishing equipment limits. Additionally, Laneplanner respects the exact label roll quantities required by customers, allowing converters to fulfil orders precisely without overproduction or waste.

These improvements further streamline digital label production, aligning layout planning with real world press constraints and customer delivery expectations.

Packz 11.5 is available now.