New Connect Designer expansion and VersaWorks 7 ColorMatch

Print Solutions

Roland DG has announced a major enhancement to its software ecosystem with the expansion of Connect Designer and the introduction of ColorMatch, a powerful new feature set within VersaWorks 7. Together, these developments reflect the company’s commitment to creating a more connected, streamlined design to output workflow, helping customers move faster from concept to production. 

As print companies and manufacturers look for a streamlined design to production workflow which simplifies complex tasks such as colour control and delivers consistent results, Roland DG’s software is evolving as a crucial component of the company’s services. By bringing design, preparation, colour control and output closer together, the company aims to reduce complexity across the entire production process and maximise creative freedom and confidence.

‘With these updates, we are strengthening the role of software at the heart of the Roland DG experience,’ said Ryugo Nimura, Executive officer, global sales and marketing division. ‘By reducing complexity in areas like artwork preparation and colour control, and improving the overall flow between design and output, we are helping customers focus on what matters most: creativity, productivity and growth.’

Connect Designer is a simple, integrated workspace that helps users move quickly from concept to ready to produce files. Its cloud based design and preparation environment gives users a single workspace to create artwork, build templates and prepare layouts for production. Designed to streamline the early stages of print and cut workflows, it enables faster file preparation while automatically generating device ready settings optimised for Roland DG output devices.

The latest update introduces the new Object Decoration Module, created to help users design and prepare print ready graphics for direct to object production with greater speed and confidence. By streamlining the repetitive steps that typically slow object personalisation down, it makes it easier to position artwork accurately using Position Guides, work efficiently across multiple items, and reduce trial and error before output – so users can move from set up to production with fewer manual adjustments. Major enhancements have been implemented in the Visual Communication Module. 

Together, these expand creative and application possibilities for users working across signage, graphics and customised products. An AI Image Generation add on is also available, helping users quickly generate creative assets within the same environment. For selected new device purchases, Roland DG Connect Designer is available with three months’ free access, supporting easy onboarding and evaluation.

Alongside the Connect Designer updates, Roland DG has enhanced its flagship RIP software, VersaWorks 7, with the introduction of ColorMatch in version 7.5. High image quality output is made simple, with consistent and reproducible colour results across devices and media. 

VersaWorks 7 remains the company’s primary RIP solution, included with new purchases of selected printers and available as a free upgrade for users of models currently supported by VersaWorks 6.

ColorMatch is a new feature set within VersaWorks 7, designed to make high quality, consistent and reproducible colour results easier to achieve. It simplifies colour matching across ageing devices, multiple devices of the same model, different models, and even between Roland DG and other manufacturers’ devices – helping users maintain visual consistency as their production environments evolve. It also includes a new media profile creation directly within the RIP. VersaWorks’ ColorMatch will be available through both a subscription option and a onetime purchase, giving users flexibility to choose the model that best suits their business needs.

Additional enhancements in VersaWorks 7.5 include object level colour control, enhanced variable data printing, and improved bleed and overlap settings. Together, these improvements reduce setup time and reliance on specialist expertise, while delivering professional level colour accuracy and repeatability.

Roland DG Connect Designer and VersaWorks 7 are designed to function as part of a connected, end to end workflow – moving seamlessly from design and preparation through colour accuracy, output and repeatability. By aligning software tools closely with hardware, the combined solution delivers predictable, device ready results while supporting scalability for growing print operations.

Connect Designer Base is available now, extendable with new subscription modules and independent add ons. Eligible new device purchases include three months' free access to modules. The AI Image Generation Add-On is also available as a subscription with a use limit, and customers can try all features through an in-app promotion offering a set number of try outs.

VersaWorks 7.5 with ColorMatch is released as a paid add on, available in subscription or in a one time purchase model.