Hybrid software releases Packz 12. Context-aware guidance for the tools and workflows August 20, 2026 Hybrid Software has upgraded its Packz PDF editor for packaging prepress, releasing version 12, which includes a multilingual AI-powered assistant. The AI assistant offers context-aware guidance for the tools and workflows and can generate Action Lists, dynamic information panels, print marks and scripting code, to help users automate routine processes and develop custom workflows more quickly. Pascal Wybo, product manager for PackZ. "We see AI as a way to remove barriers between users and the software, making advanced capabilities easier to discover, easier to learn and easier to automate routine tasks." Earlier this year, Hybrid Software joined Amazon's Transparency Service Provider Network, and this is reflected in this new Packz software, which now supports Amazon Transparency Codes. These codes are essentially GS1 2D barcodes, which mostly come in the form of QR codes and are gradually replacing horizontal barcodes in some markets. The 2D barcodes contain the Global Trade Item Number that identifies each product, but can also hold much more information about a product, its components and supply chain. As such, they are a key tool in reducing counterfeits, with Amazon introducing its Transparency program to its marketplace in 2017 to give customers more confidence. However, this does require brand owners to produce these 2D codes for every item, and to cope with any variation between items. Hybrid Software's contribution is an end-to-end workflow, starting with its Artflow program for artwork management, up to the Cloudflow enterprise software. So this update to Packz completes the chain, adding in variable data print production. Packz has been able to support the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiatives for 2D barcodes since version 11, so Packz 12 now extends this to the Amazon Transparency codes. Apart from these serialization codes, there are some additional new features, including new Packzimizer capabilities to optimize stacked label layouts to reduce waste. This new version also includes support for Hell Gravure JobTickets for better connectivity between prepress and engraving. For the Packz Max version that includes a Harlequin RIP, the inspection of object-based screening on transparent artwork elements with mixed screensets has been simplified for better quality control. Office Supplies Packaging South Asia - An authentic, impactful, and influential 20-year-old! An English-language packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, Packaging South Asia is in its 20th year of publication. Without claims about being the best, most widely read, or most influential, its Google analytics have doubled in the past year. If you are interested in impactfully targeting the Indian and South Asian markets to sell equipment, technology, software, and consumables, Packaging South Asia can help. Packaging South Asia can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition with research and discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth. [www.ippstar.org] With a strategy and budget for targeted marketing, you can discuss optimal use of its hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels for brand recognition linked to market relevance. Its platforms and channels are differentiated by hands-on domain practice and experience. Packaging South Asia understand of business and financials, and its team, including some of the best globally recognized technical writers, is ready to meet you and your customers for content. Get its 2026 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance visibility and relevance to turn potential customers into success. Ask for a sample copy of its print monthly or its two weekly packaging eZines. For editorial [email protected] - for advertisement [email protected] and for subscriptions [email protected] Naresh Khanna - 12 January 2026

Hybrid Software brings AI-powered automation, GPU-native performance, and intelligent workflows to PRINTING United Expo 2026. Hybrid Software will showcase technologies shaping the future of print production at PRINTING United Expo 2026. At booth C1371, visitors will see how artificial intelligence, GPU-native rendering, workflow automation and advanced color management are improving productivity, quality and efficiency across print production. Demonstrations will span the Hybrid Software Group portfolio, including Labels & Packaging, Brandz, Helix, Color, Xitron and Meteor Inkjet. Hybrid Software will demonstrate a range of AI-powered solutions that simplify production workflows and automate routine tasks. The PACKZ 12 PDF Editor, which won a 2026 Pinnacle Award for the integrated PACKZ Max RIP, introduces a multilingual AI assistant that provides context-aware guidance while generating Action Lists, scripting code and custom marks to help users work more efficiently. CLOUDFLOW workflow software adds Matches, which uses a secure large language model to identify previously produced packaging jobs with similar text, barcodes and image content, helping reduce job preparation time and minimize errors. Hybrid Software will also demonstrate jAImes, an AI-powered solution that automates the processing of customer emails and production requests, reducing manual data entry and helping customer service teams move jobs into production more quickly. AI capabilities also extend to the latest version of Artflow from Hybrid Software Brandz, which introduces intelligent tools for artwork validation, copy management and compliance workflows. GPU-native document processing is another highlight of the Hybrid Software booth. Hybrid Software Helix will demonstrate Mako Core 9, the latest release of its software development kit for print OEMs and independent software vendors, together with the Apex Performance Pack, another 2026 Pinnacle Award winner. Apex targets two of the most time-consuming stages in complex PDF workflows: GPU-native rasterization accelerates rendering by up to 30 times compared with traditional CPU-based approaches, while the new, optimized CPU-based PDF output technology can write complex PDFs more than twice as fast in representative workflows. By removing these processing bottlenecks, Mako 9 enables developers to create applications that preview, inspect, transform and output demanding print files far more quickly. The practical outcome is shorter production cycles, greater server and press throughput, more responsive applications and more predictable performance under heavy workloads, providing a scalable foundation for high-resolution, high-volume and variable data applications. Beyond document processing, the portfolio includes technologies that improve quality and production efficiency across the print workflow. Experts from the ColorLogic team will demonstrate the latest advances in spectral color management, expanded gamut printing and standards-based production workflows, enabling accurate, consistent color reproduction while reducing waste and improving production efficiency. Xitron will present the latest version of its K2 workflow platform, featuring enhanced workflow automation, improved third-party integration and the new Round-Trip Export capability. Xitron will also introduce K2D2, a solution that prepares PDF files for direct digital output, enabling print providers to efficiently prep jobs for both analog and digital print methods. The portfolio also includes Meteor Inkjet, whose printhead drive electronics, software and tools support OEMs developing next-generation digital printing systems. "PRINTING United is one of the few exhibitions that brings together every sector of the printing industry," said Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software. "Across the industry, we're seeing common priorities: greater automation, AI-assisted production, and faster, smarter workflows. The show gives visitors an opportunity to see how Hybrid Software can help address those priorities, whether they're developing digital presses, producing packaging or running commercial print operations."

Packz 12 released by Hybrid Software. Packz 12 further strengthens brand protection by supporting Amazon Transparency Codes Hybrid Software, provider of enterprise software for the packaging and printing industry, has released Packz 12, the latest version of its PDF editor for packaging prepress. The release introduces an AI-powered assistant that helps users work more efficiently, along with support for Amazon Transparency codes for product serialisation and authentication. "Packz 12 marks a new era where artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of the modern prepress workflow," says Pascal Wybo, product manager for Packz. "We see AI as a way to remove barriers between users and the software, making advanced capabilities easier to discover, easier to learn and easier to automate routine tasks." The multilingual AI assistant provides context-aware guidance for Packz tools and workflows, giving new users quick access to relevant information and step-by-step assistance for routine tasks. It can also generate Packz Action Lists, dynamic information panels, print marks and scripting code, helping prepress teams automate routine processes and develop custom workflows more quickly. Packz 12 further strengthens brand protection by supporting Amazon Transparency Codes through its advanced barcode and variable data printing capabilities. Together with Hybrid Software's Artflow artwork management software and CloudFlow enterprise software, Packz forms part of an end-to-end workflow spanning code retrieval, artwork approval, barcode generation and print production. The integrated solution enables scalable serialization and accurate production of Amazon Transparency codes and supports emerging GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiatives through the adoption of data-rich 2D barcodes. Packz 12 also introduces a range of production enhancements designed to improve efficiency across packaging workflows. New Packzimizer capabilities optimise stacked label layouts to reduce waste and enhanced Packz Max quality control simplifies inspection of object-based screening on transparent artwork. In addition, support for HELL Gravure JobTickets strengthens connectivity between prepress and engraving.