n tune with the needs of QuarkXPress users, Dynagram, the industry leader in imposition solutions, announced today the release of version 7.3 of INposition, its QuarkXPress XTension. This new version offers increased performance and compatibility.
INposition 7.3 now runs natively on both Intel and PowerPC-based Mac processors (Universal Binary). INposition users can thus benefit from increased performance.

INposition 7.3 also offers new compatibility with latest systems and applications such as:
Mac OS X.5 (Leopard)
Adobe Acrobat 8.0
Adobe InDesign CS3

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XChange International, the source for extended technology worldwide, are pleased to announce the release and availability of the Xfile 2 plug-in for Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Corel PhotoPaint and more. The new version offers Seam Carving and Image Resizing capabilities.

Imaging applications today work with linear resizing, so everything within the image changes size proportionally. Xfile 2 does that too with super advanced algorithms and now features a seam carving tool that allows the image to be resized while changing its aspect ratio and keeping important features untouched. It removes or adds areas to an image that would be least noticed.

To give users more controls on elements of the image they absolutely want to maintain and the parts they do not really care about, Xfile’s Seam Carving features provide an easy-to-use interface to define image areas. Xfile 2 offers a dual set of Protect/Erase masks. Users simply brush on the image to protect an area, or brush to tell Xfile that this area can be carved out during the resizing. Xfile 2 also provides users a preview of the effect an operation will have on an image before they finalise their changes.

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AKVIS LLC announces the update of AKVIS ArtSuite (earlier known as Frame Suite) to version v.3.0. The name change reflects the new approach to the program. From now on the software will be enriched with new effects that does not necessarily fall into the Photo Frames category. This version offers three new effects: Black&White, Shift Colors, and Channel Mixer. Also new to this version: button Autorun added,  new interface language - Spanish.

Whether you plan to upload holiday photos on a web-site to share with your friends or you wish to decorate a personalized greeting card, you can rely on AKVIS ArtSuite - it will add elegance and style to any photo.

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XChange International, the source for extended technology worldwide, are pleased to announce XTend-Xport and BatchXport for QuarkXPress v7. The main purpose of document extractors is to significantly reduce the manual work needed to create text and image content suitable for web and database applications. Using BatchXport or XTend-Xport means no endless configuration processes to create multi-use output from QuarkXPress document text.

Colortrac has released CopySmart v1.3H2, the latest version of their professional scan-to-copy software solution for accurately duplicating color technical drawings and maps, etc, as well as superb, full-color, reprographics artwork.

CopySmart screen with printed copy control of colored originals

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SANTA ANA, Calif.—January 24, 2008—Markzware, the leading developer of preflighting, data extraction and conversion software, announced today that Enfocus/Artwork has entered into a settlement agreement for its part in the patent infringement lawsuit Civil Action No. SACV07-461-JVS, filed in the Central District of California in May of 2007.

Technologies at issue included preflight products as described in the ‘641 patent. The agreement resolves all pending litigation between the companies. Details of the settlement are confidential.

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XChange International, the source for extended technology worldwide, are pleased to announce the release of a new bundle of the popular Markzware Conversion Tools. The Conversion Tools Bundle includes award-winning Plug-ins for Adobe InDesign and XTensions software for QuarkXPress. Q2ID (QuarkXPress to InDesign), PUB2ID (Microsoft(R) Publisher(R) to InDesign) and ID2Q (InDesign to QuarkXPress) save users both time and money by converting documents to other formats automatically. The Conversion Tools Bundle saves users 20% off the normal retail price of the included products if purchased separately and the special offer expires 29th February, 2008.

Q2ID is a plug-in for converting documents from QuarkXPress(R) to InDesign(R) format. Q2ID now includes Universal Binary support as well as CS3 compatibility.

The plug-in is designed for use by Service Bureaus, Translation Services, Data Conversion Specialists, and other users migrating to the Adobe InDesign platform. The product can convert Quark documents created with either the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) or Apple(R) Macintosh(R) versions of QuarkXPress into Adobe InDesign for Macintosh format. The repurposed legacy content from Quark files preserves the content, pages, layers, look and feel of the original document.

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Zevrix Solutions announces the release of BatchOutput 3.0, a major update to its popular professional solution to automate output from Adobe InDesign. BatchOutput allows users to automatically print multiple InDesign documents, as well as output them to PDF, PostScript, EPS and JPEG. In addition to new output formats, the new version provides compatibility with Mac OS X Leopard, sortable file list and other improvements.

Toronto (ON), Canada - January 7, 2008 - Zevrix Solutions announces the release of version 3.0 of BatchOutput, a major update to its popular professional solution to automate printing and export to PDF, PostScript, EPS and JPEG from Adobe InDesign.

BatchOutput automates printing and output of multiple InDesign documents to various formats using output presets or custom settings. It allows users to output multipage InDesign documents as single pages, change job name in printer queue, suppress the output warnings, and open files invisibly for the user. BatchOutput also automatically composes complex variable file names, which makes it equally indispensable for output of single documents.

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OneVision, a global provider of prepress and premedia software solutions to the printing and publishing industries, announced the launch of Asura 9.0 and Solvero 9.0, the company’s flagship software products that streamline and automate the
file control, optimization and normalization processes in print production. The latest versions of Asura and Solvero include new functionality and upgrades that enhance usability, increase efficiency and improve automation in prepress workflows.

In addition to checking, correcting and outputting files in PDF, EPS, and PostScript formats, Asura 9.0 and Solvero 9.0 are now compatible with XPS (XML Paper Specification), the new file type for graphics produced using Windows Vista(TM) from Microsoft. The required conversion into the file format needed for the RIP can either be done automatically with Asura or manually with Solvero. With Solvero 9.0, text, images and graphics of XPS files can be edited along with PDF, PostScript or EPS files.

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XChange International, the source for extended technology worldwide, are pleased to announce the release of a free update for users of PitStop Professional version 7.x. PitStop Professional is an Adobe® Acrobat® plug-in indispensable for every graphic arts and publishing professional. PitStop Professional 7 is the de facto standard for graphic arts and publishing professionals needing to preflight, edit and fix PDF files. No other preflight software comes close to offering PitStop Professional 7’s comprehensive range of tools, giving you unprecedented control over your PDFs no matter what your workflow requirements.From hands-on fixes to fully-automated PDF preflighting, correction and modification, quality is guaranteed throughout by Enfocus award-winning Certified PDF® technology, making sure that every PDF leaving your workstation is bulletproof as it goes to press.

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XChange International announce release of PhotoSpray 1.8 for Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements

XChange International, the source for extended technology worldwide, are pleased to announce the release of PhotoSpray 1.8. PhotoSpray is an Adobe® Photoshop® or Adobe Elements® plug-in that offers the ability to spray pictures on top of any RGB photos or layers. This method of painting lets users brush sets of images on top of any photo.

Brushes can be adjusted through a variety of parameters, ideal for photo-realistic painting. PhotoSpray ships with Sprayettes Volume I, a collection of more than 50 realistic-sprays including plants, flowers, leaves, trees, bushes, rocks, clouds, geometrical objects, balls, etc. Additional sprays may be added with Volumes 2 through 4, each volume a collection of 100 new sprays.

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Markzware today announced the release of FlightCheck v6.10, the company’s flagship prepress application that manages quality control of digital files destined for print or electronic distribution. Version 6.10 comprises numerous improvements and updates, including enhanced preflighting speed — up to four times faster than previous versions. The solution now recognizes QuarkXPress 7 files, and appropriately reports on font paths. In addition, improvements have been made to the software’s PDF Ground Controls. And a new ‘Get More’ button found in the Ground Controls pop-up menu, enables users to immediately access and download pre-defined Ground Controls based on output intentions and file specifications. [ Price: US$499 ~ Requires: Mac OS X 10.4 or later ~ Demo available ]

A PDF creation tool that gives you control over file size and resolution, allows PDF password security, supports PDF/A-1b archive format, and more at a low cost.

Redmond, WAshington, December 01, 2007. Solid Documents, a leading provider of document utility products, today announced the release of Solid PDF Creator version 2.0. In addition to improvements to PDF creation quality, version 2 features support encryption, document properties and output to standard PDF or PDF/A-1b archive compliant format and much more.

“We offer functionality and simplicity at an affordable price,” said Michael Cartwright, CEO of Solid Documents. “When it comes to working with documents, we all want simple, affordable solutions. Solid PDF Creator provides a great PDF creation solution without requiring that you pay a fortune.”

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PROOF-it-ONLINE, provider of web-based interactive approval management solutions to print and creative services companies, today announced that in an effort to help companies capitalize on seasonal downtime, they are giving away a free Pro Premium Proofing Evaluation Bundle to the first 50 companies signing up during the month of December. The package, valued at $800, includes a free two-month online proofing account (up to 250 proofs per month), a phone consultation with ROI analysis, a newly released white paper entitled, “Top 5 Things to Know About Online Proofing that Will Help Your Business Grow” and unlimited access to PROOF-it-ONLINE’s Resource Center.

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Markzware Announces the Immediate Release of Microsoft Publisher to Adobe InDesign (PUB2ID) for Macintosh and Windows Users!
www.markzware.com - Markzware Mary Gay Marchese, 949-756-5100, ext. 250 pr@markzware.com After a very successful beta testing program, Markzware is pleased to announce the exciting worldwide release of Microsoft Publisher to Adobe InDesign (PUB2ID) v1.5.

If you have Microsoft Publisher versions 2002-2007 files, you can now easily convert them into Adobe InDesign CS2 and CS3
documents.

Jessica Herbig, of Allegra USA, said of the PUB2ID release, “I use a multi-page MSP document with a few pictures, and lots of text flowing from page-to-page. The original was a PC file, and I opened it on my Mac G5 in InDesign CS2. It was such a fast conversion process and all of the images were automatically linked. The Windows fonts were missing, which was a quick fix. It worked great, and what would have taken hours to retype and set text, now would only take about 15 minutes to format. Thanks! Great work!”

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Free Plug-In Enables Users to Save PDF Documents Directly to Popular Document Management Systems and Repositories

ANDOVER, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Omtool, Ltd. (OTCBB:OMTL), a leading provider of document capture and routing products and services, today announced the availability of the Omtool Swiftwriter Plug-In for Adobe, a free one-click solution that delivers integration of Adobe Acrobat® software and Adobe Reader® software with document management systems (DMSs) prominent in the legal industry.

This new plug-in, which is now available for download, integrates with Acrobat and Adobe Reader versions 6, 7, and 8, enabling users to save PDF files directly into document management systems. Omtool’s Swiftwriter Plug-In streamlines the document management process by presenting a toolbar icon and “save-to” command that are tailored to a specific DMS. The Swiftwriter Plug-In is compatible with and currently available for document management systems and repositories from Open Text® (Hummingbird), Interwoven®, Microsoft® SharePoint®, and WORLDOX®. Additional document management system support will be available in the future.

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 Alien Skin Software Announces Release of Image Doctor 2 Image Retouching Software

Enhanced set of five Photoshop plug-in filters provides one intelligent, easy-to use toolset for photo restoration, compressed JPEG repair, object removal, blemish concealment, and skin softening for under $200

(Raleigh, North Carolina: November 26, 2007) Alien Skin® Software (www.alienskin.com), the award- winning developer of photographic and graphic design plug-ins for Adobe® Photoshop® and other compatible host programs, today announced the release of Image Doctor® 2, the new version of its powerful yet easy-to-use software for photo restoration, retouching, and repair. Image Doctor 2’s five plug-in filters offer users a complete toolset for photo restoration, compressed JPEG image repair, smart object removal, blemish concealment, and skin softening in one very affordable package that is also a great gift idea.

The five filters in Image Doctor 2 — Dust and Scratch Remover, JPEG Repair, Blemish Concealer, Skin Softener, and Smart Fill — together provide one of the most comprehensive sets of photo enhancement tools available to consumers and professionals for under $200 USD. Image Doctor 2’s plug-in filters can restore rips, scratches, and dust in scans of old photos; repair overly compressed and blocky JPEG images, such as cell phone photos; remove unwanted objects from pictures with a seamless recreation of the nearby background; and retouch and soften skin areas by removing moles, birthmarks, scars, wrinkles, tattoos, pimples, and oily or splotchy skin patches.

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With the power and convenience of OpenType® , the Adobe® Type Collection brings new versatility to creative professionals. Print, Web, Video or any other creative project… Nothing is outside the realm of the Adobe Type Collection, OpenType Edition.

Take a look inside this versatile collection and you’re bound to recognize hundreds of the world’s most widely-used and highly-regarded typefaces. What may not be familiar is the remarkably low price. A 10 CPU version of the Adobe Type Collection, OpenType Edition can be yours for just $3,999 USD − a $1,000 savings! But act quickly, this exceptional offer is only available until November 30, 2007.

The Adobe Type Collection, OpenType Edition includes over 2900 type styles packed in to over 2100 files and includes such industry standard designs as Gill Sans, Adobe Garamond, Frutiger, Univers and ITC Franklin Gothic. Combining the best offerings from Adobe, Monotype, ITC, Linotype, and many other foundries and designers, this compilation has the power to energize any creative project. Click here to view the contents of the Adobe Type Collection, OpenType Edition.

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printweek.com

EFI has made a number of improvements to its Colorproof XF solution with the release of Service Pack 4.

These upgrades focus on remote proofing and add support for recently released printers and Pantone’s new Goe system.

Stefan Spiegel, general manager of EFI’s Graphic Arts Solutions arm, said: “The integration of the most up-to-date Pantone libraries and new printer drivers enhances our product free of charge to our customers.”

Service Pack 4 is available to Colorproof XF customers via the Online updater.

GHENT, BELGIUM - November 20, 2007 - The Ghent PDF Workgroup (GWG), an international organization comprised of users, associations and developers building best practices for publishing workflows; today announces the launch of the Soft-Proofing Ticket, an easy way for end-users to have additional, essential information about the approval conditions.

The GWG Soft-Proofing Ticket is now available for immediate use and downloading, at no charge, at the organization’s web site:
http://www.gwg.org/siteen/content/specifications/job_ticketing.php?msi=78,82

The GWG Job Ticket Subcommittee investigates and defines best practices regarding different forms of job tickets. Now, after delivering the first Ad Ticket last year, the group is offering this new job ticket for the tracking of approval conditions.

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