ONYX Graphics, Inc., has announced the release of SmartApps™ Sign&Banner plug-in Version 1.1 for Adobe® Illustrator® software, which simplifies and accelerates set-up of wide format signs and banners.
“Print shops understand time is money,” explains Danielle Mattiussi, ONYX Director of Product Marketing. “Which is why they are excited at the productivity gains they get from using the SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in. The return-on-investment is very compelling because, with a small investment in software, shops have a tool that can help them significantly reduce their costs and get more work done.”
Plug-In Enhancements for Double-sided Banners
Based on customer requests, SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in Version 1.1 includes enhancements to the bleed setup tool that dramatically reduce the time to prepare double-sided banners. Designers can use the new Double-sided Bleed feature to specify an amount of print bleed and the plug-in automatically matches the correct bleeds for the reverse side of double-sided banners. The tool can also account for banner poles or framing and uses presets for automating the process for different banner types.
The result is a tool that enables shops to quickly set up double-sided banners for quicker printing and finishing.
Mac OS X Lion Compatibility
SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in Version 1.1 also includes compatibility for Adobe Illustrator software (versions CS3, CS4, CS5 and CS5.5) running on the new Macintosh® operating system, Mac OS® X Lion.
What People Are Saying
“In minutes, with this plug-in, a shop can save hours of work. The plug-in interface is simple to use, convenient and easy to understand. But most of all, it does exactly what it promises – stops you wasting money and gives you more time to work on other jobs,” said Joël Doutrelepont, Owner, iMedias (Liège, Belgium).
“We see that banner prep is a lot easier and faster to do in the design program than in RIP preflight programs. This plug-in saves us over 10 hours per month in finishing costs. Considering our hourly shop rate, that’s a decent chunk of change,” said Michael Riley, Shop Designer, Insignia Signs (West Carrollton, Ohio).
“I love the plug-in as it completely removes any finishing errors that occur when my employees measure where folding and grommets get placed. The plug-in lets us do this with one click in prepress and save ten to fifteen minutes in finishing time per banner. The Plug-in also makes every banner that we produce look the same every time! This is definitely one of the most useful tools that I have at my shop,” said Kenny Miller, Owner, ThumbPrint Digital Printing and Signs (Sun Valley, California).
RIP-independent and Platform-friendly
The SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in is the first in the new SmartApps toolset for creative applications. Designed to help those who prepare files for wide format printing, SmartApps plug-ins are application specific, operating system independent (can be used on Macintosh® or Windows® platforms), easy to use and affordably priced. They are complementary to any wide format RIP software—ONYX® RIP software is not required to use the plug-ins.
Availability
The SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in Version 1.1 is available now as a free fifteen-day, full-version trial and purchase. Existing SmartApps Sign&Banner customers can download and install the Version 1.1 update at no cost. For more information or to locate an authorized SmartApps Authorized Reseller, visit www.smartappsplugins.com/banner.
