Callas, which mainly develops PDF workflow tools, has released the latest version 17 of its pdfToolbox that includes tools to analyse, correct, and process PDF files automatically.
Dietrich von Seggern, CEO of Callas Software, commented: “Our customers continuously push the limits of what can be achieved with automated PDF processing. With pdfToolbox 17, we focused on enabling those workflows to run faster, more reliably, and with greater flexibility.”
There is a new preflight check that can detect any available space within PDF documents. These spaces can then be used in print‑and‑cut workflows for marks or identifiers, as required. This latest version can also separate static and dynamic content in PDF files used for variable data or transactional printing, which should lead to significantly faster processing in high‑volume output workflows.
There’s also better support for repeating patterns that are commonly used in textile, wallpaper, decor, and industrial printing workflows. The new version can seamlessly extend repeating patterns and generate bleed without disrupting the pattern structure. This makes it easier to prepare files for large‑format or continuous production.
David van Driessche, chief evangelist at Callas Software, added: “Sometimes the most valuable improvements are not the most spectacular ones. Production environments deal with imperfect files every day, and even small improvements can make a big difference. At the same time, we continue to make powerful functionality more approachable, for example, through the new Imposition Wizard.”
This particular wizard makes it easier to create simple impositions such as step‑and‑repeat, fill‑page, or booklet layouts. A live preview shows the effect of settings immediately, and configurations can be saved for use in automated workflows. This allows prepress users to quickly build imposition configurations that can then be further modified to fit their specific use cases.
Other improvements include new features for working with technical lines or cutlines, improved PDF inspection capabilities, additional JavaScript functionality for automated workflows, improvements to Process Plans, support for WebP image conversion, and expanded options for analysing and correcting problematic PDF content.
Callas has also added features specifically for its OEM customers. This includes an option to export preflight profiles together with the XML sidecar file needed by pdfToolbox Portal. In addition, new Docker images that provide a REST API and support queueing can be downloaded from DockerHub.
In parallel with the release of pdfToolbox 17, Callas has said that it will also introduce a separate nesting technology module designed for those OEM partners that are developing automated production systems though there’s no information on this for now.
Callas, which was established in 1995, is now owned by Durst. The company mainly concentrates on print production, document exchange, archival, and accessibility workflows.
The new pdfToolbox 17 is available now for €625 for the desktop version, while pdfToolbox Server, CLI, and SDK for automated workflows are € 5,000. You can find further details at callassoftware.com. There’s a separate page for OEM customers at oem.callassoftware.com.
