Software
Adobe CS4 - Illustrator
Adobe® Illustrator® CS4 software is a comprehensive vector graphics environment with new transparency in gradients and multiple artboards that invite you to explore more efficient ways to design.
The latest version of Adobe Illustrator offers more control and better features than ever before.
Features include:
- Gradient Transparency
- Blob Brush Tool
- Better separations control
- Greater Text control
- Superior mask control
Adobe CS4 - Photoshop
Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 Extended software delivers all the features in Photoshop CS4, plus new features for working with 3D imagery, motion-based content, and advanced image analysis.
New 3D improved capability
Now paint directly on 3D models, wrap 2D images around 3D shapes, convert gradient maps to 3D objects, add depth to layers and text, get print-quality output with the new ray-tracing rendering engine, and enjoy exporting to supported common 3D formats.
Content-Aware Scaling new
Use the new and revolutionary Content-Aware Scaling feature to automatically recompose an image as you resize it, smartly preserving vital areas as the image adapts to the new dimensions. Get the perfect image in one step without time-intensive cropping and retouching.
FlexRip
FlexRip is a multi-purpose RIP and quality control tool offering a variety of output formats and driving a wide range of filmsetters, platesetters, proofers and digital presses. FlexRip is device and workflow independent and features ground-breaking screening technologies for a wide range of printing processes.
FlexRip is JDF enabled: it can output a JDF file with ink key settings for a variety of offset presses. It also features ScreenManager, a tool that lets users create custom screening blending various screening technologies across the tonal range, with full control of parameters and transition points. 
- Central RIP for any workflow
- Revolutionary RIP architecture
- Adobe® certified PS/PDF input channel
- Softproofing application to check LPI/angle, dot gain, separations before output
- Screened proofing through Microscopic Color Conversion (patent pending)
- Load balancing tools to customise performance in a multi-device environment
- Ticketed workflow to reduce operator error
- 1 box solution for film/plate/proof
- State of the art dot gain control tools for proofers and presses
- Offers cutting edge screening technology for all printing processes
- Kaleidoscope Color Management for absolute color accuracy. Excels in special colors (PANTONE and house/designer colors)
- Simultaneous output to multiple devices
Professional packaging in Adobe® Illustrator® and Adobe® Photoshop®
Esko has taken the best of its packaging and prepress technologies and put it right inside the world's most popular design tools.
| Barcode Creation Exceptional barcodes for Adobe® Illustrator® CS users. |
Boost Productivity Improve packaging design productivity in Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
| Structural Design Import and export ArtiosCAD ARD files in Adobe® Illustrator® CS . |
Preflight Interactive preflight in Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
| Seamless Layout Step and repeat for Gravure or Flexo cylinder workflows. |
Screening Create Adobe® Illustrator® CS files with multiple rulings, angles and screening in a single separation. |
| Extract Images Translate embedded images to externally linked images. |
Trapping Professional quality trapping for Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
| Step & Repeat Complete label step & repeat solution inside Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
Soft Proofing Visually inspect your packaging design in Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
| Output Consistency Consistent and unmatched output from Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
Flexo Tools Add EskoArtwork's flexo expertise to Adobe® Photoshop® CS. |
| Dynamic Content Edit and maintain text from outside Adobe® Illustrator® CS. |
Ink Tools Easy spot color ink retouching in Adobe® Photoshop® CS. |
A Smart workflow server. Automation and organization
BackStage maximizes productivity, repeatability and consistency in any workflow. This client-server software is about a lot more than just executing background tasks, it is about doing your Jobs faster, cheaper and with a lot less errors.
5 key benefits
- Job and Data management
- Offloading operator workstations
- Centralizing operator expertise
- Automating To-Do's and communications
- Amazing Integration with other systems (MIS, ERP ...)
Control, information, security, standard technologies
The BackStage Pilot client application, used for all control and monitoring, can be run from any Mac and Windows client in a network. Depending on their user acces rights, operators or customer service staff will be able to manage Job orders, launch background server tasks on files, open files in any local applications, or just monitor the status of files or Job-orders. As in all Esko Software Suite's components, the latest standard technologies are used: Adobe PDF, XML, XMP, JDF, JMF...