Hybrid Software Brings AI-powered Automation 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.

Artificial Intelligence to assist and create smarter prepress routines and faster productivity. | Credit: Hybrid Software

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."

Source: Hybrid Software