Hybrid Software showcases AI, new Artflow and Mako Core

Hybrid Software will present its latest labels and packaging workflow innovations at Loupe Americas 2026 in Chicago at booth 3007, with artificial intelligence, color management and high-performance rendering technology as the central themes across three product divisions.

New AI capabilities span the portfolio. PACKZ, its PDF editor, introduces AI-powered tools for operator support, scripting and custom actions within prepress workflows. CloudFlow gains CloudFlow Matches, which uses a large language model to identify previously produced packaging jobs with similar text, barcodes and image content, accelerating job preparation and reducing errors. jAImes automates the processing of customer emails and production requests, reducing manual data entry and helping jobs move into production faster.

Hybrid Software Brandz is showcasing Artflow 26.09, a major update to its artwork management platform for brands and CPG companies. The headline addition is AI compliance validation embedded directly within the standard approval process, automatically analyzing artwork against regulatory documents and internal standards without leaving the existing workflow. Copy Management 3.0 introduces copy sheet versioning so teams review and approve only changed content, with GS1 structured data import supported via API from PIM, MDM, recipe and claims management platforms. Dashboard 2.0 adds configurable widgets covering approval turnaround times, revisions, on-time delivery and project duration.

'With Artflow 26.09, we're embedding intelligence and automation where teams actually need it — inside the artwork process itself,' said Ben Dekeyser, product manager at Hybrid Software Brandz. 'The goal is to remove repetitive work, identify issues sooner and give brands better control from briefing through approval and asset management.'

Hybrid Software Helix is introducing Mako Core 9, the latest release of its software development kit for print OEMs and independent software vendors. The release accelerates two stages in PDF workflows: its Apex GPU-native renderer accelerates rasterization by up to 30 times compared with traditional CPU-based approaches, while the new Apex PDF Output technology uses an optimized multithreaded CPU architecture to write complex PDF files up to 10 times faster. Together these advances enable shorter processing times, greater server and press throughput and more predictable performance under heavy workloads. Both the CPU and GPU renderers have achieved Ghent Workgroup accreditation for professional PDF workflows.

'Performance matters wherever complex documents have to be processed quickly and reliably, particularly in high-volume and variable data environments,' said David Stevenson, product manager for Mako Core. 'With Mako Core 9, we've focused on removing significant processing bottlenecks while retaining the flexibility and development environment our customers already know.'

Also on show will be ColorLogic spectral color management, expanded gamut printing and standards-based production workflows, and the latest version of iC3D with enhanced asset management and native CF2 structural design file support for accurate 3D packaging visualization.

'Label and packaging converters are under constant pressure to increase efficiency while maintaining quality and consistency,' said Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software. 'The technologies we are presenting at Loupe Americas address practical production challenges, from automating routine tasks and improving color accuracy to increasing throughput in high-volume digital printing environments.'