Creo Print On-Demand Solutions (PODS) Group, an independent unit of Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group, has released new technology with the ability to create personalised images with variable data printing production.
The Creo PODS Darwin VI authoring tool can now be used with Directype software to create individually designed image founts for highly personalised communications and direct marketing materials.
Directype software has unique variable data printing (VDP) design options that work with the document customisation capabilities of the Darwin VI authoring tool to create high impact advertising media. The surprise and emotional impact of a 1:1 marketing brochure that shows the recipient’s name and personalised text in a realistic image generates higher responses than direct marketing without personalised images, according to Creo.
Directype software automates what used to be complex and expensive individual works of art in electronic image processing. The applications for image personalisation are versatile, says Gershon Alon, director, Creo Print On-Demand Solutions Group.
“Using Directype software, advertising agencies, direct marketers and print shops can design postcards, mailings or calendars with individualised targeted motifs.
“The Darwin VI authoring tool imports a Directype template and embeds it into the VDP job. The template is then submitted back with the job data and processing instructions to the Directype software. After the personalised images are created, the Darwin VI authoring tool automatically integrates them into the VDP job.
“Users will benefit from this integration because it has excellent image personalisation capabilities and automatic image processing, which is the heart of the integration.”
He says automatic processing means less manual work and fewer errors, which contributes to efficient VDP creation and processing.
Directype software combines background and foreground pictures with fount elements to create three-dimensional-appearing personalised images. Four different methods are used to create the image fount elements. First, PostScript or TrueType founts can be filled automatically with small image elements, such as coffee beans, blossoms or confetti.
The Darwin VI software, is used for full-colour complex VDP documents for QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign software users on both the Macintosh and Windows platforms.
