Recently, Nevada-based Markzware released a new data conversion and preflight tool for macOS users in the production print space.
PDFMarkz converts PDF files to IDML for opening in Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, and Affinity Publisher. The standalone application also lets users extract text out of a PDF and save it in RTF, TXT, or HTML format. Other key features of PDFMarkz include the ability to:
- Preview native PDF documents and view document information (e.g., how many fonts, colors, and images are used)
- Export individual pages to PNG, JPEF, TIFF, and other image formats
- Share parts of a PDF, such as a page within a PDF, through various platforms (e.g., e-mail or social media platforms)
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| PDFMarkz Workflow |
It is also possible to set various workflows, so PDFs are automatically opened in a certain application and/or changed to a new format. PDFMarkz can be configured to function right inside Adobe InDesign, too.
This link shows the simplicity of using the software, which integrates drag-and-drop functionality. Those interested in the technology can request a sample conversion from Markzware; for Windows users, the company is currently developing a Windows version of the product.
Available for purchase through the company’s website or authorized resellers, PDFMarkz costs $199 for a 12-month subscription or $299 for a perpetual license.
We find this tool interesting, as most file conversion tools operate in the opposite way--converting other native file formats into PDFs. The ability to extract the PDF to IDML or other formats that can then be opened in creative tools like InDesign and QuarkXpress could be particularly beneficial for editing large amounts of text that can be more easily manipulated in these programs—in addition to other content changes.
Looking at the production print market overall, there are many ways that software developers are improving the use of PDFs for print production workflows. For example, Solimar Systems has introduced ReadyPDF to optimize PDF files, allowing them to process more efficiently and effectively for e-delivery, archiving, and production printing. To achieve this, the application includes the following capabilities:
- Combines and reduces resources to reduce data stream complexity and file size
- Consolidates fonts to reduce the number of duplicated or subsetted fonts
- Optimizes color and images for the targeted device
- Removes user data and object information to reduce file size
- Supports automated scheduling of file processing
A related solution is OneVision’s Asura which, for quicker RIP times, includes these (and more) PDF capabilities:
- Removes transparencies for less complex files
- Cuts files horizontally or vertically when they exceed a specific size
- Embeds recurring images just once, reducing file size
- Reduces number of vector points and elements for fast screen rendering
This solution, however, integrates quite a few editing and pre-press capabilities; as such, it is more than a simple file conversion software. In addition, it is designed to be used with Asura’s Workspace workflow management system.
Although the PDF format has been around now for nearly three decades, it is good to see innovation still happening to support production printing.
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