Software & Controls


Expanding photorealistic capabilities C


reative Edge Soſtware, developer of the iC3D packaging design soſtware, has announced the release of its latest


version of the all-in-one, multi-function application. Among a range of updates designed to augment photorealistic capabilities already available from iC3D, Bump Displacement is the newest version of the soſtware. It expands the potential for designers to create unique 3D shapes and surfaces providing a greater sense of depth, detail and photographic accuracy. With iC3D v4.1, Bump Displacement – also


known as Displacement Mapping – enables packaging creatives to quickly create and visualise emboss or deboss design features to a photorealistic standard in a matter of minutes. The development is of particular relevance to the luxury and security packaging sectors where unique and complex shapes in glass, plastic and carton are used to distinguish premium products and ensure that they are more dificult to copy. Previously, to achieve photorealistic mock-ups


or proofs of emboss/deboss design devices required the use of specialist, proprietary software applications. iC3D’s Bump Displacement means that designers can achieve the same visual effect with a simple Illustrator file using the same all-in-one iC3D software that performs every other packaging design visualisation application, including labels, pouches, shrink-


wraps and shelf visualisation. According to Nick Gilmore, CEO of


Creative Edge Software, the beauty of the iC3D Bump Displacement feature is its simplicity and speed. “Luxury brands use selective embossing and debossing to convey a higher pedigree for their products. It’s the very complexity of producing the packaging that distinguishes it from regular high-street brands,” he explains. “Nevertheless, through meticulous research and development, our software designers have delivered the programming that can visualise these complex techniques, realistically and in real-time.” The Bump Displacement feature of iC3D v4.1


allows the user to take a line drawing, logo or any shape created in Adobe Illustrator, and apply it to the surface of a carton, glass, plastic, or metal object, but working in real time. Simple sliders are then used to choose the depth of emboss or deboss. Once satisfied with positioning, size and style of emboss/deboss, iC3D Ray Tracing can be applied to accurately simulate the effects of light on the object and produce a photorealistic, ultra- high-resolution photo studio effect. As with all iC3D mock-ups, the 3D results can then be scrutinised from all angles by brand owners, production engineers and other stakeholders using iC3D Opsis via any web browser on any


Software for 3D packaging design E


sko has given 3D packaging design soſtware its very own makeover with the launch of Esko Studio 16. This set of


tools for 3D packaging design is made for all packaging artwork professionals. Since 2006, Studio has been installed by thousands of packaging professionals, from small design agencies and freelance designers, to the largest global brand owners. It has helped users produce better designs,


whether they are trying out different ideas and want virtual mock-ups fast, or prepress operators are checking graphic positioning and reverse print. Creating this artwork for presentations, marketing campaigns or e-commerce is done with the artwork print production data and


eliminates the need for separate packaging artwork creation in other software. Esko Studio adds packaging 3D functionality to


Esko’s Adobe Illustrator packaging workflow. “Unlike other solutions, designers and prepress operators don’t have to leave their design tool of choice,” says Chris Stowe, Esko’s product manager 3D solutions. “They are able to make very advanced 3D design actions within Illustrator - a platform they are very familiar with. Since 10 years, Studio has been helping trade shops, converters and brands offer their customers a faster route to market for product design - and it continues to be the world’s most powerful and popular packaging 3D design and store visualisation tool. It eliminates the need for physical mock-ups and reduces the approval process via instant online collaboration. “Ultimately this means the


time from design to production is much faster and cost effective. Creating test versions, new promotions and product variations can be designed and visualised at the touch of a button. “The benefits of Studio


encourage designers to experiment with different ideas and allow prepress operators to


26 April 2017


do quality checks on graphics positioning, reverse print and other production critical elements. Users can quickly check finishing effects, create realistic visuals, see more details in pack shots and speed up the production of pack shots.” Over the past year, Esko has accumulated


feedback from its large base of Studio users and now has released a significantly advanced version, all focused on higher efficiency and working speed. The new features of Studio 16 include:


• The ability to create 3D compositions 50 per cent faster, thanks to new user tools; • Tools to select materials and apply print effects; • Faster creation of realistic visuals, with the ability to add and adjust realistic floor shadows and light source angles; • A faster way to create and output very high- resolution pack shots by adding automated scripting in Adobe Illustrator; • Users can view virtual packaging anytime on the web using HTML5 3D Studio Viewer. uwww.esko.com


www.convertermag.co.uk


smartphone, tablet or computer. “We feel very satisfied with the latest


developments in iC3D v4.1,” adds Gilmore. “In iC3D, we pride ourselves on having the most versatile – and affordable – packaging design application on the market, and this is yet another step towards making the best capabilities available to all. After all, just because creatives are working on luxury brands, that doesn’t mean they can afford luxury price tags on the everyday tools they need!” Two tutorials demonstrating this simplicity in


practice are available on the new updated Creative Edge Software website.


uwww.creativeedgesoſtware.com


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