Quark has updated QuarkWrapture to version 1.5. The software, available for both Mac and Windows systems (though no Mac OS X version has been announced) lets designers create 3D boxes and packaging, from the initial concept stage straight through to actual manufacturing.
The first major upgrade to the packaging software includes new and enhanced features for package visualization and export. QuarkWrapture supports the ability to import EPS-formatted structure files, and will convert cut and fold lines to its own guides during the import process. Users can edit die lines, modify fold angles and fold order, and import other popular text and picture formats. Multiple languages are also supported.
As of version 1.5, QuarkWrapture meets the needs of a larger segment of the packaging industry by allowing users to conceptualize designs for cylindrical objects, according to Brett Mueller, senior product manager at Quark.
“Support for bottles and cans has been one of the most-requested features since the initial release of QuarkWrapture in November,” he said. “Another popular request is the new multiple-piece component, which lets users render multiple pieces as a single scene, and select and reposition each piece individually.”
QuarkWrapture 1.5 also includes new features that give users greater control over specific elements of the virtual 3D mockup, Mueller added. A material manager lets users specify package attributes such as finish, texture, and thickness. Users can change other rendering attributes such as lighting intensity, camera focal length, and background color for more realistic package previews.
QuarkWrapture now includes high-resolution graphic support and new export options. QuarkWrapture files can now be exported in Macromedia Flash format or as high-resolution TIFF files, in addition to the JPEG and QuickTime VR export of the first version. The animated folding sequence can be exported as a QuickTime movie
QuarkWrapture 1.5 supports page sizes of up to 96 x 96 inches to facilitate designs for point of purchase displays. The magnification feature has been enhanced for high fidelity viewing of the virtual mockup. Finally, QuarkWrapture 1.5 offers improved guide support, allowing easy selection of multiple guides for more efficient control over structural elements, Mueller said.
The upgrade will be free to all customers who are covered by maintenance contracts. The current version of QuarkWrapture costs US$6,999.