Harlequin 12: PDF 2.0 and Then Some, Almost Ready for Prime Time

(See original press release here.)

Global Graphics announced the release of Harlequin 12, which appears to be the first PDF 2.0-compatible RIP/Renderer available to OEM partners ready for integration into their systems. As a refresher, PDF 2.0, recently published by the ISO, is the first “post-Adobe” release of PDF and the first “new” version of PDF since 2008. As such, there are many new features that have been added, many of them specifically directed at print production, especially around color.

The two primary “RIP” core developers in the world are Adobe and Harlequin, and each will have a PDF 2.0 offering. Each of their core RIP technologies are made available to other software developers and hardware manufacturers to implement in their individual solutions. In the case of Harlequin, its software and hardware OEMs include HP, Roland, Durst, Canon, Quark, Onyx, Xitron, and many others. Harlequin has two OEM offerings, and both are available in Harlequin 12. First is the Harlequin Multi Rip, which is primarily used for CTP, offset, flexo, gravure, and some light digital production applications. The second is the Harlequin Renderer which is used primarily by partners who want to build a DFE around it to drive a production press.

Continue reading your article
with a WhatTheyThink membership.

WhatTheyThink Annual Membership

Less than $4/week.

Get unlimited access to in-depth commentary and analysis covering the latest trends, emerging technologies, operational strategies, and key events across every segment of today's printing industry.

Stay informed. Stay competitive. Stay ahead.

WhatTheyThink Day Pass

$5 for 24 hours

Unlimited access to all of WhatTheyThink. Get your Day Pass

Already a member?

About David Zwang

David Zwang travels around the globe helping companies increase their productivity, margins and market reach. He specializes in production optimization, strategic business planning, market analysis, and related services to companies in the vertical media communications market. Clients have included printers, manufacturers, retailers, publishers, premedia and US Government agencies. He can be reached at [email protected].

10 Things PSPs Should Consider Before Adopting Robotics: What You Need to Know to Begin the Journey

Why Highly Targeted Communications Make Digital Print Essential to Modern Marketing

Wide Format in 2026: How Technology Is Reshaping Competitive Advantage

Labels & Packaging in 2026: Turning Insight into Direction

Print, Digital, and Everything in Between

View Keypoint Intelligence Reports

Canon: Continued Production Inkjet Development and Growth

With more than 2,000 ColorStream units delivered worldwide, Canon has introduced the new 7000 series for mid-range production. To say that Canon has been broadening their portfolio of production printers is probably an understatement. There are new developments in the ProStream platform and the new iV7 B2+ cut sheet press is about to hit the street. Read More

Labels and the Connected Supply Chain

You can think of this very competitive connected supply chain landscape in four layers: material suppliers, label converters/printers, hardware OEMs, and software/platform players. The connected supply chain has changed from moving things hand-to-hand or through email to more full-featured automated systems. The good news is that, as a converter, after you decide where you would like to start, there are so many options for you to select from. Read More

Direct-to-Object: Challenging Labels and Tags or Offering New Opportunities?

Print is a very adaptive technology and direct-to-object (DTO) is another area where it can offer new opportunities for PSPs and product manufacturers. Today, most of the product and packaging decoration (i.e., labels and tags) that exists is handled by a label converter. It is a well-established process that probably won’t disappear. However, it can and will be challenged by inline DTO printing solutions, offering new opportunities. Read More