BOSTON -- March 10, 2003 -- Creo is now shipping Pandora 2.0 software, the next major release of its PDF-based step-and-repeat packaging layout solution. Prepress professionals in packaging and label printing segments will welcome the many new features that are introduced in this release, including: -- Support for Job Definition Format (JDF); -- Editable non-rectangular bleed paths automatically derived from CAD die line information; -- Bleed overlap detection with advanced, easy-to-use tools for automatic overlap correction; -- Die-station ordering with fully automated placement of die-station number marks; -- Diemirroring for the creation of double-sided layouts. By supporting JDF, an XML-based file format used to describe the entire print production cycle, Pandora software continues to support and enhance Networked Graphic Production, the Creo initiative that links creative, production, and business systems to streamline print production and better serve everyone involved in the print process. This version's support for JDF, combined with support for PDF, PJTF, PCF, and CIP3, makes it even easier to integrate Pandora into existing workflows, including the Brisque Pack and Prinergy Powerpack packaging workflows from Creo, and other popular workflow solutions. A Pandora 2.0 MIME-packaged JDF file contains all the necessary data for further processing in the workflow, ensuring that opportunities to improve operating margins are easily detected and captured. In addition, Pandora JDF implements the CIP4 imposition and separation process. Creo Quote... "Our customers require a full range of tools when they impose a job, from automated press sheet optimization to bleed overlap detection and resolution to diemirroring for double-sided layouts," says Esad Suskic, Pandora product manager. "The new features in Pandora 2.0 provide these productivity enhancements to our customers' current workflow at an affordable price." Pandora 2.0 is a free upgrade for all current Pandora users.