DENVER - June 19, 2001 - Quark Inc. today announced the release of QuarkWrapture version 1.5. The first major upgrade to the packaging software includes new and enhanced features for package visualization and export. QuarkWrapture is a package conceptualization tool that fuses a CAD structure to a graphic design, creating a virtual package in a single file. QuarkWrapture generates a 3-D rendering of that package that can be shared electronically, thereby speeding the design process, cutting costs, and facilitating the creation of brand resources. Support for bottles and cans Now, QuarkWrapture meets the needs of a larger segment of the packaging industry by allowing users to conceptualize designs for cylindrical objects. "Support for bottles and cans has been one of the most-requested features since the initial release of QuarkWrapture in November," said Brett Mueller, senior product manager. "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 3-D mockup. 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. More export options Several features have been enhanced in QuarkWrapture version 1.5, including 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, which always impresses new clients. The addition of creating half sections and the Materials Manager has given us many more options on the accuracy of our packaging proofs," said Ken Schumann, senior designer and systems administrator at Harvey and Daughters. "QuarkWrapture has always been an efficient tool for circulating packaging proofs, and with this version we have more output options for print and Web." QuarkWrapture 1.5 supports page sizes of up to 96" x 96" to facilitate designs for point of purchase displays, and 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. Availability QuarkWrapture 1.5 is available for both Mac OS and Windows, and can be purchased by calling Quark customer service at 1-800-676-4575. List price in the United States is $6,999. The upgrade is free to all customers covered by standard software maintenance contracts.