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# Esko Software Platform 18.1 update – what’s new?
- URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/esko-software-platform-181-update-whats-new/
- Published: 2019-11-28T08:44:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-03-04T11:00:58.000Z
- Author: Packaging Europe staff writers
- Tags: Automation & Software, Technology, Esko, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:44

[**Esko**](https://www.esko.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **has unveiled a host of new updates for its integrated software platform, which it hopes will bring operational efficiency improvements to the packaging value chain.**

From 25 November, new functionality has become available to customers with the release of an 18.1 update of the Esko Software Platform, the suite of software solutions from Esko, a global supplier to the label, packaging and wide format sectors. These include:

• ArtPro+ – updated with a patented new trapping concept, expanded support for Action Lists and brand-new Dynamic Marks

• ArtiosCAD 18.1 – enhanced canvas layout, manufacturing tools, latest DWG and Spatial libraries, and new functionality in the innovative ArtiosCAD Preflight module now including automatic fixing 

• Automation Engine – new ‘Optimize File’ task to simplify user experience, new tasks exploiting the processing steps in native PDF

• Device Manager in Automation Engine – new optimised merging algorithm to reduce flexo platemaking waste

• Cape Pack – new online Truck Analysis giving greater functionality and savings potential

• Share & Approve – new customised emails, forward approval function and reporting on approval KPIs

Jan de Roeck, Esko Director of Marketing, Industry Relations & Strategy, said that the updates would drive increased efficiency by enhancing and improving the user experience and offering a greater range of functions for customers.

“We are delighted to be making these updates available all at once, underlining our commitment to a fully integrated ecosystem of solutions and a commitment to our users, ensuring they enjoy continued support, benefits and updates when using Esko software,” said Jan. “For example, our next generation native PDF editor for packaging prepress, ArtPro+, now incorporates an innovative, object-based trapping feature which addresses one of the most time-consuming elements of packaging and label prepress work. This patent-pending concept pushes the ‘right first time’ ratio to 70% and enables individual changes and enhancements to be made in a sustainable way.”