Hybrid Software Helix launches Mako Core 9

Hybrid Software Helix has launched Mako Core 9, the latest version of its software development kit (SDK) for print OEMs and independent software vendors, with significant performance improvements aimed at complex PDF processing.

The release targets two processing-intensive stages of PDF workflows. Its Apex GPU-native renderer accelerates rasterization by up to 30 times compared with traditional CPU-based processing, while the new Apex PDF Output technology can write complex PDF files up to 10 times faster in representative workflows.

According to Hybrid Software Helix, the improvements can reduce processing times and increase server and press throughput, particularly in high-volume and variable data environments.

Apex PDF Output uses an optimized, multithreaded CPU architecture and does not require GPU hardware. It complements the Apex renderer, which performs rasterization directly on modern GPUs, allowing Mako Core 9 to use different processing resources depending on the task.

“Performance matters wherever complex documents have to be processed quickly and reliably, particularly in high-volume and variable data environments,” says David Stevenson, product manager for Mako Core. “With Mako Core 9, we’ve focused on removing significant processing bottlenecks while retaining the flexibility and development environment our customers already know.”

Mako Core provides a single SDK for developing print and document applications across multiple page description languages. Its intelligent Document Object Model (iDOM) provides access to fonts, images, vector graphics, layers, metadata and color information, allowing applications to inspect, edit, convert, optimize, render and output documents within a common development environment.

The platform supports PDF 2.0 and ISO PDF standards including PDF/X for print production. Both its CPU and GPU renderers have received Ghent Workgroup accreditation for professional PDF workflows.

Mako Core with Apex also received a 2026 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Award for Innovation. Hybrid Software Helix will feature Mako Core 9 at PRINTING United Expo, September 23-25 in Las Vegas, at Hybrid Software Booth C1371.