Every year, wide-format RIP software gets a little faster and a little more powerful—taking advantage of the faster processing speeds of today’s computer systems. And every year it seems that RIP packages offer more useful features, well beyond the actual RIPing of a file, or files. Today’s professional RIP programs come with a range of must-have features that smooth out front end workflow in various ways, and many companies offer a range of RIP products with features that fit the wide-format printing needs of different types of shops. 

Sign & Digital Graphics is proud to offer this practical guide to an array of leading wide-format RIP software systems. We’ve culled the current RIP market, and contacted only companies with wide-format-viable products for inclusion in this update. And as we have always stated since our first RIP Update was published in Digital Graphics in 1997, this document is a work in progress—please confirm all listed information with your vendor before making a final purchasing decision. Enjoy!