Onyx Graphics has released SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in 1.1 for Adobe Illustrator software.

SmartApps is designed to simplify and accelerate the set-up of wide format signs and banners, according to Danielle Mattiussi, Onyx’s director of Product Marketing. Version 1.1 includes enhancements to the bleed setup tool that reduces the time to prepare double-sided banners, she adds.

Designers can use the new Double-sided Bleed feature to specify an amount of print bleed and the plug-in automatically matches the correct bleeds for the reverse side of double-sided banners. The tool can also account for banner poles or framing and uses presets for automating the process for different banner types. SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in 1.1 also includes compatibility for Adobe Illustrator software (versions CS3, CS4, CS5 and CS5.5) running on Mac OS X 10.7 (“Lion”).

The SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in is the first in the new SmartApps toolset for creative applications. Designed to help those who prepare files for wide format printing, SmartApps plug-ins are application specific and operating system independent (Mac OS X or Windows platforms).

The SmartApps Sign&Banner plug-in 1.1 is available now as a free 15-day, full-version trial; registration is US$299. Existing SmartApps Sign&Banner customers can download and install the version 1.1 update at no cost. For more info go to http://www.smartappsplugins.com/banner .