About us
Welcome to Global Graphics Software, the OEM business unit of Hybrid Software. We develop smart software components for Print OEMs and ISVs. Our award-winning digital front ends, core software development kits and technologies meet the most demanding printing applications to enhance your press and get you to market quickly.
Why Global Graphics?
Our customers choose us because:
- We own 100% of our technology and are not dependent upon any other third party
- We offer flexible components, empowering your engineers to differentiate your product
- Our award-winning software is technically superior and performs faster than our competitors, reducing your bill of materials
- The engagement model offered by our Technical Services team accelerates your time to market
- We are innovators in high-speed digital printing
- We have a flexible and open commercial model
- We are easy to work with because we have a partnership approach to development
- We are an independent publicly traded company with no OEM printer manufacturer ownership
Innovating since 1986
The roots of the company go back to Cambridge in 1986 with a project that resulted in the trusted Harlequin RIP®, and today the majority of the R&D team is still based near this iconic university city. We also have offices near Sarasota, Florida, and in Tokyo.
Proven problem solvers
Our global team comprises an exceptionally talented group of software architects and engineers. They are highly valued by our partners because they have the vision to produce innovative solutions and the specialist skills to solve complex problems and help you to break through any barriers. Our only aim is to get you to market sooner. Take a look at our case studies to see how we've solved real issues out in the field.
Award-winning innovation
We're immensely proud that our innovations are award-winning and are having a real impact on the way products are printed and manufactured. We have been honored with both a King's Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2025 and a Queen's Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2020, the most prestigious business awards in the UK.
Collaboration is key
We pride ourselves on being easy to work with and offer an open and flexible business model. We enjoy collaborating and have a partnership approach to development, working closely with you to produce the best outcome. Take a look at some of the global brands that integrate our technical innovations and add value to their solutions.
Part of Hybrid Software
Being part of Hybrid Software means we can offer a full suite of print software solutions—from file pre-flighting, prepress workflow, and color management, to sending print data directly to inkjet printheads at blistering speeds. In fact, we're the only company in our industry that can drive any digital press with technology developed entirely in-house.
World-class products and technologies
Our printing products and technologies include:
- SmartDFE™: an award-winning smart software stack that integrates print into the smart factory, delivering everything from mass production to mass customization in a single solution.
- Trusted Harlequin RIP® software, that drives the industry’s fastest performing digital presses.
- ScreenPro™: a software engine used to improve inkjet image quality and compatible with any printing industry workflow.
- Mako™: a multi-platform software development kit for building custom workflows, particularly where many file formats need to be combined. Can be used upstream of the Harlequin RIP.
How we add value
For OEMs
We provide world-class solutions to technical problems, help you respond to market requirements and expand your product offerings.
For ISVs
We can accelerate your time to market, add a competitive edge to your product and help to extend your market presence. We can also work with you as a development partner on future innovations.
For system integrators
We work with you to ensure successful integration of our printing and digital document software and provide specialist knowledge and consultancy to facilitate your project.
Patented technology
Global Graphics’ research and development team comprises international experts on Page Description Languages, document formats and color science. Our existing patent portfolio covers many areas of printing and document technology while numerous patent applications will protect our future inventions.
Read our blog
Smart software components for Print OEMs and ISVs
PDF/X-1a vs PDF/X-4: What’s the difference—and which should you use in 2025?
12 June 2025
Product manager David Stevenson explains the difference between the PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-4 ISO standards—when you should use them, and why PDF/X-4 is the preferred choice today.
Everything you need to know about color – Delta E
29 May 2025
In his third post about understanding color, applications specialist Nigel Wild explains Delta E (∆E): what it is, how to calculate it, and how to interpret Delta E values.