PRINTING United Expo 2026 Recap: What We Saw, What We Heard, and What’s Next for Print Workflow

“We’re not looking for another piece of software. We’re looking for a simpler workflow.” was the theme we heard throughout PRINTING United Expo 2026.

Whether attendees stopped by to see ONYX 25.5, learn more about ONYX Align, or talk through a specific production challenge, the conversations often came back to the same goals: eliminate manual steps, maintain consistent color, and gain better insight into day-to-day operations.

Over three days at the Las Vegas Convention Center, we had the opportunity to connect with print providers from around the world, demonstrate new workflow capabilities, and learn what’s top of mind for wide-format shops today. Here’s a look at what we showed, what we learned, and what it could mean for your print business.

What We Showed at the Onyx Booth

Our booth conversations covered far more than RIP software. Visitors wanted to see how the different parts of production can work together to create a more efficient workflow from estimating to output.

ONYX 25.5 Preview

One of the biggest draws at the booth was a preview of ONYX 25.5, including new capabilities such as Spectral Color Matching and Smart Spot Search.

Spectral Color Matching generated plenty of discussion because color consistency remains one of the toughest challenges for wide-format shops. Visitors were especially interested in ways to achieve predictable color across different printers, media types, and viewing conditions without spending valuable production time on rework.

Smart Spot Search also caught attention by simplifying how operators find and manage spot colors, helping reduce time spent digging through color libraries when preparing jobs.

Workflow Automation Tools

Automation was another common theme throughout the event.

Many visitors asked questions about workflow improvements powered by IPP printing and API enhancements. These conversations weren’t about adding more technology for technology’s sake. They were about removing repetitive tasks, reducing opportunities for manual errors, and connecting systems that often operate independently.

For many shops, productivity gains come from eliminating bottlenecks before a file ever reaches the printer.

The Onyx Ecosystem

We also demonstrated how Onyx solutions work together to support the entire production workflow.

Visitors explored:

• ONYX Align for estimating, quoting, scheduling, and shop management
• ONYX Hub for performance insights and analytics
• ONYX Go for flexible month-to-month software access
• The broader portfolio of ONYX RIP products supporting production environments of all sizes

For shops trying to keep track of jobs, costs, production status, and output quality, connecting these systems can provide a clearer picture of daily operations.

What’s New in Print Workflow?

While every shop is different, several common themes surfaced during demonstrations and conversations throughout the event.

Automation Is Moving Beyond the RIP

Many attendees weren’t asking how to print faster. They were asking how to reduce manual work before and after printing.

Questions about workflow integration, automated job submission, and connected systems came up repeatedly. Shop owners and production managers are increasingly looking for ways to spend less time moving information between systems and more time producing work.

Color Consistency Still Matters

Regardless of equipment, applications, or shop size, color remains a priority.

Visitors frequently wanted to discuss how to maintain consistent output across multiple devices and substrates while meeting customer expectations. Features like Spectral Color Matching stood out because they address real production requirements rather than theoretical color management discussions.

Visibility Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Another recurring topic was operational visibility.

Many shops want faster access to answers such as:

• Which jobs are in production?
• Where are bottlenecks occurring?
• What are jobs actually costing?
• Which devices are operating most efficiently?

These aren’t new questions, but we heard them more frequently than ever. The ability to see production data in one place instead of across multiple spreadsheets continues to be a priority for many operations.

Behind the Scenes at PRINTING United

Trade shows often highlight finished products, but some of the most memorable moments happen before and between the demonstrations.

Building the Booth

Long before attendees arrived, the Onyx team was busy setting up displays, testing software demonstrations, configuring systems, and making sure every workflow was ready to showcase.

There’s always a moment before the doors open when the booth finally comes together and the months of planning become reality.

Real Conversations, Real Challenges

One of our favorite parts of the show was hearing the challenges shops are working through every day.

Visitors didn’t just ask for feature lists. Many wanted to talk through specific production scenarios, from improving color consistency across devices to streamlining job intake and estimating processes.

Those conversations reinforced something we already know: every shop is unique, but many of the workflow challenges are shared.

Reconnecting with Customers and Partners

PRINTING United is also an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces.

Throughout the week, we caught up with customers, resellers, partners, and industry professionals who have been part of the Onyx community for years. Some stopped by to see what’s new in 25.5. Others simply wanted to share what has been working in their shops and what challenges they’re focused on solving next.

Those conversations are often just as valuable as the demonstrations themselves.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Onyx booth during PRINTING United Expo 2026.

The conversations we had in Las Vegas reinforced a common theme: shops are looking for practical ways to simplify workflows, maintain quality, and improve visibility across their operations. That’s exactly where many of our discussions around ONYX 25.5, ONYX Align, and workflow automation began.

If you missed the show or want a closer look at what was demonstrated, be sure to check out the ONYX 25.5 webinar replay for a deeper walkthrough of the latest features.

Start Your Free Trial of ONYX 25.5

Ready to see how ONYX 25.5 fits into your own workflow?

Start a free trial of ONYX 25.5 and test it using your own files, printers, and production environment.

→ Start Your Free Trial

Or, if you’d like to discuss your workflow goals with our team, contact ONYX Graphics to learn more about the solutions demonstrated at PRINTING United 2026.