Imp is InSoft Automation's Windows imposition and estimating software, built around a cost-based engine that picks the most economical press, reel width, and layout for books, mail order, packaging, labels, and rigid boxes — then nests different jobs together and ties the result into pricing and MIS workflows. PDF Press takes the everyday imposition jobs most shops run — booklets, n-up, step-and-repeat, cut-and-stack — and moves them into the browser with nothing to install. The choice is between Imp's deep, estimating-driven production planning and PDF Press's no-install, no-license-key workspace with ready templates.
Use PDF Press from Windows, macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS without downloading an app or maintaining workstation installs.
Start processing immediately with no file-upload round trip. Your PDF stays on your device while the browser workspace updates.
Jump into proven layouts for cards, books, labels, packaging, signage, tickets, variable data, and more.
Choose PDF Press if you want to impose booklets, n-up, step-and-repeat and cut-and-stack online, without a Windows install, node-locked license key, or estimating system — and you value ready templates and a live preview. Choose Imp (InSoft Automation) if you run book, mail-order, or packaging production that needs Imp's cost-based press/layout selection, multi-job nesting, and estimating or MIS integration.
These trade-offs may be worth accepting for the right production workflow. Check them against how your team actually works before you commit.
Imp installs on Windows (32-bit or 64-bit, with a .NET Framework dependency) and activates with a 20-digit key tied to that machine — moving it to another computer means deactivating the license first. PDF Press opens in a browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS with no install and no license key to manage.
InSoft Automation does not publish Imp pricing; it is sold and supported through a reseller network (Four Pees, NewFormat, and others), so cost requires a sales conversation. PDF Press starts with five free exports, then costs $12/month or $120/year, published up front.
Imp's strength — cost-based press/reel selection, multi-job nesting, and estimating/MIS handoffs — is built for high-volume book, mail-order, and packaging production planning. For a single booklet or n-up job today, that setup is more machinery than most shops need. PDF Press opens in a browser tab and imposes a first job in minutes.
From installed software to one browser workspace
Imp can be the right choice for a fixed production setup. But installed software adds compatibility and maintenance checkpoints that an online browser workflow avoids.
Imp depends on a Windows install, the .NET Framework, and a node-locked license key activated per machine. After an operating-system or host-app upgrade, a team may need a compatible release, patch, or reinstall before production continues. PDF Press is not tied to that desktop integration chain.
Installed software must be deployed, activated, updated, and troubleshot on each production workstation. PDF Press delivers updates through the browser, so there is no desktop package or plug-in to maintain on every device.
Mixed desktop versions can create workflow drift between operators and machines. Supported browsers open the same current version of PDF Press, with the same tools and production-template library.
| Feature | PDF Press | Imp |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in the browser (any OS, Chromebook) | Windows install only | |
| Nothing to install | Installer + .NET Framework | |
| Published, up-front price | Free, then $12/mo or $120/yr | Reseller quote |
| Try without paying | 5 clean downloads | Trial needs online activation |
| License moves freely between computers | Manual deactivate/reactivate | |
| Booklets, n-up & step-and-repeat | ||
| Cut & stack | ||
| Crop, registration & cutter marks | ||
| Ready-made template gallery | 190 live templates | Estimating templates, not visual |
| Cost-based press/reel selection & multi-job nesting | Its core strength | |
| Estimating & MIS/costing integration | Best Price/Cost/Bindery estimating | |
| Set up and impose in minutes | Install, activate, configure |
full · partial / paid add-on · not available. Imp's Windows/.NET requirement, node-locked activation, and reseller-quoted pricing (no public list price) were checked on InSoft Automation's official site and reseller documentation (Four Pees, Impressed.de) on July 16, 2026.
Built-in template gallery
PDF Press includes 196 production-ready templates across commercial print, publishing, packaging, large format, office work, and variable data. Pick one, add your artwork, and fine-tune it in the live preview.
14-up · Tabloid · duplex
A4 · signatures · creep
3-up · cut-and-stack · sequential
13×19 in · die cut · folds
A4 · kiss cut · contour
Signatures · duplex · binding
No install, no upload, no credit card. Get 5 free downloads to try it.
