In the world of wide-format printing, precision, performance, and color accuracy aren't just perks—they're necessities. At American Business Machines (ABM), we help businesses modernize their print operations with the latest technology, including powerful software tools that bring out the best in your equipment. One of the standout solutions in our portfolio is Onyx Graphics, a leader in wide-format RIP (Raster Image Processing) software.
If you're a print shop, a signage company, or a business that handles high-quality print jobs in-house, understanding how Onyx can streamline your production is a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll break down what Onyx Graphics is, the products it offers, and how end users like you can harness its full potential.
Founded in 1989, Onyx Graphics develops industry-leading RIP and print workflow software for the large-format digital inkjet market. Based in the U.S., Onyx has become a go-to name for print professionals who need predictable color accuracy, faster output, and rock-solid reliability.
At its core, Onyx Graphics transforms your print files into optimized instructions for your wide-format printer. It ensures that what you see on your screen matches what comes out of the printer—whether it's a banner, billboard, vehicle wrap, or architectural drawing.
But Onyx is more than just a RIP engine. It’s a full workflow solution that helps businesses reduce waste, boost productivity, and deliver stunning results every time.
Onyx offers a range of software solutions designed to meet the needs of different users and applications. The two flagship offerings are ONYX Thrive and ONYX Go.
ONYX Thrive is Onyx Graphics’ premium end-to-end workflow solution. Built on Adobe PDF Print Engine, Thrive delivers a scalable, network-based RIP environment ideal for high-production print operations.
Top Features:
Best for: Medium to large-scale print shops with high-volume output or multiple printer types.
ONYX Go is a monthly subscription-based RIP software tailored for smaller businesses or those looking for flexibility.
ONYX Go Lite and ONYX Go Plus provide essential RIP capabilities without a long-term commitment.
Top Features:
Best for: Small print shops, freelance designers, or businesses with lighter production needs.
Many wide-format printers already come with basic RIP software, so why invest in Onyx? The difference lies in output quality, workflow efficiency, and control.
Here’s what Onyx brings to the table:
Color accuracy is critical—especially when printing branded materials or photo-realistic graphics. Onyx uses ICC-based color management to ensure reliable output across devices and substrates. Its tools let you create, import, and modify profiles to match exact needs.
For example, a retail brand printing store signage across multiple locations can rely on Onyx to keep colors consistent, avoiding costly mismatches.
Onyx’s RIP engine is optimized for speed, especially when processing complex graphics and large files. Jobs that might take 15–20 minutes to render on basic software can be RIPped in a fraction of the time on Onyx.
With hot folders, you can automate incoming jobs. Simply drop a file into a folder, and Onyx does the rest—applying presets, nesting, and sending it to the correct printer.
By optimizing layouts with features like automated nesting, Onyx reduces media waste, helping your business save on material costs. Smart placement of multiple designs onto one sheet means fewer off-cuts and less manual setup.
Onyx supports hundreds of wide-format printers and cutters from top brands like Canon, HP, Epson, and Roland. It also includes built-in media libraries, so switching between vinyl, fabric, backlit film, or banner material is seamless.
If your business uses more than one printer model (or even brand), Onyx makes it easy to get consistent results across your fleet. This is especially useful for franchises, agencies, or regional offices that want to maintain brand integrity.
Sign shops that handle everything from small decals to massive outdoor signage benefit from Onyx’s precise layout tools, spot color matching, and fast RIP speeds. With Onyx, you can meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Corporate marketing teams using Canon or HP wide-format printers to produce event graphics or point-of-sale materials in-house can use Onyx to eliminate guesswork. Instead of outsourcing, you keep everything on-brand and on budget.
For AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) firms printing blueprints or D and E-size plans, accuracy is everything. Onyx makes it easy to manage large-format CAD files and ensure crisp line output.
Creative professionals love the high-resolution capabilities and the ability to simulate colors before printing. With Onyx, proofs become more accurate, reducing back-and-forth with clients and increasing satisfaction.
Organizations with tight budgets and strict security requirements benefit from Onyx’s automation and user control. Pre-defined presets make it easy for non-experts to send jobs correctly the first time.
At American Business Machines, we’re more than just a dealer, we’re your trusted business partner. Whether you’re investing in a Canon wide-format printer or looking to upgrade your print software, we’ll walk you through how Onyx Graphics fits into your workflow.
We offer:
And because ABM has multiple locations across Central and Southern California, help is never far away.
Onyx Graphics empowers businesses to get the most out of their wide-format printers by delivering unmatched RIP performance, precise color control, and scalable workflow automation. Whether you’re a growing sign shop or a national enterprise, Onyx helps ensure that your final output is as bold and brilliant as your ideas.
At ABM, we help you bring that vision to life: on time, on brand, and with total confidence.
Ready to see what Onyx can do for your business?
Contact American Business Machines today or visit ABM1.com to schedule a personalized demo.