VI Toolbox is a set of tools that allows PC users to create high performance variable information (VI) jobs. VI Toolbox is a package that streamlines the creation of direct communications such as direct mail, letters, and other customized collateral. VI Toolbox makes a VI production environment smoother and faster by integrating with familiar applications.
This makes it easy to master and extremely powerful, without the need to learn new applications and processes. The VI Toolbox suite of tools includes: VI Merge, VI View, and Optimized Mail Merge. 

VI Merge

Creo’s solution for shell printing, VI Merge creates variable information documents on-the-fly by combining a master document (PostScript, JPEG, TIFF, EPS), designed with any desktop publishing application, and a variable PostScript information file to produce a single Variable Print Specification file. VI Merge accelerates the VI production and enhances throughput by supporting multiple page masters and VI elements, processing jobs at the rate of the printer, and allowing users to create a PDF proof from the Variable Print Specification file.

The Variable Print Specification is the solution for overprinting on pre-printed bulk offset shells.  Printers (digital and offset), and service bureaus can use the VI Toolbox for overprinting pre-printed bulk offset shells. Offset printers and data centers also use the VI Toolkit for proofing on their digital printer.

VI View

VI View is the VI Toolbox tool for viewing, proofing, distributing, and archiving VI files. VI View allows you to preview any VI job in PDF format before RIPing, distribute the proof to colleagues, customers, or suppliers, and streamline design and production workflow. It also archives each file with a low-resolution preview for easy future reference.

Optimized Mail Merge

Creo Variable Print Specification Optimized Mail Merge is a Microsoft Word add-in that enables a mail merge workflow and integrates with the entire digital printing process. Optimized Mail Merge allows users to benefit from Microsoft’s multi-lingual support and connectivity to any external database. It also allows users to create full-color event invitations, inserts, newsletters, and other promotional materials.

Optimized Mail Merge is specially designed for the Creo Variable Print Specification and Optimized PostScript formats. These formats improve the efficiency of creating a variable information job, reducing job creation time, network traffic, and RIPing time. Optimized Mail Merge allows users to create an unlimited number of records that are small in size. Shared elements are cached and RIPed only once, unlike PostScript files, which require RIPing for every variable document. VI Toolbox is seamlessly integrated into the Creo Spire color server workflow, and allows users to benefit from advanced colour management and automation capabilities, and the capacity to imposition and finish single documents.

In the future Creo will introduce VI Toolbox Pro, offering more advanced VI features. 

VI Toolbox Pro will include Hot Folders, fully automated creation of Creo Variable Print Specification files from variable PostScript files, crop marks automatically inserted during the creation of a Variable Print Specification file, etc.