Optimizing a seam for a print job

A method for optimizing a seam for a layout of a packaging printing job to minimize plate waste comprising:

• providing a wrapped layout comprised of a plurality of image elements;
• setting a minimal acceptable distance between a seam cut line and imageable areas in said wrapped layout;
• searching inside digital content of said image elements to locate areas which will not be imaged;
• analyzing said wrapped layout to produce the seam cut line for said packaging printing job wherein said cut line may be created inside said image elements in said areas which will not be imaged and wherein said seam cut line meets the minimal acceptable distance between the seam cut line and said imageable areas in said wrapped layout and minimizes a length of said seam line;
• cutting an imaging plate according along said seam cut line;
• mounting said imaging plate on a cylinder of an imaging device;
• and
• imaging said wrapped layout on said imaging plate.