ISO/TC 130/WG 2 - Prepress data exchange

This document specifies an extensible file format in conformity with W3C Extensible Markup Language (XML) 1.0, for the exchange of print quality requirements data and metadata between print quality control applications including, but not limited to, print quality management systems. This document is not intended for automating the loading of print requirement goals into the quality control systems employed by print quality service providers.

This document defines a data set of ink value combinations that can be used to characterize four-colour process printing. This data set is not optimized for any printing process or application area but is robust enough for all general applications. While it is primarily aimed at process colour printing with CMYK inks, it can also be used with any combination of three chromatic inks and a dark ink. This document is an alternative to the ISO 12642‑2 data set where more neutral scale data are desired. It is not designed as a replacement for ISO 12642-2.

This document defines the PDF/VT-3 document format and methods to enable reliable document exchange for variable data and transactional (VT) printing. It uses the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 2.0, as restricted by PDF/X-6, for the representation of such documents. It allows the specification of document structure and layout, content data, and interaction of graphics objects in a graphics model that supports transparency and both device-dependent and device-independent colour spaces. All elements are either included or provision is made for unique identification of externally supplied ICC profiles. PDF/VT-3 is designed to enable variable data and transactional printing in a variety of environments from desktop printers to digital production presses. This includes hybrid workflows involving both conventional and digital printing.

This document specifies the use of ISO 32000‑2 (PDF 2.0) for the complete and partial exchange of digital data intended for print reproduction.

This document specifies an extensible file format in conformity with W3C Extensible Markup Language (XML) 1.0, for the exchange of print quality data and metadata between quality control applications including but not limited to colour measurement, process control and quality management systems.

This document defines a framework for advanced reflective and transmissive layouts and colorimetric values of targets for use in the calibration and characterization of image capturing devices. This document defines a framework for target creation and data reporting. This framework can be used for both ISO defined and custom targets for both reflective and transmissive use. Self-emissive targets are not covered by this document.

The document part metadata in a PDF file that conforms to this document can be used to communicate the intended appearance of print products and their components. Examples of intended use are: direct interpretation within a production process, creation of job tickets such as XJDF, or populating records in an MIS. This document builds on the DPart syntax as specified in ISO 16612‑2 (PDF/VT) and ISO 32000‑2 (PDF 2.0) which is designed for encoding metadata related to pages or groups of pages in PDF files. NOTE The document part metadata provided in this document applies to individual document parts, whereas XMP metadata typically applies to the scope of the entire document. XMP can apply to the scope of an individual page or part of a page but this usage is very uncommon. Thus, XMP is not applicable for the case where metadata is required for sets of pages such as multiple recipients or binding information. For example, XMP is used within PDF/X for file conformance identification and is also used for additional file level information such as author. This document defines standardized metadata to: — provide product intent specifications such as paper media selection and binding information; — identify the type of product that the content pages are intended to represent (e.g. a brochure, letter or postcard); — identify the intended recipient of each of the content pages for variable document printing applications. This document defines a base conformance level that includes the syntax of the metadata framework and the semantics of a core set of metadata.

This document describes a method for storing data in a PDF file that correspond to the processing steps of printed products. This method has three parts: 1) metadata identifying processing steps; 2) limitations on the interaction between PDF graphics objects that are part of a processing step and other PDF graphics objects; 3) limitations on PDF graphics objects in processing steps. This method is intended to be generic, i.e. not specific to packaging and labels. In addition, this document defines the following packaging- and label-specific groups of processing-steps data: — data corresponding to finishing steps, such as cutting, folding or glueing; — Braille; — information panels; — indications of physical dimensions; — indications of intended positions of graphical elements; — printed white, for example on transparent or metallic surfaces; — printed varnish.

ISO 17972-4:2018 defines an exchange format for spectral measurement data of inks to provide a means to characterise spot colour inks to allow reliable printing and proofing of products that have been designed using these inks. Only isotropic (paper-like) substrates are within the scope of this document, which is limited to application areas where the same ink and paper combination that has been characterised is used when printing. ISO 17972-4:2018 describes the use of a CustomResource element within the CxF framework to define a minimum and recommended set of data for exchange.

ISO 17972-3 defines an exchange format for target input values, colour and process control data relating output targets for printers of all types (and the associated metadata necessary for its proper interpretation) in electronic form. ISO 17972-3 includes the use of a CustomResource element within the CXF framework to define a minimum set of data for exchange and identify the data as being part of the ISO 12642 series. If this same framework is used for another defined target, provision is made for that use as well.

ISO 16613-1:2017 enables variable data printing applications using PDF template-based variable content substitution where - a PDF template file containing pages with variable content substitution fields (placeholders) is delivered ahead of a print production run and may be reused across multiple print production runs, and - PDF-based variable data substitution content is provided during print production and merged with the PDF template to produce final form variable content page output. ISO 16613-1:2017 defines PDF/VCR (PDF for variable content replacement), a set of base technical requirements for a PDF template file format, a PDF-based variable data substitution content format and a framework for in-RIP variable content merging. The PDF/VCR base technical requirements do not include writer and processor conformance. ISO 16613-1:2017 also defines the PDF/VCR-1 conformance level which is based on the PDF/VCR base technical requirements and defines conformance requirements for: - the PDF/VCR-1 template file format; - the PDF/VCR-1 data sequence format, a variable data substitution content format; - a PDF/VCR-1 writer, a software application which can generate PDF/VCR-1 template files; - a PDF/VCR-1 data provider, a software application which can generate PDF/VCR-1 data sequences; - a PDF/VCR-1 processor, a software application which can perform substitution (replacement) of PDF/VCR-1 template placeholder objects with substitution content provided within a PDF/VCR-1 data sequence. NOTE 1 Additional conformance levels can be added at a later time based on the same PDF/VCR base technical requirements. NOTE 2 A conforming PDF/VCR-1 template file contains all necessary information for variable content printing by adding matching substitution content. Generating the substitution content usually requires additional information not present in the template file. The template file format defined in this document is based on the ISO 15930 (PDF/X) family of standard formats for the representation of a single or multiple page template containing both static content and stylized variable content placeholders. The variable data format defined in this document is based on the CSV file format defined in RFC 4180. It supports the representation of substitution content data that can be merged into the template's variable content placeholders to produce complete page content utilizing the full PDF graphics model.

ISO 12641-1:2016 defines the layout and colorimetric values of targets for use in the calibration of a photographic product/input scanner combination (as used in the preparatory process for printing and publishing). One target is defined for positive colour transparency film and another is defined for colour photographic paper.

ISO 17972-2:2016 defines an exchange format for target input values, colour and process control data relating to scanner targets (and the associated metadata necessary for its proper interpretation) in electronic form. This part of ISO 17972 includes the use of a CustomResource element within the CxF framework to define a minimum set of data for exchange and identify the data as being part of ISO 12641.

ISO 18620:2016 specifies a simple extensible format for the exchange of tone adjustment curves between applications including but not limited to colour management, calibration and raster image processor systems.

ISO17972-1:2015 defines an exchange format for colour and process control data (and the associated metadata necessary for its proper interpretation) in electronic form. It is the base document for describing the use of CxF3 for data exchange. Where required, this part of ISO 17972 also defines additional requirements for a valid CxF/X file. Using XML, all CxF3 and CxF/X documents also support the exchange of data outside of the graphic arts workflow and can support future standards with an extensible architecture using standard XML Names and Metadata tags which can be used with standard XML tools and pass XML validation. Additional parts of ISO 17972 will use custom resources in conjunction with CxF3 to define the required and optional data for a particular workflow.

ISO 16760:2014 specifies requirements for an RGB workflow for graphic arts printing based on the use of reflection prints (RGB Reference Prints) as the evaluation vehicle for coloured images. It provides guidelines on the creation of print-targeted RGB images (RGB Reference Images) and simulation prints. This International Standard requires the identification of a pair of ICC profiles for each image: an image profile and a profile describing the reference printing system. These profiles provide individual colour transformations for gamut mapping and colour separation. This International Standard does not provide any guidance as to how these gamut mapping or colour separation transforms can be specified.

ISO 12642-1:2011 defines an input data file, a measurement procedure and an output data format for use in characterizing any four-colour printing process.

ISO 12640-4:2011 specifies a set of standard wide gamut display-referred colour images [encoded as 16-bit Adobe RGB (1998) digital data] that can be used for the evaluation of changes in image quality during coding, image processing (including colour re-rendering and colour space transformations, compression and decompression), displaying on a colour monitor and printing. These images can be used for research, testing and assessing of output systems such as printers, colour management systems and colour profiles.

ISO 16612-2:2010 defines the PDF/VT document format and methods to enable reliable document exchange for variable data and transactional (VT) printing. It uses the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.6, as restricted by PDF/X-4 and PDF/X-5, for the representation of such documents. It allows the specification of document structure and layout, content data, and interaction of graphical objects in a graphics model that supports transparency and both device-dependent and device-independent colour spaces. All elements either are included or provision is made for unique identification of externally supplied graphical content or ICC profiles. PDF/VT is designed to enable variable data and transactional printing in a variety of environments from desktop printers to digital production presses. This includes hybrid workflows involving both conventional and digital printing. ISO 16612-2:2010 does not provide for the specification and encoding of production and device control information but is constructed to enable its use with the International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press, and Postpress Organization (CIP4) job document format (JDF) or similar job ticket formats.

ISO 15930-7:2010 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.6 for the dissemination of digital data intended for print reproduction. When all elements necessary for final print reproduction are contained within the file, it is designated as PDF/X-4. If a required ICC profile is externally supplied and unambiguously identified, it is designated as PDF/X-4p. Colour-managed, CMYK, gray, RGB or spot colour data are supported, as are PDF transparency and optional content. Files can be prepared for use with gray, RGB and CMYK printing characterizations.

ISO 15930-8:2010 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.6 for the dissemination of digital data intended for print, whereby all elements necessary for final print reproduction are either included or provision is made for unique identification of externally supplied graphical content or n‑colorant ICC profiles. Colour-managed, CMYK, gray, RGB or spot colour data are supported in any combination; as are PDF transparency and optional content. Files can be prepared for use with gray, RGB, CMYK and n-colorant printing characterizations.

ISO 12642-2:2006 defines a data set of ink value combinations that is intended to be used to characterize four-colour process printing. This data set is not optimized for any printing process or application area but is robust enough for all general applications. The needs of publication, commercial, and package printing with offset, gravure, flexography, and other printing processes have been considered. While it is primarily aimed at process colour printing with CMYK inks, it can also be used with any combination of three chromatic coloured inks and a dark ink. It is an alternate to the ISO 12642-1 data set where more robust data is required.

ISO 16612-1:2005 specifies the methods for the use of the Personalized Print Markup Language (PPML) and the Portable Document Format (PDF) for the exchange or identification of all elements necessary to render a variable data imaging job as intended by the sender. This document specifies document layout and content data and makes provision for product intent specifications using the Job Definition Format (e.g. paper selection, binding, finishing, etc.). ISO 16612-1:2005 is not directly intended to address applications where printing is started before the file creation and transfer is complete (often called streaming applications). However, there are methods that allow it to be used for such applications.

ISO 12640-2:2004 specifies a set of 15 standard colour images (encoded as both 16-bit XYZ and 8-bit RGB digital data provided in electronic data files) that can be used for the evaluation of changes in image quality during coding, image processing (including transformation compression and decompression), displaying on a colour monitor or printing. They can be used for many graphic technology applications such as research, development, product evaluation, and process control.

ISO 12639:2004 specifies a media-independent means for prepress electronic data exchange using a tag image file format (TIFF). ISO 12639:2004 defines image file formats for encoding colour continuous-tone picture images, colour line-art images, high-resolution continuous-tone images, monochrome continuous-tone picture images, binary picture images, binary line-art images, screened data, and images of composite final pages.

ISO 15930-6:2003 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.4 for the dissemination of complete digital data, in a single exchange that contains all elements necessary for final print reproduction. Colour-managed, CMYK, Gray, RGB or spot colour data are supported.

ISO 15930-4:2003 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.4 for the dissemination of complete digital data, in a single exchange that contains all elements ready for final print reproduction. CMYK and spot-colour data are supported in any combination.

ISO 15930-3:2002 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) for the dissemination of complete digital data, in a single exchange, that contains all elements necessary for final print reproduction. These exchanges will support both colour-managed workflows and traditional CMYK workflows.

This part of ISO 15930 specifies the methods for the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) for the dissemination of compound CMYK digital data, in a single exchange, that is complete and ready for final print reproduction.

This Technical Report provides the colour and spatial frequency distribution statistics associated with the digital image data of International Standard 12640, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — CMYK standard colour image data (CMYK/SCID).

Specifies the CMYK digital data that represent a set of standard colour images to be used for evaluation of changes in image quality during coding, image processing (including transformation, compression and decompression), film recording or printing which can be used for research, development, product evaluation, and process control.

ISO 19445:2016 specifies the set of metadata to be used to communicate the approval status, proof preparation and viewing parameters for images and documents that are used in the graphic arts print production workflow.

ISO 16684-1 defines two essential components of XMP metadata: - Data model: The data model is the most fundamental aspect. This is an abstract model that defines the forms of XMP metadata items, essentially the structure of statements that XMP can make about resources.- Serialization: The serialization of XMP defines how any instance of the XMP data model can be recorded as XML.In addition, this document defines a collection of core properties, which are XMP metadata items that can be applied across a broad range of file formats and domains of usage.The embedding of XMP packets in specific file formats and domain-specific XMP properties are beyond the scope of this document.

ISO 28178:2009 defines an exchange format for colour and process control data (and the associated metadata necessary for its proper interpretation) in electronic form using either XML or ASCII formatted data files. It maintains human readability of the data as well as enabling machine readability. It includes a series of predefined tags and keywords, and provides extensibility through provision for the dynamic definition of additional tags and keywords as necessary. It is focused primarily on spectral measurement data, colorimetric data, and densitometric data. ISO 28178:2009 is intended to be used in conjunction with other standards that will define the required data, and tags or keywords for specific data exchange applications.

ISO 15930-8:2008 specifies the use of the portable document format (PDF) version 1.6 for the dissemination of digital data intended for print, where all elements necessary for final print reproduction are either included or provision is made for unique identification of externally supplied graphical content or n-colorant ICC profiles. Colour-managed, CMYK, gray, RGB or spot colour data are supported in any combination; as are PDF transparency and optional content. Files can be prepared for use with gray, RGB, CMYK and n-colorant printing characterizations.

ISO 15930-7:2008 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.6 for the dissemination of digital data intended for print reproduction. Where all elements necessary for final print reproduction are contained within the file it is designated as PDF/X-4. If a required ICC profile is externally supplied and unambiguously identified, it is designated as PDF/X-4p. Colour-managed, CMYK, gray, RGB or spot colour data are supported, as are PDF transparency and optional content. Files can be prepared for use with gray, RGB and CMYK printing characterizations.

ISO 12640-3:2007 specifies a set of standard large gamut colour images (encoded as 16-bit CIELAB digital data) that can be used for the evaluation of changes in image quality during coding, image processing (including transformation, compression and decompression), displaying on a colour monitor and printing. These images can be used for research, testing and assessing of output systems such as printers, colour management systems and colour profiles.

ISO/TR 16044:2004 specifies a basic standard architecture model and parameters used in a database for printing-process control and workflow description. It defines how all of the parameters impacting a manufacturing system are classified by using a layer structure. The upper two layers categorize the systems and system elements and set the structure for the process. The following third and fourth layers characterize all details of the parameters used in the printing system, including standard coding rules.

ISO 15930-5:2003 specifies the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.4 for the dissemination of digital data, where all elements necessary for final print reproduction are either included or provision is made for unique identification. Colour-managed, CMYK, and spot colour data are supported in any combination.

This International Standard specifies the guidelines and principles that serve as the basis for the development of the parts of ISO 15930 that define the use of the Portable Document Format (PDF) in various graphic technology applications.

Defines an input data file, a measurement procedure and an output data format for use in characterizing any four-colour printing process.

Intended to assist users to understand the application of these standards. Gives particular notes to the individual standards and describes certain assumptions made during the development of these specifications.

Specifies the mechanical, electrical, protocol and data format characteristics to permit online transfer of digital colour proof data between colour electronic prepress systems (CEPS) and direct digital colour proofing (DDCP) systems. The transfer protocol neither requires nor provides a mechanism to guarantee a sustained data rate. The mechanical and electrical characteristics and the transport level protocol make use of the small computer system interface (SCSI).

Specifies a format (requirements, header labels for DDES00, trailer labels for DDES00) for magnetic tape that will enable monochrome image data transfer between colour and monochrome electronic prepress systems manufactured by different vendors.

Specifies a format (requirements, header labels for DDES00, trailer labels for DDES00) for magnetic tape that will enable colour line art data transfer between colour electronic prepress systems manufactured by different vendors.