PDF Workflows for the Real World

The PDF/X ISO standards based on the Portable Document Format (ISO 32000) have recently evolved � significantly from the initial PDF/X-1a:2001 (ISO standard 15930-1) format that was developed over ten years ago.

Initially, PDF/X-1a was developed to address the needs of a "blind" file exchange in the publishing industry, for advertising material. It also offered benefits for other print focused workflows, because if offered an accurate, predictable, method of exchanging content.

However the latest advancements, when partnered with new workflow technologies like the Adobe PDF Print � Engine, ("Print Engine"), have the potential to significantly change the landscape for the wider graphic communications industry. Used in tandem, they enable organizations focused on different industry segments to economically and efficiently move their processes beyond those based on PostScript, as well as offer the � opportunity to potentially reach out to new markets.

The most recent advancements in PDF standards occurred in the summer of 2010, with the ratification of three new standards: PDF/X-4:2010 (ISO 15930-7:2010), PDF/X-5:2010 (ISO 15930-8:2010) and PDF/VT (ISO � 16612-2:2010). These standards have significant implications for various facets of the industry, including, but not limited to, commercial printing, publication printing, packaging printing, variable data printing, and cross media � publishing.

PDF/X-4 files are based on a more recent version of the Adobe PDF language than PDF/X-1a:2001, version 1.6 as compared to 1.3. This means that the newer PDF/X ISO standards allow for native support of transparency in � artwork, ICCbased color management, and optional content (layers). They also support 16 bit image workflows. � PDF/X-4 files do have some restrictions, to ensure that they are predictable to work with; fonts must be embedded � and OPI (open prepress interface) workflows are disallowed. As well, the files are prevented from including � annotations in the bleed area, or any non-printing cross media functions.

PDF/X-5:2010 is built on the capabilities of PDF/X-4. It is designed to allow for uniquely identified, externally � referenced, images, as well as externally referenced ICC-profiles, text and vector based objects. Referencing this information outside of the individual main content file can allow for smaller PDF files.

ISO 16612-2:2010, PDF/VT, is an additional format developed to offer the advantages of a PDF/X workflow - reliable, predictable file exchanges, that are accessible throughout the workflow, but is designed specifically for variable data and transactional (VT) projects. It is designed to enable variable printing in a variety of environments, compared to other existing variable data formats, which tend to be processes specific. Members of the ISO sub-committee included a spectrum of software, hardware, and end users, including Adobe, Callas Software, Global Graphics, Kodak, Xerox, and RR Donnelley.

The Adobe PDF Print Engine was developed to support a native PDF workflow. This allows it to process PDF files without converting, or translating, them into other formats, which in turn reduce the potential for processing errors. As well the Print Engine is designed to support JDF (Job Document Format) throughout the workflow, which in theory allows for the clear separation of page content from processing instructions. This step should allow for streamlined processes (all file processing within the Print Engine environment is controlled by JDF), as well as offering a solid foundation to other workflow systems.

A significant opportunity for printers and publishers may lie in the combination of the adoption of a Print Engine � based workflow, and the use of PDF/VT. Version 2.5 of the Print Engine was released in the first half of 2010, at � IPEX in Birmingham UK. One of the main differences with this version of Print Engine is the integrated support for the new PDF/VT format. This integration is accomplished through support for Document Part hierarchy and � � metadata, combined with the existing process of caching elements that repeat between different iterations of a variable job.

Caching of static page content in variable projects can be a challenge in conventional PostScript based � workflows. Processes are developed to separate repeating from changing elements, which can be proprietary, or have constraints on possible integration throughout the project environment.

The Print Engine is not the first, or only, native PDF solution in the marketplace, or the only one that can cache � repeating elements. However, it is important to analyze and review the potential of a workflow based on v2.5 of � the Print Engine, and driven by PDF/VT files, given the relative market reach of Adobe, and the support of other � industry members in the development of the new standard.

It is also important to note that PDF is a format that is generally well understood and supported by all � stakeholders in the graphic communications workflow. Participants have the authoring applications and the readers to generate and consume these files. A workflow built on a structure with these benefits could be a key success factor for organizations focused on process improvement and automation.

Through interviews and discussions, the authors explore perspectives on the relative impact that these � technologies have for different industry channels, such as catalog and magazine printers and publishers, packagers, as well as variable data based workflows. These discussions include a breakdown of the "traditional" or conventional Adobe CPSI workflows, and highlight the potential process benefits of a Print Engine v2 workflow over traditional PostScript processes.

Promising tools are emerging into the market, such as the PDF/X-4 test files being developed by the Ghent � Workgroup (www.gwg.org) to test files and workflows for compliance with the new standard(s). The tools are considered and discussed for their ability to check for transparency, fonts, color spaces, output intents and ICC color spaces.

This paper is significant for several key areas within the graphic communications industry. The late binding workflow aspects of PDF/X and Print Engine have the potential to impact printers across all areas, and have implications for cross media distribution. The optional content group (OCG) supported by the PDF/X-4:2010 standard also has the potential to impact many different industry channels. The paper also reiterates the � immediate process benefits to the new workflows, identifies some potential barriers to uptake, and makes solid recommendations on addressing the concerns.