Standardization with PDF and JDF
Data Formats: JDF and PDF/X play a central role in standardization.
in the printing industry, Stephan Jaeggi postulated at the Publishing Forum
the JDF and PDF/X data formats. Jaeggi, who is an industry expert and
Internationally renowned consultant for various standardization committees
and the CIP4 consortium, which is further developing the JDF format.
Board member, sees the dissemination of the Job Definition Format
(JDF) will bring about the biggest changes in the printing industry.
"JDF," Jaeggi is convinced, "is ideal for standardized
Forwarding of order parameters." This would also be used in the
graphic arts industry, which has already been introduced in other industries.
is common practice: the continuous, bidirectional networking of
Processes.
In concrete terms, this means, for example, that a clerk at a printing company
can define parameters when the order is placed, which can
for delivery (electronically). This information flows
in an updated form for post-calculation. In addition to the
Forwarding production data and activating processes
the status of the order can also be viewed at any time. The data format describing the order, which
in 2000 as the successor to the format known as CIP3.
predecessor, has been based from the outset on the
marking language XML, which in the meantime has also developed into a
has developed into a powerful standard.
Something is also happening with PDF
In the PDF format, the standardization component is called PDF/X. The X
stands for eXchange and thus for the exchange of data in or with
the pre-press stage.
The current version is PDF/X-3, which is also available in Switzerland.
especially in the area of ad processing by the PDFX-ready association.
is promoted.
Jaeggi hinted that there will be further developments in PDF/X.
will be. PDF/X-4 is apparently in the starting blocks. Among other things
this version with transparencies, layers and the JPEG 2000 format
can handle. Another variant, called PDF/X-4p, pursues a
interesting approach: The PDF file should contain a link to a
ICC profile can be integrated, which is stored on a website.
is created. As an advantage, this color profile no longer needs to be included in the PDF
can be integrated. A version called PDF/X-5 is to be released with extended
color systems (e.g. HiFi-Color). As a time window for
Jaeggi indicates these innovations at the end of 2006/beginning of 2007.
Jürgen Franck
