PDF/X

PDF/X is a format which was defined in 1998 by the company Adobe Systems within the framework of a partnership. Several organizations decided to set up a common ground for the files pdf used for the impression. An work group was created within the CGATS (Committee for Graphic Arts Technology Standards), on the initiative of the DDAP (DIGITAL Distribution off Advertizing for Publications) and of the NAA (Newspaper Association off America). The specification suggested by work group CGATS was adopted later by the ISO.

The specifications of this format make it possible to ensure the exchange of documents pdf in a way made reliable in the field of the pre-impression. Files pdf are checked before their sending in order to avoid the differences in interpretation of the RIP Postscript.

The letter " /X" mean Blind eXchange (blind exchange). The objective of PDF/X is to allow a " exchange aveugle" files pdf in a graphic flow of production.

The extension of a file to format PDF/X is “.pdf”.

Alternatives

The standard ISO 15930 is declined, to date, in three versions:

PDF/X-1a (ISO 15930-1). This version is based on version pdf 1.3. It is used in adapted environments and has the effect of being able to incorporate the images high-resolution. This version is used for the complete exchange of numerical data.

PDF/X-2 (ISO 15930-2). This version does not oblige the incorporation of the police forces and the images high-resolutions. It thus allows the exchange of documents with partial resources, it is with the reception that the essential resources will be supplemented. It does not oblige the incorporation of the images high-resolution nor of the police forces and cannot thus be used in an open environment. This version cannot be used for a professional impression.

PDF/X-3 (ISO 15930-3). This version is based on version pdf 1.3. It authorizes managements of the color wider than PDF/X-1a. It obliges the encapsulation of the police forces used and does not prohibit compressions of the document, but does not require to know the environment in which files pdf (principle of the blind exchange) were prepared. It to date represents the best compromise between freedom of creation, reliability and possibilities of corrections.

Evolutions in progress

Two new versions, PDF/X-4 and PDF/X-5 are under development within the ISO. They rest on the use of version pdf 1.6.

Restrictions

Format PDF/X is based on format pdf 1.3. It is thus a restricted version of format pdf from where certain restrictions as for the format PDF/A-1.

Principal uses

Provision of centralized services of impression.

Sources

Various sources. This article is extracted from the General Reference frame of Interworking RGI which recommends the use of format PDF/X for the exchange of information numerical of impression.

Internal bonds

pdf: Portable Document Format

External bonds

the site of the ISO
design of the General Reference frame of Interworking (RGI) RGI

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