ISO 19593-1:2018
(Main)Graphic technology — Use of PDF to associate processing steps and content data — Part 1: Processing steps for packaging and labels
Graphic technology — Use of PDF to associate processing steps and content data — Part 1: Processing steps for packaging and labels
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.
Technologie graphique — Utilisation du PDF pour associer les étapes de traitement et les données de contenu — Partie 1: Étapes de traitement 2016
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19593-1
First edition
2018-07
Graphic technology — Use of PDF
to associate processing steps and
content data —
Part 1:
Processing steps for packaging and
labels
Technologie graphique — Utilisation du PDF pour associer les étapes
de traitement et les données de contenu —
Partie 1: Étapes de traitement 2016
Reference number
©
ISO 2018
© ISO 2018
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ii © ISO 2018 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Notations. 2
5 Conformance . 2
6 Storing processing-steps data in PDF — generic requirements . 3
6.1 Processing-step optional content groups . 3
6.2 Processing-step OCG metadata . 3
6.3 Colouring and positioning of processing-step objects . 4
6.3.1 Introduction . 4
6.3.2 Colouring and positioning of processing-step objects in off-bleed areas . 4
6.3.3 Colouring and positioning of processing-step objects allowed to overlap
with print content . 4
6.4 Limitations on processing-step PDF objects describing paths and surfaces . 5
6.5 Evaluating processing steps . 5
6.5.1 Introduction . 5
6.5.2 Processing steps describing paths . 6
6.5.3 Processing steps describing a surface . 6
7 Storing processing-steps data in PDF — packaging and labels requirements .6
7.1 Groups of processing-step OCGs . 6
7.1.1 Structural data (CAD) . 6
7.1.2 Braille . 7
7.1.3 Legend . 8
7.1.4 Dimensions . 8
7.1.5 Positions . 9
7.1.6 White . 9
7.1.7 Varnish . 9
7.2 Values for GTS_ProcStepsGroup .10
7.3 Values for GTS_ProcStepsType .10
7.3.1 Structural processing step group .10
7.3.2 Positions processing step group .11
7.3.3 Other processing step groups .12
7.4 Colouring and positioning of processing-step objects .12
7.4.1 Surface of the printed product .12
7.4.2 Colouring and positioning of processing-step objects in off-bleed areas .12
7.4.3 Colouring and positioning of processing-step objects allowed to overlap
with print content .13
7.4.4 Colouring and positioning of custom processing-step objects .13
7.5 Limitations on processing-step PDF objects .13
7.6 Evaluating processing steps .13
7.6.1 Processing steps describing paths .13
7.6.2 Processing steps describing surfaces .13
7.6.3 Other processing steps .14
8 Example of a processing-step OCG .14
Bibliography .15
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso
.org/iso/foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
A list of all parts in the ISO 19593 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/members .html.
iv © ISO 2018 – All rights reserved
Introduction
It is common practice in the packaging segment, and other segments of the printing industry, to work
with PDF files that contain PDF graphics objects to be used for printing and additional PDF graphics
objects and metadata to be used for other steps in the production of the final product. These non-
printing PDF objects and metadata correspond to additional processing steps, for example die cutting
or creasing. In this way a PDF file can serve as a container for all production data, printing and non-
printing, of a printed product, such as a package or a label.
These processing-steps data are used in various steps of the production chain:
— a graphic designer may use them to correctly position graphical elements;
— a quality controller may use them to verify correctness of the design before producing the printed
element;
— a system performing layout of the printed products on a substrate may use them to determine an
optimal layout with minimal waste of substrate;
— they can be used to manufacture tools for production;
— they can be used directly by digitally controlled finishing devices.
In a typical example workflow:
a) all PDF graphics objects are rendered for proofing and viewing purposes;
b) in the final production printing only PDF graphics objects intended for printing are used and the
PDF graphics objects intended to describe additional processing steps are ignored;
c) in a finishing step of the final production workflow the PDF graphics objects intended for printing
are ignored while a set of PDF graphics objects corresponding with this processing step are used.
Without an established standard, multiple ad hoc methods are used to store such data in a PDF file
depending on the application used to generate the PDF file and the preferences of the user. For example,
in a PDF file the cut line can be stored in a layer called “CAD” using a contour with a stroke in spot
colourant “coupe”, or the cut line can be stored in the same layer as the graphics and represented as a
contour with a stroke in spot colourant “cut”.
The use of multiple ad hoc methods leads to problems of interoperability between companies and
systems. When a PDF file is sent from one participant in the packaging supply chain to another, the
recipient needs to know how processing-steps data are stored in the PDF file and his or her workflow
(often automated) must be able to handle the particular mechanisms used by the sender. When the
recipient receives files from multiple senders that all use different mechanisms, this becomes complex
and error-prone. For example, if a converter has configured RIPs to ignore separations with spot
colourant “cut” in incoming PDF files and the recipient subsequently receives a PDF file with a spot
colourant “coupe”, he or she risks wasting a printing plate or, even worse, erroneously printing the die
line on the package.
This document defines standardized mechanisms to store graphics objects and metadata corresponding
to processing steps in a PDF file. These mechanisms are intended to be generic and applicable not only
to packaging and label production but also to other segments of the
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