SIST ISO 15930-3:2002

Graphic technology -- Prepress digital data exchange -- Use of PDF -- Part 3: Complete exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows (PDF/X-3)

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.

Technologie graphique -- Échange de données numériques de préimpression -- Emploi de PDF -- Partie 3: Échange de fichiers complets aptes à la gestion des couleurs (PDF/X-3)

Grafična tehnologija - Izmenjava digitalnih podatkov v grafični pripravi - Uporaba PDF - 3. del: Kompletna izmenjava, primerna za barvno upravljane procese (PDF/X-3)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2002
• ICS: 35.240.30 - IT applications in information, documentation and publishing
• ICS: 37.100.01 - Graphic technology in general
• Technical Committee: GRT - Graphical technology
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Nov-2002
• Due Date: 01-Nov-2002
• Completion Date: 01-Nov-2002
• Ref Project: ISO 15930-3:2002 - Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Use of PDF — Part 3: Complete exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows (PDF/X-3)

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15930-3
First edition
2002-09-01

Graphic technology — Prepress digital data
exchange ― Use of PDF —
Part 3:
Complete exchange suitable for colour-
managed workflows (PDF/X-3)
Technologie graphique — Échange de données numériques de
préimpression ― Emploi de PDF —
Partie 3: Échange de fichiers complets aptes à la gestion des couleurs
(PDF/X-3)




Reference number
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
©
ISO 2002

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but shall not
be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In downloading this
file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat accepts no liability in this
area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation parameters
were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In the unlikely event
that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO 2002
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
Contents Page
Foreword . iv
Introduction. v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Symbols and notations. 3
5 Conformance . 3
6 Requirements . 4
Annex A (informative) PDF feature summary . 10
Annex B (informative) Minimal requirements for output intent dictionaries . 12
Annex C (informative) Clarifications. 13
Annex D (informative) Recommendations regarding transparency. 14
Bibliography. 16

© ISO 2002 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this part of ISO 15930 may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15930-3 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
ISO 15930 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic technology — Prepress digital data
exchange ― Use of PDF:
 Part 1: Complete exchange using CMYK data (PDF/X-1 and PDF/X-1a)
 Part 2: Guidelines for partial exchange of printing data (PDF/X-2)
 Part 3: Complete exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows (PDF/X-3)
Annexes A to D of this part of ISO 15930 are for information only.
iv © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

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ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
Introduction
ISO 15930 defines methods for the exchange of digital data within the graphic arts industry and for the exchange of
files between graphic arts establishments. It is a multi-part document where each part is intended to respond to
different workflow requirements. These workflows differ in the degree of flexibility required. However, increasing
flexibility can lead to the possibility of uncertainty or error. The goal throughout the various parts of ISO 15930 has
been to maintain the degree of flexibility required while minimizing the uncertainty.
Many printed documents are assemblies of partial pages and/or pages created at different locations and by
different organizations. The merging of these individual elements into the final printing form and the subsequent
printing may take place at different locations. Some of these elements may also be routed to multiple sites for
incorporation into other documents. Each of these elements is referred to in ISO 15930 as a compound entity.
A variety of data formats and structures are used for the creation of this type of material, but with two prevalent
kinds of underlying data structures. These are vector-based data for the encoding of line art and textual
information; and raster-based data for the encoding of image information, including previously rasterized line art
and textual information. Both kinds of data structures are required along with page description information in an
open electronic workflow. The exchange of raster-based data using the TIFF/IT file format is defined in ISO 12639.
The subject of ISO 15930 is a format for the exchange of object-based data where individual objects may be in
either vector or raster data structures.
This part of ISO 15930 complements the other parts by defining a data format and its usage to permit the
predictable dissemination of a compound entity to one or more locations, as colour-managed data and/or CMYK
data, in a form ready for final print reproduction, by transfer of a single file. This file must contain all the content
information necessary to process and render the document, as intended by the sender, coded inside a single PDF
file. No other parts – neither external files nor internally embedded files – are required or permitted. This exchange
requires no prior knowledge of the sending and receiving environments and is sometimes referred to as “blind”
exchange. It is platform and transport independent.
These goals are accomplished by defining a specific use of the publicly available Adobe Portable Document
Format as specified in Version 1.3. In order to achieve a level of exchange that avoids any ambiguity in
interpretation of the file, it identifies a limited set of PDF objects which may be used and adds restrictions to the
use, or form of use, of those objects, and/or keys within those objects.
Whereas PDF/X-3 specifies the exchange of complete material, with all elements present, there are occasions
where this is not appropriate. In certain workflows some or all of the referenced elements may be more logically
present at the receiving site, or may be exchanged at a different time. These include fonts, high resolution contone
image files, or line art files. These exchanges will generally require prior agreement between sender and receiver.
The requirements for such situations are addressed in other parts of ISO 15930. Other exchanges may be more
appropriately restricted to CMYK data only; such exchanges are accommodated in ISO 15930-1.
Although re-purposing of data is not a primary consideration or requirement of this part of ISO 15930, maximum
flexibility will be maintained so that future requirements for re-purposing may be accommodated.
It is anticipated that a variety of products will be developed around PDF/X, such as readers (including viewers) and
writers of PDF/X files, and products that offer combinations of these features. Different products will incorporate
various capabilities to prepare, interpret and process conforming files based on the application needs as perceived
by the suppliers of the products. However, it is important to note that a conforming reader must be able to read and
appropriately process all files conforming to a specified conformance level.

© ISO 2002 – All rights reserved v

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15930-3:2002(E)

Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange ―
Use of PDF —
Part 3:
Complete exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows
(PDF/X-3)
1 Scope
This part of ISO 15930 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.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this part of ISO 15930. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part of ISO 15930 are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ICC.1:1998-09, File Format for Color Profiles, International Color Consortium
Adobe Portable Document Format, Version 1.3, second edition, 2000, Adobe Systems Incorporated (ISBN 0-201-
61588-6)
Adobe Technical Note #5413 — Recording Output Intentions for Color Critical Workflows, 22 January 2001, Adobe
Systems Incorporated
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of ISO 15930, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
bleed
additional printing area outside the nominal printing area necessary for the allowance of mechanical tolerance in
the trimming process
NOTE The bleed area includes the area that may be printed but does not include printers’ marks of any kind.
3.2
characterized printing condition
printing condition (offset, newsprinting, publication gravure, flexographic, direct, etc.) for which process control aims
are defined and for which the relationship between printing tone values (usually CMYK) and the colorimetry of the
printed image is documented
NOTE 1 The relationship between printing tone values and the colorimetry of the printed image is commonly referred to as
characterization.
© ISO 2002 – All rights reserved 1

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ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
NOTE 2 It is generally preferred that the process control aims of the printing condition and the associated characterization
data be made publicly available via the accredited standards process or industry trade associations.
3.3
complete exchange
exchange of compound entities in which all elements and element resources are present as part of a single PDF
file and all of the information needed to process the compound entity is either in the compound entity or is specified
within this part of ISO 15930 and its normative references
3.4
compound entity
unit of work with all text, graphics and image elements prepared for final print reproduction; can represent a single
page for printing, a portion of a page or a combination of pages
3.5
element
substructure of a compound entity relative to the current processing environment, such as a block of text, a
contone picture or an outline graphic that, by itself, comprises the smallest logical composed unit of a compound
entity
3.6
font
identified collection of graphics that may be glyphs or other graphic elements
3.7
glyph
recognizable abstract graphic symbol which is independent of any specific design
[ISO/IEC 9541-1:1991, 3.12]
3.8
glyph metrics
set of information in a glyph representation used for defining the dimensions and positioning of the glyph shape
[ISO/IEC 9541-1:1991, 3.16]
3.9
ICC
International Color Consortium
industry association formed to develop standardized mechanisms for colour management
3.10
ICC profile
set of colorimetric transforms prepared in accordance with ICC.1
3.11
PDF
Portable Document Format
file format defined in the Adobe Portable Document Format
3.12
PDF dictionary
associative table containing key-value pairs, specifying the name and value of an attribute for objects that is
generally used to collect and tie together the attributes of a complex object
3.13
print element
element intended for final print reproduction
2 © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

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ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
3.14
printing tone value
data value corresponding to the relative area of a printing surface that is intended to transfer ink to the substrate
being printed
NOTE See 3.2 characterized printing condition.
3.15
reader
software application that is able to read and appropriately process files
3.16
spot colour
single colorant, identified by name, whose printing tone values are specified independently from colour values
specified in a colour coordinate system
3.17
trapping
modification of boundaries of colour areas to account for dimensional variations in the printing process by
overprinting in selected colours at the boundaries between colours that might inadvertently be left uncoloured due
to normal variations of printing press registration
NOTE This is alternately referred to as chokes and spreads or grips and is not to be confused with the term “ink trapping”.
3.18
writer
software application that is able to write files
4 Symbols and notations
PDF operators, PDF keywords, the names of keys in PDF dictionaries, and other predefined names are written in a
bold sans serif type font; for example, the key Trapped.
Operands of PDF operators or values of dictionary keys are written in an italic sans serif font; for example the False
value for the Trapped key.
For the purpose of this part of ISO 15930, references to the “PDF Reference Manual” are to the Adobe Portable
Document Format, as identified in clause 2, extended by Adobe Technical Note #5413.
5 Conformance
This part of ISO 15930 defines the use of the PDF file format for the exchange of digital data representing a
compound entity.
NOTE See 3.4 for a definition of a compound entity.
A PDF/X-3 file is a PDF file in which those features necessary for the exchange of a compound entity adhere to this
part of ISO 15930. A conforming file may also include other valid PDF features that do not affect final print
reproduction of the compound entity.
Neither the version number in the first line of a PDF file, nor the value of the Version key in the Catalog of a PDF
file shall be used in determining conformance with this part of ISO 15930.
A conforming writer is a software application that shall be able to write files conforming to the requirements of this
part of ISO 15930.
© ISO 2002 – All rights reserved 3

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ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
A conforming PDF/X-3 reader is a software application that shall be able to read and appropriately process all
conforming PDF/X-3 files as defined in this part of ISO 15930.
The PDF Reference Manual states that files complying with previous versions of PDF also comply with version 1.3.
It is recommended that features that are described in versions of the PDF specification earlier than 1.3, but which
are not described in the PDF Reference Manual, should not be used in a conforming PDF/X-3 file. Such features
may be ignored by a PDF/X-3 reader. See Annex D.
All conforming readers shall parse all PDF files but may ignore those features not required by this part of
ISO 15930. A reader may ignore an annotation’s Print flag except for those in a TrapNet annotation.
Rendering conforming files shall be performed as defined in the PDF Reference Manual.
6 Requirements
6.1 Data structure
A PDF/X-3 file consists of four sections: header, body, cross-reference table, and trailer. The body of a PDF/X-3 file
contains a sequence of numbered objects such as numbers, names, strings, dictionaries and streams representing
the text characters, graphics, images and their associated resources describing the compound entity being
exchanged. The specific PDF features required by this part of ISO 15930 are summarized in Annex A and are
defined in 6.2 to 6.16, inclusive. These features shall be used as prescribed in the PDF Reference Manual and as
further specified by this part of ISO 15930.
In order to achieve the requirements of a blind exchange (an exchange without recourse to additional technical
communication), the use of a pre-separated PDF file (where the separations for each page are described as
separate page objects, each painting only a single colorant) shall not be permitted.
NOTE This does not prohibit the use of pre-separated workflows in which the separations of a page are combined into a
single PDF page object.
A PDF/X-3 file may contain two classes of elements: those intended for final print reproduction (print elements),
and those not intended for final print reproduction (non-print elements). Non-print elements include such incidental
elements as non-printing annotations. All components of a compound entity shall be contained in the body of a
single PDF/X-3 file.
“Complete” means the exchanged files shall include:
 all PDF resources (listed in the PDF Reference Manual) used in the file, including all fonts, font metrics, font
encodings, and colour space resources (see Annex C);
 all print elements, properly prepared for the intended output condition.
6.2 Colour Spaces
6.2.1 General
A PDF/X-3 file makes provision for exchanging data either as output device code values or as colorimetrically
defined data. Colorimetrically defined data shall be described either using a profile in an ICCBased colour space or
using an equivalent mechanism, namely a CalGray, CalRGB or Lab colour space.
However, both types of data, if present in a PDF/X-3 file, shall be prepared for a single intended output condition.
This intended output condition is defined by either a named condition or an ICC output profile.
4 © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

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ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
6.2.2 Identification of intended output condition
The intended output condition (i.e., the process colour model for the output device) for which data has been
prepared shall be identified by use of an OutputIntents array in the Catalog object as described in Adobe
Technical Note #5413. Exactly one of the OutputIntents entries shall be a dictionary in which the value of the S
key is the name /GTS_PDFX, henceforth referred to as the PDF/X output intent dictionary. Additional output intents
may be present; if so, they shall use different values for the S key and shall be ignored by a PDF/X-3 compliant
reader.
The PDF/X output intent dictionary shall include the OutputConditionIdentifier key.
Where the intended output condition is a characterized printing condition included in the registry of
characterizations maintained by the ICC, the value of the OutputConditionIdentifier key shall be exactly the same
as the name used in the ICC registry.
If the value of the OutputConditionIdentifier key matches a characterization name in the ICC registry the
RegistryName key shall be present with the value (http://www.color.org). If it matches a characterization name in
any other registry it is strongly recommended that the RegistryName key be present, preferably with a value that
provides a URL at which more information regarding the registry may be obtained. See Annex B.
Where all colour data is supplied in the process colour model of the intended output condition, or in Separation,
DeviceN, Indexed or Pattern colour spaces that only make use of those process colours and/or spot colours, a
DestOutputProfile key is optional. If some or all colour data is not supplied in the process colour m
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST ISO 15930-3:2002
01-november-2002
*UDILþQDWHKQRORJLMD,]PHQMDYDGLJLWDOQLKSRGDWNRYYJUDILþQLSULSUDYL8SRUDED
3')GHO.RPSOHWQDL]PHQMDYDSULPHUQD]DEDUYQRXSUDYOMDQHSURFHVH3');

Graphic technology -- Prepress digital data exchange -- Use of PDF -- Part 3: Complete
exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows (PDF/X-3)
Technologie graphique -- Échange de données numériques de préimpression -- Emploi
de PDF -- Partie 3: Échange de fichiers complets aptes à la gestion des couleurs (PDF/X
-3)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 15930-3:2002
ICS:
35.240.30 Uporabniške rešitve IT v IT applications in information,
informatiki, dokumentiranju in documentation and
založništvu publishing
37.100.01 *UDILþQDWHKQRORJLMDQD Graphic technology in
VSORãQR general
SIST ISO 15930-3:2002 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15930-3
First edition
2002-09-01

Graphic technology — Prepress digital data
exchange ― Use of PDF —
Part 3:
Complete exchange suitable for colour-
managed workflows (PDF/X-3)
Technologie graphique — Échange de données numériques de
préimpression ― Emploi de PDF —
Partie 3: Échange de fichiers complets aptes à la gestion des couleurs
(PDF/X-3)




Reference number
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
©
ISO 2002

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but shall not
be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In downloading this
file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat accepts no liability in this
area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation parameters
were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In the unlikely event
that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO 2002
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
Contents Page
Foreword . iv
Introduction. v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Symbols and notations. 3
5 Conformance . 3
6 Requirements . 4
Annex A (informative) PDF feature summary . 10
Annex B (informative) Minimal requirements for output intent dictionaries . 12
Annex C (informative) Clarifications. 13
Annex D (informative) Recommendations regarding transparency. 14
Bibliography. 16

© ISO 2002 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this part of ISO 15930 may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15930-3 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
ISO 15930 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic technology — Prepress digital data
exchange ― Use of PDF:
 Part 1: Complete exchange using CMYK data (PDF/X-1 and PDF/X-1a)
 Part 2: Guidelines for partial exchange of printing data (PDF/X-2)
 Part 3: Complete exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows (PDF/X-3)
Annexes A to D of this part of ISO 15930 are for information only.
iv © ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002
ISO 15930-3:2002(E)
Introduction
ISO 15930 defines methods for the exchange of digital data within the graphic arts industry and for the exchange of
files between graphic arts establishments. It is a multi-part document where each part is intended to respond to
different workflow requirements. These workflows differ in the degree of flexibility required. However, increasing
flexibility can lead to the possibility of uncertainty or error. The goal throughout the various parts of ISO 15930 has
been to maintain the degree of flexibility required while minimizing the uncertainty.
Many printed documents are assemblies of partial pages and/or pages created at different locations and by
different organizations. The merging of these individual elements into the final printing form and the subsequent
printing may take place at different locations. Some of these elements may also be routed to multiple sites for
incorporation into other documents. Each of these elements is referred to in ISO 15930 as a compound entity.
A variety of data formats and structures are used for the creation of this type of material, but with two prevalent
kinds of underlying data structures. These are vector-based data for the encoding of line art and textual
information; and raster-based data for the encoding of image information, including previously rasterized line art
and textual information. Both kinds of data structures are required along with page description information in an
open electronic workflow. The exchange of raster-based data using the TIFF/IT file format is defined in ISO 12639.
The subject of ISO 15930 is a format for the exchange of object-based data where individual objects may be in
either vector or raster data structures.
This part of ISO 15930 complements the other parts by defining a data format and its usage to permit the
predictable dissemination of a compound entity to one or more locations, as colour-managed data and/or CMYK
data, in a form ready for final print reproduction, by transfer of a single file. This file must contain all the content
information necessary to process and render the document, as intended by the sender, coded inside a single PDF
file. No other parts – neither external files nor internally embedded files – are required or permitted. This exchange
requires no prior knowledge of the sending and receiving environments and is sometimes referred to as “blind”
exchange. It is platform and transport independent.
These goals are accomplished by defining a specific use of the publicly available Adobe Portable Document
Format as specified in Version 1.3. In order to achieve a level of exchange that avoids any ambiguity in
interpretation of the file, it identifies a limited set of PDF objects which may be used and adds restrictions to the
use, or form of use, of those objects, and/or keys within those objects.
Whereas PDF/X-3 specifies the exchange of complete material, with all elements present, there are occasions
where this is not appropriate. In certain workflows some or all of the referenced elements may be more logically
present at the receiving site, or may be exchanged at a different time. These include fonts, high resolution contone
image files, or line art files. These exchanges will generally require prior agreement between sender and receiver.
The requirements for such situations are addressed in other parts of ISO 15930. Other exchanges may be more
appropriately restricted to CMYK data only; such exchanges are accommodated in ISO 15930-1.
Although re-purposing of data is not a primary consideration or requirement of this part of ISO 15930, maximum
flexibility will be maintained so that future requirements for re-purposing may be accommodated.
It is anticipated that a variety of products will be developed around PDF/X, such as readers (including viewers) and
writers of PDF/X files, and products that offer combinations of these features. Different products will incorporate
various capabilities to prepare, interpret and process conforming files based on the application needs as perceived
by the suppliers of the products. However, it is important to note that a conforming reader must be able to read and
appropriately process all files conforming to a specified conformance level.

© ISO 2002 – All rights reserved v

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------

SIST ISO 15930-3:2002
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15930-3:2002(E)

Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange ―
Use of PDF —
Part 3:
Complete exchange suitable for colour-managed workflows
(PDF/X-3)
1 Scope
This part of ISO 15930 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.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this part of ISO 15930. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part of ISO 15930 are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ICC.1:1998-09, File Format for Color Profiles, International Color Consortium
Adobe Portable Document Format, Version 1.3, second edition, 2000, Adobe Systems Incorporated (ISBN 0-201-
61588-6)
Adobe Technical Note #5413 — Recording Output Intentions for Color Critical Workflows, 22 January 2001, Adobe
Systems Incorporated
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of ISO 15930, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
bleed
additional printing area outside the nominal printing area necessary for the allowance of mechanical tolerance in
the trimming process
NOTE The bleed area includes the area that may be printed but does not include printers’ marks of any kind.
3.2
characterized printing condition
printing condition (offset, newsprinting, publication gravure, flexographic, direct, etc.) for which process control aims
are defined and for which the relationship between printing tone values (usually CMYK) and the colorimetry of the
printed image is documented
NOTE 1 The relationship between printing tone values and the colorimetry of the printed image is commonly referred to as
characterization.
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NOTE 2 It is generally preferred that the process control aims of the printing condition and the associated characterization
data be made publicly available via the accredited standards process or industry trade associations.
3.3
complete exchange
exchange of compound entities in which all elements and element resources are present as part of a single PDF
file and all of the information needed to process the compound entity is either in the compound entity or is specified
within this part of ISO 15930 and its normative references
3.4
compound entity
unit of work with all text, graphics and image elements prepared for final print reproduction; can represent a single
page for printing, a portion of a page or a combination of pages
3.5
element
substructure of a compound entity relative to the current processing environment, such as a block of text, a
contone picture or an outline graphic that, by itself, comprises the smallest logical composed unit of a compound
entity
3.6
font
identified collection of graphics that may be glyphs or other graphic elements
3.7
glyph
recognizable abstract graphic symbol which is independent of any specific design
[ISO/IEC 9541-1:1991, 3.12]
3.8
glyph metrics
set of information in a glyph representation used for defining the dimensions and positioning of the glyph shape
[ISO/IEC 9541-1:1991, 3.16]
3.9
ICC
International Color Consortium
industry association formed to develop standardized mechanisms for colour management
3.10
ICC profile
set of colorimetric transforms prepared in accordance with ICC.1
3.11
PDF
Portable Document Format
file format defined in the Adobe Portable Document Format
3.12
PDF dictionary
associative table containing key-value pairs, specifying the name and value of an attribute for objects that is
generally used to collect and tie together the attributes of a complex object
3.13
print element
element intended for final print reproduction
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3.14
printing tone value
data value corresponding to the relative area of a printing surface that is intended to transfer ink to the substrate
being printed
NOTE See 3.2 characterized printing condition.
3.15
reader
software application that is able to read and appropriately process files
3.16
spot colour
single colorant, identified by name, whose printing tone values are specified independently from colour values
specified in a colour coordinate system
3.17
trapping
modification of boundaries of colour areas to account for dimensional variations in the printing process by
overprinting in selected colours at the boundaries between colours that might inadvertently be left uncoloured due
to normal variations of printing press registration
NOTE This is alternately referred to as chokes and spreads or grips and is not to be confused with the term “ink trapping”.
3.18
writer
software application that is able to write files
4 Symbols and notations
PDF operators, PDF keywords, the names of keys in PDF dictionaries, and other predefined names are written in a
bold sans serif type font; for example, the key Trapped.
Operands of PDF operators or values of dictionary keys are written in an italic sans serif font; for example the False
value for the Trapped key.
For the purpose of this part of ISO 15930, references to the “PDF Reference Manual” are to the Adobe Portable
Document Format, as identified in clause 2, extended by Adobe Technical Note #5413.
5 Conformance
This part of ISO 15930 defines the use of the PDF file format for the exchange of digital data representing a
compound entity.
NOTE See 3.4 for a definition of a compound entity.
A PDF/X-3 file is a PDF file in which those features necessary for the exchange of a compound entity adhere to this
part of ISO 15930. A conforming file may also include other valid PDF features that do not affect final print
reproduction of the compound entity.
Neither the version number in the first line of a PDF file, nor the value of the Version key in the Catalog of a PDF
file shall be used in determining conformance with this part of ISO 15930.
A conforming writer is a software application that shall be able to write files conforming to the requirements of this
part of ISO 15930.
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A conforming PDF/X-3 reader is a software application that shall be able to read and appropriately process all
conforming PDF/X-3 files as defined in this part of ISO 15930.
The PDF Reference Manual states that files complying with previous versions of PDF also comply with version 1.3.
It is recommended that features that are described in versions of the PDF specification earlier than 1.3, but which
are not described in the PDF Reference Manual, should not be used in a conforming PDF/X-3 file. Such features
may be ignored by a PDF/X-3 reader. See Annex D.
All conforming readers shall parse all PDF files but may ignore those features not required by this part of
ISO 15930. A reader may ignore an annotation’s Print flag except for those in a TrapNet annotation.
Rendering conforming files shall be performed as defined in the PDF Reference Manual.
6 Requirements
6.1 Data structure
A PDF/X-3 file consists of four sections: header, body, cross-reference table, and trailer. The body of a PDF/X-3 file
contains a sequence of numbered objects such as numbers, names, strings, dictionaries and streams representing
the text characters, graphics, images and their associated resources describing the compound entity being
exchanged. The specific PDF features required by this part of ISO 15930 are summarized in Annex A and are
defined in 6.2 to 6.16, inclusive. These features shall be used as prescribed in the PDF Reference Manual and as
further specified by this part of ISO 15930.
In order to achieve the requirements of a blind exchange (an exchange without recourse to additional technical
communication), the use of a pre-separated PDF file (where the separations for each page are described as
separate page objects, each painting only a single colorant) shall not be permitted.
NOTE This does not prohibit the use of pre-separated workflows in which the separations of a page are combined into a
single PDF page object.
A PDF/X-3 file may contain two classes of elements: those intended for final print reproduction (print elements),
and those not intended for final print reproduction (non-print elements). Non-print elements include such incidental
elements as non-printing annotations. All components of a compound entity shall be contained in the body of a
single PDF/X-3 file.
“Complete” means the exchanged files shall include:
 all PDF resources (listed in the PDF Reference Manual) used in the file, including all fonts, font metrics, font
encodings, and colour space resources (see Annex C);
 all print elements, properly prepared for the intended output condition.
6.2 Colour Spaces
6.2.1 General
A PDF/X-3 file makes provision for exchanging data either as output device code values or as colorimetrically
defined data. Colorimetrically defined data shall be described either using a profile in an ICCBased colour space or
using an equivalent mechanism, namely a CalGray, CalRGB or Lab colour space.
However, both types of data, if present in a PDF/X-3 file, shall be prepared for a single intended output condition.
This intended output condition is defined by either a named condition or an ICC output profile.
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6.2.2 Identification of intended output condition
The intended output condition (i.e., the process colour model for the output device) for which data has been
prepared shall be identified by use of an OutputIntents array in the Catalog object as described in Adobe
Technical Note #5413. Exactly one of the OutputIntents entries shall be a dictionary in which the value of the S
key is the name /GTS_PDFX, henceforth referred to as the PDF/X output intent dictionary. Additional output intents
may be present; if so, they shall use different values for the S key and shall be ignored by a PDF/X-3 compliant
reader.
The PDF/X output intent dictionary shall include the OutputConditionIdentifier key.
Where the intended output condition is a characterized printing condition included in the registry of
characterizations maintained by the ICC, the value of the OutputConditionIdentifier key shall be exactly the same
as the name used in the ICC registry.
If the value of the OutputConditionIdentifier key matches a characterization name in the ICC registry the
RegistryName key shall be present with the value (http://www.color.org). If it matches a characterization name in
any other registry it is strongly recommended that the RegistryName key be present, preferably with a value that
provides a URL at which more information regarding the registry may be obtained. See Annex B.
Where all colour data is supplied in the process colour model of the intended output condition, or in Separation,
DeviceN, Indexed or Pattern colour spaces that only make use of those process colours and/or spot colours, a
DestOutputProfile key is optional. If some or all colour data is not supplied in the process colour model of the
intended output condition or the OutputConditionIdentifier key does not match a characterization name in the
ICC registry, a DestOutputProfile key is required.
If present in the DestOutputProfile stream object, the Alternate key shall be ignored by a PDF/X-3 compliant
reader.
The values of the profileDescriptionTag and charTargetTag, if present in the ICC profile, shall be ignored.
The PDF/X output intent dictionary should include the Info key. If the Info key is present its value should be a string
describing the intended printing condition in a form that will be meaningful to a human operator at the site receiving
the exchanged file.
The profile that is the value of the DestOutputProfile key, if present, shall be an Output Device profile (Device
Class = 'prtr') as defined in ICC.1.
NOTE If some or all colour data is not supplied in the process colour model of the intended output condition, the intent is
that the profile that is the value of the DestOutputProfile key is to be used to transform the colour data provided into the
process colour model of the intended output condition.
6.2.3 DeviceCMYK
If a PDF/X-3 file includes colour data defined in DeviceCMYK and if the intended output device is not CMYK, a
DefaultCMYK colour space shall be included in the ColorSpace dictionary of the Resources dictionary of the root
object of the marking content. The DefaultCMYK shall provide a colorimetric definition.
6.2.4 DeviceGray
If the intended output condition is CMYK, DeviceGray shall be taken as referring to the black separation of the
intended output condition.
If a PDF/X-3 file includes colour data defined in DeviceGray, and if the intended output device is not CMYK or
Gray, a DefaultGray colour space shall be included in the ColorSpace dictionary of the Resources dictionary of
the root object of the marking content. The DefaultGray shall provide a colorimetric definition
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6.2.5 DeviceRGB
If a PDF/X-3 file includes colour data defined in DeviceRGB and if the intended output device is not RGB, a
DefaultRGB colour space shall be included in the ColorSpace dictionary of the Resources dictionary of the root
object of the marking content. The DefaultRGB shall provide a colorimetric definition.
6.2.6 ICCBased colour spaces
A compliant PDF/X-3 reader shall use the ICC profile and shall not use the Alternate colour space in the stream
dictionary of an ICCBased colour space or other defaults.
6.2.7 Separation and DeviceN colour spaces
Printing tone values of spot colours shall be specified using Separation or DeviceN colour spaces. “Black” may be
printed using the DeviceGray colour space or by using the Black Separation colour space. For the
alternateSpace colour space of Separation or DeviceN colour spaces all restrictions in 6.2.3, 6.2.4 and 6.2.5 shall
apply.
NOTE 1 The use of the Black Separation colour space may cause a different overprinting behaviour than does that of the
DeviceGray colour space unless the OPM key in the extended graphics state has a value of 1.
Separation and/or DeviceN colour spaces may be used for process colours (including non-CMYK), for spot
colours, and for information that is not colour related (e.g. varnishes, die cutting and other overlays).
In absence of an agreement between sender and receiver to the contrary, all colorant names shall be assumed to
be independent colorants on the intended output device.
NOTE 2 It is the responsibility of the originator of the PDF/X-3 file to assure consistent use of spot colour names across all
objects in the file. Industry-recognized names should be used wherever possible.
6.2.8 Indexed and Pattern
For the base colour space of Indexed and Pattern colour spaces, 6.2.3 through 6.2.6 apply.
6.2.9 Annotations and non-printing elements
Annotations (both printing and non-printing) and all non-printing elements may make use of any colour space.
NOTE Thumbnails are an example of a non-printing element.
6.3 Fonts
Fonts that contain glyphs, related metrics, and font encodings for at least all the characters used shall be
embedded within the file. The receiver shall use the embedded fonts (rather than other locally resident, substituted,
or simulated fonts) for rendering and display. Unless special agreements are in place with the font copyright holder,
only fonts that are publicly identified as legally embeddable in a file for display and rendering shall be used.
6.4 Data compression
Data compression may be used as defined in the PDF Reference Manual except for LZW compression, which shall
not be used.
6.5 Trapping
The Trapped key contained in the Info dictionary shall be used when exchanging files. The Trapped key indicates
the state of trapping within the file. If the entire file has not been trapped then the value of the Trapped key shall be
set to False. Otherwise, the entire file shall have been trapped as necessary, and the value of the Trapped key
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shall be set to True. Partially trapped files are not permitted. A value of Unknown for the Trapped key is prohibited
in PDF/X-3 files.
If a file contains a TrapNet annotation, the value of the Trapped key in the Info dictionary shall be True.
NOTE If the page contents are edited after the creation of the TrapNet annotation the TrapNet annotation will no longer be
valid.
The FontFauxing key in a TrapNet annotation shall either not be present, or shall be an empty array. In a PDF/X-3
file, the value of the PCM key in the appearance dictionary of a TrapNet annotation shall match the process colour
model of the intended output device.
6.6 PDF file identification
A PDF/X-3 file shall be so identified using the GTS_PDFXVersion key in the Info dictionary. The type of the value
of the GTS_PDFXVersion key is string.
The value of the GTS_PDFXVersion ke
...