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.