ISO 19593-1:2026

Graphic technology — Use of PDF to associate processing steps and content data — Part 1: Processing steps for packaging and labels

Scope

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:

metadata identifying processing steps;
limitations on the interaction between PDF graphics objects that are part of a processing step and other PDF graphics objects;
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;
primer;
printing plate making.

National adoptions