Digital Data Standard Gets Thumbs Up

Published: February 06, 2002, By PFFC Staff

RESTON, VA -- The first in a series of digital data exchange international standards has been approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), says NPES (The Assn. for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing, and Converting Technologies). Utilizing Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF), the standard -- 15930-1:2001, Graphic techology, prepress digital data exchange, use of PDF, part 1: Complete exchange using CMYK data (PDF/X-1 and PDF/X-la) -- is based on an earlier standard developed by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute). According to NPES, the standard is revolutionizing the exchange of materials between providers and printers in the graphic arts industry.

NPES says a number of industry vendors have participated in the development of this standard, and implementations are available. Copies of ISO 15930-1 (PDF/X-1) are available for $50.00, and NPES members receive a 10% discount. To order, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the NPES publications department at 703/264-7200.