PDF/X standards provide a robust subset of the PDF 1.3 specification, designed to enable reliable transmission of files from one print site to another.

A file prepared in accordance with the standards is likely to process through a pre-press workflow with no errors and a more predictable result than a general PDF file. Part of the reason for the predictability is that the PDF/X standards are not just file formats, they also specify correct rendering behavior of the files in the RIPs driving proofing printers, image-setters and CTP devices.

See also

• PDF/A.

PDF/X-1a:2001 is designed to provide the most robust and, to some extent, least flexible delivery of PDF content data. It requires that the color of all objects be expressed in CMYK or spot colors, prepared for the intended printing conditions. Elements in RGB or Lab color spaces or tagged with ICC profiles are prohibited. It also requires that all fonts used in the job be embedded in the supplied PDF file.

PDF/X-3:2002 allows slightly more flexibility in that color managed workflows are also supported - elements in Lab, and with attached ICC source profiles may also be used.

• http://www.pdfx3.org/
• http://www.globalgraphics.com/products/pdfx/pdfx-faq.pdf
• http://www.globalgraphics.com/products/pdfx/index.html