An Easy Way to Test your PDF Workflow

The Ghent PDF Output Suite was created for people processing PDF files in the graphic arts industry, to help determine whether their workflows are behaving as expected. These patches can be used by end users of graphic arts equipment as well as developers of applications that handle PDF files.

 

Use the Patches Together

The Suite is distributed as a series of PDF patches. Each patch is numbered and contains several related tests. The patches can be used individually but the suite will probably work best when the patches are grouped together (as PDF files would normally be grouped together within a workflow). This is because some problems will only appear when certain patches are processed together. It is also likely that both application and RIP settings will have a significant effect on the results.

The patches test real world issues that can be found in a production environment. Because the patches have been built to easily and unambiguously reveal normally subtle effects, the results may seem extreme. This should be taken into account when evaluating the results of any tests based on these patches.

 

Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0

In version 5.0 additional patches have been added to test ICCbased objects allowed in PDF/X-4 (ISO 15930-7) in order to test device independent workflows. We have abstained from using ICC based blending spaces in isolated transparency groups since their processing is not clearly defined in PDF 1.6 (base of PDF/X-4).

The patches from the Ghent PDF Output Suite V4.0 are also included in the package. The patches are devided into three categories:

  • CMYK: test patches using DeviceCMYK color only.
  • SPOT: test patches using DeviceCMYK and a spot color.
  • CMS: test patches using ICCbased colors and testing color management.

In addition to the single patches (second download) which might be more interesting for developers, we have also created six test pages with 48 assembled patches (first download) including comprehensive documentation for easy testing of PDF/X-4 workflows also by end users.

Download Version 5.0

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Ghent Output Suite V50 Test Pages

1 file(s) 23.37 MB
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Ghent Output Suite V50 Patches

1 file(s) 126 MB
Download

Be on the Watch for New Patches and Updates
The Ghent PDF Output Suite will be updated, new patches added, and existing patches revised. For this reason the documentation for each individual patch is distributed along with the patch. The most recent version of the patches and documentation will always be downloadable from this page.

Compliant vendors and instructions

Discover what vendors are compliant with the Ghent PDF Output Suite 5 and download their instructions for successful output

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Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 Conformance Certification

Learn all about the new service from the Ghent Workgroup for print service providers.

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Four Pees Cafe - Ghent Output Suite 5.0

During this Four Pees Café, guest speaker Stephan Jaeggi, Chair of GWG Process Control Subcommittee, will give more information on the new Ghent Workgroup Output Suite, a conformance certification program around the Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0. Printers who obtain the conformance certification label show they have a modern workflow, that is compatible with and optimized to process PDF/X-4 files. During this Café, Stephan Jaeggi will give an overview of what the Ghent Workgroup Output Suite entails and how best to prepare for this.