Ghent PDF output suite
An easy way to test your PDF workflow
How it works
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 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 they are designed to easily and unambiguously reveal effects that are normally subtle, the results may appear extreme. This should be kept in mind when evaluating the results of any tests based on these patches.
PDF Output Suite 5.0
Current version
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 avoided using ICC based blending spaces in isolated transparency groups since their processing is not clearly defined in PDF 1.6 (the basis of PDF/X-4).
The patches from the Ghent PDF Output Suite v4.0 are also included in the package. The patches are divided into three categories:
- CMYK: test patches using DeviceCMYK color only.
- SPOT: test patches using DeviceCMYK and a spot color.
- CMS: test patches using ICC based 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 for end users.
Downloads
Ghent Output Suite V50 Patches
Questions?
Need more information about the Ghent PDF Output suite, or have a question about how it could work for you? Get in touch with our team, we’d be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right solution for your needs.