Conformance Certification

The GWG’s PDF Output Suite 5.0 Conformance Certification enables print service providers to demonstrate that their PDF output workflows comply with the PDF/X-4 standard (ISO 15930-7:2010). Based on the globally recognized Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0, the certification uses a comprehensive set of test patches combined into six test pages, to verify PDF/X-4 conformance.

What is it?

The GWG is offering a service called Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 Conformance Certification. Print service providers can use it to prove that their PDF output workflow complies with the PDF/X-4 standard (ISO 15930-7:2010). The certification is based on the globally recognized Ghent PDF Output Suite which was developed to help the PDF/X-4 compliance of PDF output workflows. The Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 consists of several dozen patches, each testing a specific aspect of the PDF/X-4 standard. The GWG combined many of these patches into six merged test pages.

About the test files

This test file is fully PDF/X-4 compliant and contains only valid PDF/X-4 features, representing what could be part of any regular PDF/X-4 print production file.

The pages of the Ghent PDF Output Suite 5.0 are grouped into two conformance levels:

  1. Conformance Level 1

    pages 1–4, which include CMYK and Spot color tests
  2. Conformance Level 1+2

    pages 1–4 and pages 5–6, which include ICC based color tests

Conformance Level 2 involves color management and is therefore more demanding.

Get in touch to receive the test files

Two Certification Levels

1

Level 1

  • Pages 1–4
  • CMYK and Spot color tests
2

Level 1+2

  • Pages 1–6
  • Includes ICC-based color tests
  • More demanding: involves color management

Certification Process

Request Certification

Contact a participating GWG member to request certification. They will provide a personalized test file, guidelines, a questionnaire, and comprehensive documentation.

Process & Print

Process the six-page PDF/X-4 file through your regular production workflow and output it to traditional or digital press – exactly as you would handle customer files.

Document Results

Take photos of each printed page plus one photo showing all pages together. Alternatively, provide a photo of an imposed signature (sheet).

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Participating GWG Members

Certification is offered through participating GWG members (associations, vendors, industry members, educational institutions). The member manages the certification process and determines costs for candidates.

All members
USA

Adobe

Adobe is a global technology company with a mission to change the world through personalized digital experiences.
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View Certificates

See all valid certificates and which workflow tools certified companies used.

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Download Test Suite

Get all patches and test pages, plus complete documentation to prepare for certification.

Ready to test your conformance?

Want to find out how well your products or processes meet the GWG conformance requirements? Take the test and see where you stand. It’s a practical first step towards achieving certification and demonstrating your commitment to reliable, compliant PDF workflows.

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