Subcommittees

Most of the GWG’s work is done by subcommittees that focus on different domains, either during in-person meetings (three times a year) or between those meetings using web conferencing technology and email.

Each subcommittee has a chair or multiple co-chairs who manage and guide the work and present it in the general GWG meetings. Ultimately, all decisions are presented to all members and decided by the full group.

Print & Design

The Print & Design Subcommittee addresses issues related to generating reliable, print-ready PDF documents from office (non-professional) layout applications. It focuses on improving compatibility between desktop publishing tools, office applications, and professional print workflows to ensure consistent output. By identifying common challenges and promoting best practices, the subcommittee helps users create PDF documents that meet the quality and technical requirements of commercial printing.

Variable Data Printing

The Variable Data Printing (VDP) subcommittee works on issues related to generating reliable variable data printing documents. It focuses on improving interoperability, consistency, and correct implementation of VDP standards across different workflows and software solutions. By identifying technical challenges and developing best practices, the subcommittee helps ensure that personalized print jobs are produced accurately, efficiently, and reliably.

Process Control

One of the core missions of the GWG is to develop specifications. These are lists of “what to do” and “what not to do” for PDF documents used in various market segments and for different purposes. Preflight vendors who make PDF quality control software create preflight profiles for their applications to check whether PDF files are compliant or, when possible, to make them compliant.

Packaging

Mainly due to the complex nature of the packaging ecosystem, the introduction of PDF has been slower than in other sectors. New ISO standards and improvements in software are changing this quickly. The GWG has supported the use of PDF in packaging through its work on ISO 19593-1, the standard known as Processing Steps, and through the development of a specification specifically targeted at packaging.

Compliancy Testing

The goal of the Compliancy Testing Subcommittee is to create and maintain test files for validating preflight applications. These test files provide a reliable, standardized way to verify that software correctly implements PDF and print-related standards. The subcommittee continuously develops new test cases, updates existing ones to reflect evolving specifications, and helps improve consistency and interoperability across different preflight solutions.

Marketing

The Marketing subcommittee focuses on making the GWG’s work known worldwide. Because most of the GWG’s work is highly technical, it needs to be more accessible to non-experts. Since the group’s work is highly valuable to different audiences, it needs to be translated accurately so everyone understands its value and how to use it.

Specifications

The Specification subcommittee remains the heart of “rule development” for the GWG. It is responsible for developing, reviewing, and maintaining the technical specifications and best practices that form the foundation of the GWG's standards. By working closely with industry experts and other subcommittees, it ensures that the specifications stay practical, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of the graphic arts and print industry. Continuous refinement of these rules helps promote consistency, interoperability, and reliable production workflows across the industry.

Get involved

Our subcommittees are where ideas become action. Join a team focused on a specific area of interest, collaborate with experts and stakeholders, and contribute directly to the projects and specifications that drive GWG’s impact. Your knowledge and experience can help deliver meaningful progress across the network.