Author Archives: admin

https://mapsoft.com.

Associated Links:

Adobe PDF Base-14 Fonts

Spot Colors

Leave a reply

Spot Colors

Even if you’re not in the printing industry, you’ve probably used spot colors. For instance, they are on our walls and cars. They are surrounding us.

In offset printing, commercial printers specially formulate and pre-mix spot colours to achieve specific, consistent colours. They offer these as an alternative to process colours, which combine varying amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) to create different hues in their print jobs. A color reference for the particular spot color type is often used to ensure accurate reproduction.

Spot colours excel in printing solid, bright colours and reproducing corporate colours or specific shades difficult to achieve with CMYK. They frequently serve in printing spot illustrations such as charts, maps, and diagrams and where brands need to be faithfully reproduced such as in printing Company logos and other color specific brand elements.

Spot Color Systems

In printing, there are several different spot colour systems that publish color references, each with their own set of colours. Here are a few examples:

Pantone Matching System (PMS): This is one of the most widely used spot colour systems for producing a wide range of printing colours. The Pantone system includes over 1,800 different colours, each with its own unique number, and is used by graphic designers and printers to ensure colour consistency across various printing methods and materials.

Toyo Color Finder: This spot color system, which is similar to PMS and offers a wide range of colours, is widely used in Asia, particularly in Japan.

RAL Classic: This is a spot colour system that is primarily used in Europe for industrial and architectural coatings, among other things. The RAL system has 210 colours, each with its own unique number.

Graphic designers and printers use the Focoltone system (FOur COLour TONE) to create spot colours for printing. The Focoltone system comes in a variety of colours, each with its own unique number.

DIC Color Guide: This system is popular in Asia and is used in the printing and packaging industries. The DIC system includes a wide variety of colours, each with its own unique number.

Pantone

The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is one of the most widely used spot colour systems, with a large colour palette to choose from. Here are a few examples of colours available in the Pantone system color references:

Pantone Red 032 is a vibrant, warm red that is ideal for creating eye-catching designs.

Pantone Green 347 is a vibrant lime green that is ideal for achieving a fresh, modern look.

Pantone Blue 286 is a deep, rich blue that is ideal for conveying elegance and sophistication.

Pantone Yellow 123: This is a bright, cheerful yellow that is ideal for conveying a cheerful and optimistic vibe.

Pantone Black: A rich, deep black that is ideal for conveying mystery and elegance.

Pantone Silver-10077-C: This is a metallic silver that is ideal for exuding elegance and luxury.

Pantone Gold 16-0836 TPX : This is a metallic gold that is ideal for conveying wealth and prestige.

These are just a few of the colours available through the Pantone Matching System. The spot color Pantone system has over 1,800 colours to choose from, and it is widely used by graphic designers and printers to ensure colour consistency across different printing methods and materials.

By not having to refer to CMYK percentages, then it is possible for the designer and the printer to achieve an exact match. They can simply refer to the spot color Pantone color charts.

Pantone CAPSURE with Bluetooth | Portable Color Scanning & Matching Tool | RM200+BPT01

On Amazon Say goodbye to the frustration of trying to match colors by eye – introducing the Pantone CAPSURE with Bluetooth. This portable color scanning and matching tool is a game-changer for designers, artists, and anyone who works with color. With its large 1.75 inch-color viewing screen, you can easily store up to 100 color captures and toggle between multiple PANTONE Libraries at the touch of a button. But that’s not all – the CAPSURE automatically updates its color libraries through CAPSURE Sync, so you’ll always have access to the latest shades and hues. Compact and lightweight at just six ounces (including battery), it’s perfect for on-the-go use. And with over 10,000 preloaded PANTONE Colors in sRGB, Adobe RGB, HTML, Lab, and XYZ values specifically chosen for multimedia design projects, you’ll never struggle to find your perfect shade again. Upgrade your creative process with Pantone CAPSURE – where precision meets portability.

An Important Update on using Pantone colors in Creative Cloud Products

Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, no longer support free Pantone spot colors. Customers must now pay a monthly ($15) or annual ($90) subscription fee via the Adobe Pantone Connect plugin in order to gain access to the entire collection of Pantone color books. This modification resulted from Pantone’s decision to alter its business model and require direct payment from customers. Some Photoshop users have reported that older files containing Pantone colors are now black. However, workarounds such as disabling updates and copying metadata values are available. See the full story.

2 Colorimeter (NEW) – Color Matching Tool, Sheen Matching, Paint Scanner – Identify Closest Matching Paint Colors, Sheen Levels, Digital Color Values for Painters and Designers

on Amazon

The COLOR MUSE 2 Colorimeter is a must-have for painters and designers seeking unmatched precision in color matching. With its advanced technology, this device can accurately identify the closest paint colors and sheen levels to your desired shade, making it perfect for any painting project. Its compact size and Bluetooth connectivity make it the ultimate on-the-go color analyst, enabling you to easily match colors wherever you are with the help of the user-friendly Color Muse app. From identifying sheen levels to providing access to an extensive library of top-quality paint brands, the COLOR MUSE 2 revolutionizes traditional color matching methods with over 95% accuracy. Say goodbye to guesswork and trust in the unparalleled accuracy of COLOR MUSE 2 for all your color matching needs.

Comparing Spot Color and Process Printing

Spot color printing is a technique used in the printing industry to reproduce solid colors that are not easily achieved with process printing. Process printing, on the other hand, involves mixing different percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) colors to create a wide range of hues. Spot colors are pre-mixed ink colors that are specified using a color reference system such as Pantone or HKS. These inks provide more accurate and consistent results compared to process colors when reproducing specific shades or brand logos. In contrast, process printing is more cost-effective for projects requiring a large number of colors or gradients.

Combining Process and Spot Colors

In the printing process, spot colors can be combined with process colors to enhance certain elements within a design while maintaining color accuracy. This hybrid method allows for greater flexibility in achieving desired visual effects without compromising on quality. By incorporating spot colors strategically alongside CMYK inks during production, printers can achieve vibrant solid color areas and precise details within complex designs.

Overall, understanding the differences between spot color printing and process printing is crucial for designers and printers alike when striving for high-quality results in print projects and print jobs. Integrating spot and process coloring effectively requires careful consideration of ink choices, design elements, and overall project objectives to ensure optimal outcomes in the final printed piece.

Associated Links:

Contact info:
mpeters@mapsoft.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpmapsoft/
https://mapsoft.com

Hexachome Colors

Leave a reply

The Hexachrome color system is a six-color printing process that employs the traditional four process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) as well as two additional colors (green and orange) to increase the colour gamut, or range of colors that can be printed. This enables a wider range of colors to be printed with greater accuracy and more realistic image reproductions. Commercial printing applications that use the Hexachrome system include packaging, brochures, and point-of-purchase displays. These colors are typically printed on a six-color press or with a special type of inkjet printer with two additional cartridges compared to the normal CMYK printers.

Using Hexachrome in Adobe InDesign

Hexachrome colours can be defined and used in a variety of ways in Adobe InDesign and their is similar functionality in products such as Adobe Illustrator.

Swatch Libraries

Adobe InDesign includes a built-in Hexachrome swatch library, which can be accessed by selecting “Swatches” from the “Window” menu. When the swatches panel is open, choose “Open Swatch Library” and then “Hexachrome” to access the relevant colour swatche.

Color Settings

In the “Color Settings” dialogue box in InDesign, you can also define Hexachrome colours. This is accessed by selecting “Color Settings” from the “Edit” menu. Select “Hexachrome” from the “Working Spaces” dropdown menu in the dialogue box.

Custom Colors

Using the “Color” panel, you can also create custom Hexachrome colours. Select “Custom Color” from the fly-out menu when you open the panel. Then choose “Hexachrome” as the colour mode and adjust the values of each of the six colour channels (C,M,Y,K,O,G) to achieve the desired colour.

Color picker

You can also use the colour picker tool to select any colour you want, then select “Hexachrome” from the colour mode drop-down menu.

Summary of Hexachrome usage

Generally, once the Hexachrome colors have been defined, you can use them in your designs just like any other colour, by selecting them from the swatches panel or applying them to objects and text.

It is worth noting that it is not a widely used color system and many printers, software and tools only support the CMYK color space, making it harder to find specialized Hexachrome equipment and software.

Contact info:

Associated Links:

What next?

If you are interested in discussing our consultancy and software development services further then please send an email to info@mapsoft.com by clicking the button below:

Click Here

Importing HTML into InDesign

7 Replies

Importing HTML into InDesign

We have recently been exploring ways to import HTML files into InDesign. This is not an effortless task, as HTML files are primarily designed for web use, while InDesign is intended for print output. For instance, images with a resolution of 72 dpi in HTML are not suitable for print. Importing text-based elements, including tables, is generally the most practical approach.

Some of the Issues

One major challenge is converting CSS styles to InDesign styles. CSS often relies on defaults, whereas InDesign requires explicit style attributes. A potential solution is to create a template in InDesign that matches HTML tags and CSS classes with InDesign styles. Additionally, having a tool to generate paragraph styles in InDesign based on HTML tags and classes could ensure consistent styling.

CSS Defaults for Text

Here is an example of matching CSS properties to InDesign defaults:

CSS Property	Default Value	InDesign Property	InDesign Default Value
font-family	sans-serif	fontFamily	Arial
font-size	16px	fontSize	12pt
color	black	fillColor	Black
line-height	normal	leading	Auto
text-align	left	justification	LeftAlign
text-transform	none	capitalization	Normal
font-weight	normal	fontStyle	Regular
font-style	normal	fontStyle	Regular
text-decoration	none	underline	None
letter-spacing	normal	kerning	Auto

Typically, CSS properties vary in their ease of recreation in InDesign, depending on the quality of the original HTML design.

The Best Solution

The easiest solution may be to provide a substitution table for tags and classes, without attempting to extract individual attributes from the HTML. A report identifying the tags present in the HTML would also be beneficial.

An Existing Solution

Currently, InDesign’s Import XML feature allows text import from HTML, but the <head> tag section must be removed from the HTML file.

Our Development Services

Mapsoft provides custom software development services for Adobe InDesign and other Creative Cloud applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. We also provide development for Adobe Acrobat and the Adobe PDF Library.

Contact Information

Michael Peters – Technical Director

Email: mpeters@mapsoft.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpmapsoft/

Website: https://mapsoft.com

Illustrator Artboards to GIF files Script

1 Reply

Outputing the contents of Artboards from Illustrator as gif files in preparation to creating an animated GIF file written in an ExtendScript Illustrator Script.

				
					// Define the GIF export options
var gifOptions = new ExportOptionsGIF();
gifOptions.colorReductionColorCount = 256;
gifOptions.colorReductionDither = ColorDitherMethod.NOISE;
gifOptions.colorReductionMethod = ColorReductionMethod.SELECTIVE;
gifOptions.ditherPercent = 50;
gifOptions.interlaced = false;
gifOptions.transparency = true;
// Loop through all artboards and export each one as a GIF file

for (var i = 0; i < app.activeDocument.artboards.length; i++) {
// Set the active artboard
app.activeDocument.artboards.setActiveArtboardIndex(i);
gifOptions.artboardRange = i.toString();
ExportOptionsGIF.artBoardClipping = true;
// Set the file name for the GIF file
var fileName = "c:\Gif Files\artboard" + (i + 1) + ".gif";
// Export the active artboard as a GIF file
app.activeDocument.exportFile(new File(fileName), ExportType.GIF, gifOptions);
}

The main option that will need to be changed in this Illustrator script on your system will be the location of the output folder. This was created on a Windows machine and the folder is “c:\Gif Files\artboard”. This could be changed to be in the same location as the current Illustrator document. This can be achieved with:

				
					var doc = app.activeDocument;
var filePath = doc.fullName;

The filePath will then need to be truncated to provide the folder name. Here is a routine to allow this to be done:

				
					function getFolderName(filePath) {
  // Get the last index of the "/" character
  var lastSlashIndex = filePath.lastIndexOf("/");
 
  // Return the string up to the last "/" character (this will be the folder name)
  return filePath.substring(0, lastSlashIndex);
}

When the file is passed back from doc.fullName it is a device dependent path so this routine should work on both the Mac and Windows. So Macintosh HD:Gif Files:Test.ai(Mac) and c:Gif FilesTest.ai would both be returned as /Macintosh HD/Gif Files/Test.ai and /c/Gif Files/Test.ai

Combining the GIF files

Import your GIF files in Photoshop by clicking File > Import > Video Frames to Layers. Select all your frames from one of your GIFs and then copy them over into the video frames of the other GIF by clicking the Animation menu. This can be accomplished by selecting Window > Timeline or Window > Animation.

Contact info:

Associated Links:

OpenAI

Leave a reply

OpenAI and Windows Resource to HTML form

I wanted to see if OpenAI could convert a dialog box windows resource to an HTML form. Here is the dialog code followed by resulting HTML code:

				
					IDD_BOOKMARK_FROM_LINKS DIALOGEX 0, 0, 211, 125>STYLE DS_SETFONT | DS_MODALFRAME | DS_FIXEDSYS | WS_POPUP | WS_CAPTION | WS_SYSMENU

CAPTION "Bookmark from links"
FONT 8, "MS Shell Dlg", 400, 0, 0x1
BEGIN
DEFPUSHBUTTON   "OK",IDOK,24,104,50,14
PUSHBUTTON      "Cancel",IDCANCEL,79,104,50,14
GROUPBOX        "Options",IDC_STATIC,7,52,197,44
CONTROL         "Remove leaders and page numbers",IDC_REMOVE_LEADERS_AND_PAGE_NUMBERS,
"Button",BS_AUTOCHECKBOX | WS_TABSTOP,19,80,152,10
CONTROL         "Use only first line of text from the link",IDC_USE_ONLY_FIRST_LINE_OF_TEXT_FROM_LINK,
"Button",BS_AUTOCHECKBOX | WS_TABSTOP,19,67,169,10
LTEXT           "From:",IDC_STATIC,15,20,20,8
EDITTEXT        IDC_TRANSCRIPT_PAGE_FROM,40,18,33,14,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_NUMBER
CONTROL         "",IDC_TRANSCRIPT_PAGE_FROM_SPIN,"msctls_updown32",UDS_SETBUDDYINT | UDS_ALIGNRIGHT | UDS_AUTOBUDDY | UDS_ARROWKEYS,51,5,11,14
LTEXT           "To:",IDC_STATIC,88,20,10,8
CONTROL         "end of file",IDC_TO_END_OF_FILE,"Button",BS_AUTORADIOBUTTON | WS_GROUP,106,15,47,10
CONTROL         "page:",IDC_TO_PAGE,"Button",BS_AUTORADIOBUTTON,106,27,34,10
EDITTEXT        IDC_TRANSCRIPT_PAGE_TO,140,26,33,14,ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_NUMBER
CONTROL         "",IDC_TRANSCRIPT_PAGE_TO_SPIN,"msctls_updown32",UDS_SETBUDDYINT | UDS_ALIGNRIGHT | UDS_AUTOBUDDY | UDS_ARROWKEYS,160,17,11,14
GROUPBOX        "Pages",IDC_STATIC,7,4,197,43
PUSHBUTTON      "Help",IDC_BOOKMARKS_FROM_LINKS_HELP,135,104,50,14
END

				
					

Bookmark from links







Options

Remove leaders and page numbers


Use only first line of text from the link

From:



Pages

end of file


page:

We are going to be taking some of our plug-in code and port into a cloud environment so I was having a look at how this could be automated or at least semi-automated. The results above are completely unedited. In the next few days we will have a look at the underlying C++ code to see if that can be automated in any way.

Contact Info:

Variable Data Printing Standards

Leave a reply

Variable Data Printing Standards: what matters in 2025

Updated: 16 Aug 2025 • Reading time: ~8 minutes

Variable Data Printing (VDP) shows up in statements, labels, loyalty mailers, shipping docs, tickets, and more. Standards make these jobs reliable across tools, DFEs, and presses. This guide explains which standards exist, what each one is for, and how to choose the right path for your jobs.

TL;DR

PDF/VT is the ISO standard for VDP. Today that means PDF/VT‑1 and ‑2 on PDF 1.6, and PDF/VT‑3 on PDF 2.0 with PDF/X‑6. See the PDF Association’s overview of ISO 16612 and ISO’s page for PDF/X‑6 (ISO 15930‑9).
PPML is an XML VDP language from the PODi community, still supported in some workflows. The spec is hosted by PRINT Technologies: PPML 2.2 PDF.
AFP/IPDS remains common in high‑volume transactional print. See the AFP Consortium and an update on the IPDS reference.
JDF/JMF (and XJDF) handle job tickets and messaging for workflow automation. Start at CIP4 and the JDF/XJDF specifications.
Color management uses ICC profiles. See ISO 15076‑1 and the latest ICC profile spec ICC.1:2022‑05.
In practice, PDF workflows dominate modern VDP because RIPs optimize reused static resources well. See Global Graphics’ white paper High‑performance VDP using PDF.

The landscape at a glance

Area	Primary standard(s)	What it does	Typical use
VDP document format	PDF/VT (VT‑1/2 on PDF 1.6; VT‑3 on PDF 2.0 via PDF/X‑6)	Encodes variable and transactional jobs in PDF with record structure and metadata	General VDP, statements, labels, hybrid jobs
Alternative VDP PDL	PPML	XML language for personalized print	Installed bases, legacy or vendor‑specific flows
Transactional print architecture	AFP with IPDS	PDL plus bi‑directional printer stream	Banks, utilities, large mailers
Job tickets and workflow	JDF/JMF and XJDF	Job intent, resources, status messaging	MIS to DFE automation
Print‑ready PDF base	PDF/X‑4 (ISO 15930‑7), PDF/X‑5 (ISO 15930‑8), PDF/X‑6 (ISO 15930‑9)	Exchange profiles that PDF/VT builds on	Prepress handoff, proofing
Color management	ISO 15076‑1 and ICC.1:2022‑05	Device‑independent color and output consistency	All of the above
Barcodes in VDP	GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 Digital Link	2D carriers for retail and supply chain	Labels, POS, track‑and‑trace

PDF/VT today

What it is. PDF/VT specifies how to carry variable and transactional jobs in PDF, defining document structure and metadata so devices and DFEs can process large runs reliably. Earlier profiles PDF/VT‑1 and PDF/VT‑2 are based on PDF/X‑4 and PDF/X‑5 (PDF 1.6). The newest profile, PDF/VT‑3, aligns with PDF 2.0 via PDF/X‑6. See the PDF Association’s ISO 16612 page and ISO’s listings for 16612‑3 and 15930‑9.

Why you care. PDF/VT works with mainstream PDF RIPs and supports transparency, ICC color, and external resources per the underlying PDF/X rules.

Tip: If you are moving to PDF 2.0 in prepress, target PDF/X‑6 and PDF/VT‑3 so the whole toolchain is consistent.

PPML in brief

PPML is an XML‑based language for VDP created in the PODi community and maintained under PRINT Technologies. If you inherit PPML jobs and your DFE handles them well, conversion is optional. See the spec PPML 2.2. For the historical PPML/VDX exchange format, see the CGATS application note CGATS.20 PPML/VDX and the ANSI preview here.

AFP and IPDS for high‑volume work

AFP (MO:DCA) is a mature architecture aimed at large, fast, reliable transactional print. IPDS is the bi‑directional stream between host and printer for page data and feedback. See the AFP Consortium and IPDS updates here.

Workflow plumbing: JDF, JMF, and XJDF

JDF is the job ticket, JMF is the messaging. They coordinate job intent, resources, and device status across MIS, prepress, and finishing. XJDF is the modernized successor. Start at CIP4 and the specification library.

How PDF/VT and PDF/X fit together

PDF/X‑4 and X‑5 are based on PDF 1.6. X‑5 allows external content and n‑colorant profiles. See ISO 15930‑7 and ISO 15930‑8.
PDF/X‑6 is based on PDF 2.0 and is the foundation for PDF/VT‑3. See ISO 15930‑9.

Color management

Use ICC v4 or later profiles aligned with ISO 15076. Keep device profiles stable and embed or reference correctly per your PDF/X flavor. See ISO 15076‑1 and the latest ICC spec ICC.1:2022‑05.

Barcodes inside VDP: GS1 2D

GS1 DataMatrix guideline: overview and technical intro.
GS1 Digital Link standard: spec and general intro here.

Performance tips that matter on press

Reuse static content aggressively. Cache logos, backgrounds, and fonts so your RIP does less work per record. See Global Graphics’ VDP performance guide.
Stay within PDF/X expectations. Avoid unwanted overprints, ensure correct transparency handling, and size images for final use. See the Ghent Workgroup specs.
Use record structure when your DFE benefits from it. PDF/VT’s DPart and DPM are designed for this. See the PDF Association’s Technical Introduction to PDF/VT.
Designer and developer guidance for efficient VDP PDFs is available from the PDF Association: Best Practice (Designer Edition) and the Global Graphics overview Best Practice VDP.

Choosing the right standard

You have…	Consider	Why
Modern PDF workflow and RIPs, need flexibility across devices	PDF/VT on PDF/X‑4 or X‑6	Plays to PDF strengths and DFE optimization. Easy to preflight and archive.
Existing PPML devices or legacy jobs	PPML	Keep what works if your engine supports it and performance is acceptable.
Enterprise transactional environment with AFP fleet	AFP/IPDS	Tight integration, throughput, and reliability with existing infrastructure.
Complex automation from MIS to finishing	JDF/JMF or XJDF	Ticketing plus device messaging across vendors.

Validation and testing

Preflight against the correct PDF/X flavor before calling a job PDF/VT compliant. See GWG preflight guidance and callas’ white paper Everything you ever needed to know about PDF preflight.
Use test suites when moving platforms. The PDF Association hosts the Cal Poly PDF/VT‑1 Test File Suite.
Barcode verification for GS1 2D is essential on labels and retail. Follow sizing and quiet‑zone rules in the GS1 DataMatrix guideline.

Quick FAQ

Is PDF/VT mandatory for VDP?
No. It is the ISO way to do VDP in PDF, and it aligns well with today’s PDF/X and RIPs. Many shops still run PPML or AFP where it fits.

What changed with PDF/VT‑3?
VT‑3 aligns VDP with PDF 2.0 and PDF/X‑6, which clarifies features and interoperability in modern toolchains. See ISO 16612‑3 and ISO 15930‑9.

Do I need JDF if I already use PDF/VT?
Not required. JDF/JMF or XJDF handles workflow and device messaging, while PDF/VT carries pages and records. Many shops use both.

Where Mapsoft fits

If you want to generate personalized PDFs from data, our Engage tools do that from templates and a data source, producing PDF ready for print workflows.

Engage Connect – server and web integration for VDP and web to print.
Mail Merge for PDF – desktop workflow to create personalized PDF output.

Sources and further reading

PDF/VT overview and resources: PDF Association; ISO 16612‑3.
PDF/X family: PDF Association; ISO entries for 15930‑7 (PDF/X‑4), 15930‑8 (PDF/X‑5), 15930‑9 (PDF/X‑6).
PPML and PPML/VDX: PPML 2.2; CGATS.20 App Note; PPML/VDX info.
AFP/IPDS: AFP Consortium; IPDS reference update.
ICC color: ISO 15076‑1; ICC.1:2022‑05.
GS1: GS1 DataMatrix Guideline; GS1 Digital Link Standard.
VDP performance with PDF: Global Graphics white paper.
Best practices for VDP PDFs: PDF Association; Global Graphics Best Practice VDP.
PDF/VT test files: Cal Poly PDF/VT‑1 Test Suite.

Understanding Variable Data Printing Standards

What is a PDF file? Unlock the Benefits Today!

Leave a reply

PDF

What is a PDF file? A PDF (Portable Document Format) file represents documents in a manner independent of the hardware, software, and operating system used to create them. This portability allows any device with a PDF reader to open and view PDF files.

PDF files employ a unique file format that uses the PostScript programming language for document representation. The structure of a PDF file comprises several different elements:

A header that contains information about the PDF file format’s version, encryption (if any), and other metadata.
A body that contains the document’s content.
Text, images, vector graphics, and other types of data can all be included.
An index that allows the PDF reader to locate specific objects within the file quickly.
A table of contents or outline that allows the user to navigate through the document.
A cross-reference table, which is optional, that lists the location of each object in the file.

An optional trailer containing file information such as the index location and total number of objects in the file.

PDF files can also have extra features like interactive forms, annotations, and hyperlinks.

A PDF file’s internal structure consists of a series of objects that represent the document’s various elements, such as text, images, and interactive elements. The document object model is a tree-like structure that organizes these objects to represent the logical structure of a document and to define the relationships between its various objects.

A PDF file contains a series of dictionaries and streams that contain metadata and other information about the document. This includes information such as the document’s author, title, and subject, as well as the fonts and colors used.

PDF files have a specific structure that includes a variety of objects.

The document information dictionary contains metadata about the PDF document such as the title, author, subject, and keywords.
Page tree: A tree-like structure that defines the layout and order of the PDF document’s pages.
Pages: A page object represents each page in a PDF document, defining the size and orientation of the page as well as any content displayed on the page.
Content streams: These streams contain the PDF document’s actual content, such as text, images, and graphics. To reduce the size of the PDF file, you usually compress the content streams.
Resources are objects that the content streams use to display the content of the PDF document. Fonts, images, patterns, and color spaces are examples of resources.
You can add interactive elements like links, buttons, and form fields to a PDF document by using annotations. Outlines: These objects define the PDF document’s hierarchical structure, allowing the user to navigate through the document by clicking on headings or other defined elements.

PDF files include metadata, which provides information about the document not contained in the content itself.This can include keywords, the author of the document, and the software used to create it.

You can use a variety of software tools to create PDF files, including Adobe Acrobat, LibreOffice, and GhostScript. Adobe Acrobat or other PDF viewers allow for viewing and editing these files.

Mapsoft and PDF

If you’re looking for a company with unparalleled expertise in PDF, look no further than Mapsoft. Our Technical Director, Michael Peters, was instrumental in developing the first-ever PDF Export for Adobe PageMaker in collaboration with Adobe Systems, Inc. With years of experience in this domain, we have an array of plug-ins that operate seamlessly within Adobe Acrobat, and we’re also proud to be an OEM licensee of the Adobe PDF Library. Whether you need customized PDF solutions or products, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

Contact Info:

What is a PDF file and Why It Matters

Why Plugins Matter?

Leave a reply

Plugging Plug-ins – Why Third-Party Software Matters

Any professional racing driver will tell you that there’s no such thing as too much power. Give them a new, 1000-horsepower engine and after 5 laps, they’ll pull into the pits and say: “Great, but can you give me 1100bhp?” It’s just the same with software – especially software that’s as versatile as Adobe Acrobat and CC products such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

The Inevitable Limitations of Software Applications

No matter how powerful, flexible or easy-to-use the application, as soon as users get to grips with it, they’ll find it doesn’t quite do exactly what they want it to. Or they’ll want it to be just that bit easier to do a certain function or perhaps be able to batch functions together. This isn’t greed, or customers being niggly – on the contrary, it’s actually a compliment that the original application is proving useful. It simply underlines that there’s no such thing as the perfect program.

Bridging User Needs with Third-Party Solutions

Users often don’t express their exact needs initially. Instead, they highlight desired improvements to existing solutions. This scenario opens opportunities for third-party developers and their plugins. These developers typically engage closely with user communities, such as forums, to understand their needs. Questions like “How can I do this?” or “Is there a tool for that?” signal potential market gaps.

For instance, repeated requests to mask sensitive information in PDF documents indicate a demand for new solutions. This was the case for Mapsoft. By aligning closely with the Adobe user community, Mapsoft identified and filled such needs, expanding its range of plugins.

Among its offerings, Impress Pro stands out. This plugin allows adding text stamps to documents, serving as watermarks or headers and footers. Other innovative solutions include MaskIt, for hiding confidential content, and DogEars, a tool that marks pages for easy reference, akin to a physical bookmark. Additionally, TOCBuilder offers the creation of a linked and printable table of contents, enhancing document navigation.

So what should you look for in a third-party developer?

Evaluating a Developer’s Endorsement and Partnerships

Firstly, consider if the developer is endorsed by the main vendor’s partner programme. This is crucial. For instance, Mapsoft, an Adobe Business Partner, boasts over 30 years of experience developing plugins for Adobe products.

Assessing Product Integration with Main Vendor’s Technology

Secondly, evaluate how the developer’s products integrate with the main vendor’s technology. Products should be developed using the main vendor’s core technology to ensure reliability and seamless functionality. Mapsoft exemplifies this by licensing A dobe’s core technology for their plugins and customized products.

Opportunities for Product Evaluation

Thirdly, check if the product can be evaluated before purchase. This is vital to ensure it meets user needs. Developers confident in their solutions typically offer evaluation versions. Mapsoft, for example, provides free evaluation versions of all their plugins on their website.

Developer Support and User References

Finally, consider the developer’s support and the availability of user references. This indicates a long-term commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. With over 30 years in the sector and partnerships with high-profile companies like Network Rail, Xerox, and Hallmark Cards, Mapsoft demonstrates its expertise and dedication. They also offer one year of free support for their software solutions.

Conclusion

By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure you choose effective and reliable plugins that enhance your main application, streamline tasks, and add valuable features and functionality.

Contact info:

Is PDF accessible?

Leave a reply

Is PDF accessible?

Overview

Accessibility in software refers to the design and development of software that is usable by people with disabilities. Keyboard shortcuts, screen reader compatibility, and high contrast modes are examples of such features. It also includes ensuring that the software can be used with assistive technology, such as screen readers and magnifiers, and that it can be navigated using only a keyboard. Text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionality can also be included in accessible software, making it easier for people with disabilities to interact with the software.

Accessible software is essential because it ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can use and benefit from it. Making sure that people with disabilities have equal access to information and technology is not only a legal requirement, but also a moral imperative.

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format developed by Adobe Systems. PDF makes it possible to distribute documents with original formatting intact. PDF files are created by scanning an original print document or by using a variety of popular software applications.

Accessibility

The popularity of PDF has created concerns about accessibility, particularly for users of screen readers and for those who have low vision. While Adobe has taken steps to permit access to those who use screen readers, it is essential that documents be correctly marked up (commonly referred to as “tagged”) so that screen readers have the information they need to identify items such as headings and alt text for images. Tables must also be marked up so that screen reader users can navigate them and clearly understand the association of data with appropriate column and row names.

Tagged PDF

Few authors are currently creating tagged PDF files, either because this requires additional effort or because of lack of awareness. Authors are also limited by the capabilities of their word processing or desktop publishing tools, many of which have PDF export capabilities that do not currently support tagged PDF. Microsoft Office, particularly with its most recent versions, does provide good PDF exporting, assuming that appropriate styles are used when first creating a document in Word.

Available Documentation

Adobe provides accessibility documentation at adobe.com/accessibility. Among other resources available from this site, Adobe has developed a variety of Acrobat accessibility training resources that describe in detail the process of creating accessible PDF documents using Word, InDesign, and Acrobat.

Support In Operating Systems

PDF accessibility also requires support from operating system and assistive technology developers. In Microsoft Windows, both JAWS and NVDA support tagged PDF. However, there is currently no support for tagged PDF in other operating systems.

Is PDF the Correct Choice of Format

Despite advances in accessibility, many users and advocacy groups continue to recommend that PDF documents be accompanied, or replaced, by alternative format documents that are more universally accessible, such as HTML. PDF unfortunately is still not indexed as well as HTML and so if content is to be used for SEO then it is often converted to HTML.

Contact Info: