Variable Data Printing Standards (part 1)
PPML
PPML (Personalized Print Markup Language) is a standardized XML-based language used for variable data printing (VDP). It allows for the creation and printing of documents with customized text, graphics, or other elements that can be tailored to each recipient. PPML was developed by the Printing Industry of America (PIA) and is widely used in the printing and marketing industries. PPML is designed to be efficient and easy to use, allowing for faster and more accurate printing of large volumes of personalized documents, such as direct mail campaigns, event tickets, and personalized marketing materials.
Here are a few examples of how PPML can be used in variable data printing:
- Direct mail campaigns: PPML can be used to create personalized direct mail campaigns that can be tailored to each recipient. For example, a marketing campaign could include a personalized letter addressed to the recipient, along with customized promotional materials such as coupons or special offers.
- Event tickets: PPML can be used to create and print event tickets with variable information such as the event name, date, and location. The tickets can also include personalized barcodes or QR codes for easy scanning at the event.
- Personalized marketing materials: PPML can be used to create customized marketing materials such as brochures or flyers with personalized images or text for each recipient. This allows for more targeted and effective marketing efforts.
- Customized labels: PPML can be used to create and print labels with variable information such as product names, expiration dates, and serial numbers. This can be especially useful for industries such as pharmaceuticals or food production where accurate and up-to-date labelling is important.
A PPML code example
Here is a simple example of PPML code that could be used to create a personalized direct mail campaign:
<ppml>
<page>
<variable name="recipient_name">John Smith</variable>
<variable name="coupon_code">ABC123</variable>
<variable name="offer_expiration">07/31/2021</variable>
<textbox x="50" y="50">
<text>Dear <variable name="recipient_name">,</text>
<text>Thank you for your recent purchase! As a token of our appreciation, please use coupon code <variable name="coupon_code"> to save 10% on your next order. This offer expires on <variable name="offer_expiration">.</text>
</textbox>
</page>
</ppml>This code creates a page with three variables: “recipient_name,” “coupon_code,” and “offer_expiration.” The values of these variables can be customized for each recipient, allowing for a personalized direct mail campaign. The code also includes a textbox with text that includes the variables, so that the personalized information is displayed in the final document.
For more information see http://www.podi.org.
