Overview
ISO 19445:2022 - "Graphic technology - Metadata for graphic arts workflow - XMP metadata for image and document proofing" defines a standardized XMP metadata set to record approval status, proof preparation, and viewing parameters for images and documents used in print production workflows. Based on the Ghent PDF Workgroup soft‑proofing ticket and extended to cover image preparation, the standard ensures consistent, machine‑readable records of who approved a proof, how it was produced, and under what viewing conditions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- XMP as the container: Metadata must be stored as an XMP packet conforming to ISO 16684‑1 and embedded in the image or document.
- Namespace: Uses the GWG namespace URI
http://gwg.org/spt/xmlns/ with preferred prefix spt.
- Mutually exclusive approval arrays: An XMP packet must include either ImageApprovals or ProofingApprovals, not both.
- ImageApprovals (image-level): Ordered array of ImageApproval records with required fields such as:
- PrintingConditionIdentifier and PrintingConditionDescription
- PrintingConditionProfileID - the 16‑byte ICC Profile ID expressed as a hex text string with dash separators (total 35 characters)
- RenderingIntent (AbsoluteColorimetric, RelativeColorimetric, Perceptual, Saturation)
- BlackPointCompensation (Boolean), ApproverName, ApprovalDevice (Monitor or Printer), ApprovalStatus (Approved/Rejected), ApprovalDate
- Optional ProofPrinters and ProofingDevices arrays for hard/soft proof details
- ProofingApprovals (proof-level): Ordered array of ProofingApproval records covering:
- UsePDFXOutputCondition (Boolean) and several deprecated legacy fields (documented for compatibility)
- Proofing user identity and login, ProofingSoftwarePlatform, ProofingSoftwareVendor/Make/Version
- ProofingApprovalStatus and ProofingApprovalDate
- Conditional ProofingDevices (soft) and ProofPrinters (hard)
- ProofPrinter record: Records print specifics - calibrated flag, calibration date (optional), print date, and ProofProfileID.
- PDF soft‑proofing: Clause 5 addresses encoding PDF/X output conditions and use of digital signatures for soft proofs.
Applications and users
ISO 19445 is valuable for:
- Prepress and color management specialists documenting approvals and viewing conditions
- Proofing software and workflow vendors implementing XMP proof metadata
- Printers, brand owners and creative agencies needing traceable proof records
- Automated preflight and archival systems that rely on standardized proof metadata
Benefits include improved traceability, consistent proof interpretation, and reduced approval errors in the graphic arts print production workflow.
Related standards
- ISO 16684‑1 (XMP data model and serialization)
- ISO 15076‑1 (ICC colour management / profile format)
- ISO 32000‑1 (PDF 1.7 / PDF specifications)
- Ghent PDF Workgroup (GWG) soft‑proofing ticket - foundation for this specification
Keywords: ISO 19445:2022, XMP metadata, proofing, graphic arts, ICC profile, PDF/X, soft‑proofing, print production workflow.