The term JDF stands for “Job Definition Format”, an opened standard, based on XML language that not only allows specifying a printing product with the whole details, but also managing the production from several steps until the product delivery to the customer. The JDF is created and kept by a joint of companies called CIP4.

The following chart shows the main elements that compose an automated production environment, based on JDF:

The management system is in the centre and its function is to manage the execution of each activity, defining the product and accompanying each one of the steps. Prepress, Press and PostPress are integrated through the information exchange that are generated in each area and complemented in the next steps.

The JDF implementations cases are little yet, but this technology is becoming mature quickly. Soon, we will receive implementation news and it will be possible to evaluate this automation impact in the companies result and in the services that they can offer.

It is important to know that JDF is not a product, but it is a technology that is integrated to a product.
Actually, if you do or consume printing products, JDF will be more present in the production of this type of product. From the company side, the main question will be the increase of the automation level in the industry and the benefit that it can brings in the increase of competitivity.



JDF is created and maintained by a partnership of companies that calls CIP4.

CIP4 is an entity without profitable ends that has the aim of developing and spreading the JDF (Job Definition Format) standard.

All JDF development occurs through the groups of works that take into consideration the participation of representants from enterprises that belong to the partnership.

Being part of CIP4 since 2004, Metrics invests in development of products linked to the standard.

For further information, access: www.cip4.org