Overview of predefined groups and types for processing steps

Below you will find a list of layer metadata as defined in the “Processing Steps Specification” as published by the Ghent Workgroup (see details on gwg.org). The list below may be subject to further change in these discussions, so please be aware of its preliminary state.

Groups

Structural
 Group containing a set of processing step objects that describe how the printed product will be processed in finishing.
Dimensions
 Group containing a set of processing step objects (arrows, numbers and units) indicating physical sizes of items in the design.
Braille
 Group containing a set of processing step objects representing braille text.
Legend
 Group containing a set of processing step objects representing product related administrative and technical information.
Positions
 Group containing a set of processing step objects for positioning information for various graphical and non graphical elements.
White
 Group containing a set of processing step objects describing a white backing applied on transparent foils, metallic surfaces, etc..
Varnish
 Group containing processing step objects describing printed varnish.

Types in Group "Structural"

Cutting
 Processing step objects indicating where the printed artwork will be cut from the printed sheet e.g. with a guillotine cutter or die cutting device.
PartialCutting
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will be cut partially i.e. not entirely through the material.
ReversePartialCutting
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will be cut partially i.e. not entirely through the material on the back side of the substrate.
Creasing
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will be creased to guide subsequent folding.
ReverseCreasing
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will be creased on the back side of the substrate.
CuttingCreasing
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will undergo alternating cutting and creasing.
ReverseCuttingCreasing
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will undergo alternating cutting and creasing on the back side of the substrate.
PartialCuttingCreasing
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will undergo alternating partial cutting and creasing.
ReversePartialCuttingCreasing
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will undergo alternating partial cutting and creasing on the back side of the substrate.
Drilling
 Processing step objects indicating locations where the substrate will be drilled and the intended size of the resulting hole.
Gluing
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where glue will be applied.
FoilStamping
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where foil will be applied through hot foil stamping.
ColdFoilStamping
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where foil will be applied through cold foil stamping (i.e. using glue).
Embossing
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where embossing will be applied.
Debossing
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where debossing will be applied.
Perforating
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will be perforated.
Bleed
 Processing step objects indicating the intended bleed for print.
VarnishFree
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where it is not allowed to have varnish.
InkFree
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where it is not allowed to have printing ink.
InkVarnishFree
 Processing step objects enclosing an area where it is not allowed to have printing ink and where it is not allowed to have varnish.
Folding
 Processing step objects indicating where the substrate will be folded without prior creasing.
Punching
 Processing steps objects indicating the locations at which the substrate will be punched and the size and shape of the resulting holes.
Stapling
 Processing steps objects indicating the locations at which the substrate will be stapled or stitched, and the size of the staples or stitches to be used.

Types in Group "Positions"

Hologram
 Processing step objects that indicate the intended position of holograms.
Barcode
 Processing step objects that indicate the intended position of barcodes.
ContentArea
 Processing step objects that indicate areas where it is allowed to place text and other graphical elements.
CodingMarking
 Processing step objects specific to packaging that indicate areas where additional information not contained in the PDF will be printed on the packaging at a post-press stage, such as on filling lines where final products are being packed. Some examples of information that might be marked as CodingMarking include but are not limited to best before dates, lot numbers, production dates, and tracking codes.
Imprinting
 Processing step objects that indicate areas where additional information (e.g. variable data) will be printed on pre-printed shells which contain the bulk of the graphical content, as a secondary print stage prior to finishing.