About JDF files
A Job Definition Format (JDF) file created in Acrobat describes the creative intent of a product, or print job. These specifications can be used in a production environment to produce the final printed piece. JDF files include such data as media and ink requirements, production quantities, customer information, and product descriptions. The JDF file also includes references to files that contain pages and describes how those pages should be ordered to make the product. In addition, the JDF file may include certain information necessary for the creation of Adobe PDF files appropriate for the production process, including PDF conversion settings and preflight profiles.
A JDF file can evolve over time as more information is gathered about the job, or it can be completed as the job is submitted for print production. The format is flexible enough to start as a high-level definition describing only a rough outline of a product, and be modified with more concrete details about the product. Or, it can be completely created in one session.
The JDF file and associated PDF files travel together as part of the JDF workflow, from JDF device to JDF device. When the JDF file is submitted to production, the information it contains is used to define the processes for print production.
Creating JDF job definitions
You can create new JDF job definitions in a variety of ways using the JDF Job Definitions dialog box. Each resulting JDF file can be edited and used in a production environment. Commercial printers who routinely print certain types of jobs may find it useful to create several JDF files that match these job types, and use them as templates. Using a template may save time and avoid costly mistakes, but may not be appropriate for every job. Before you construct a new job definition from scratch, review existing job definitions for ones that achieve results similar to what you want.
To create a new JDF job definition:
1. In the JDF Job Definitions dialog box, click New.
2. Select one of the following:• New creates a blank JDF job definition.
• Based On The Document uses the properties of a currently open PDF document, such as size and number of pages. Select a document from the list on the right, which displays the names of files currently open in Acrobat.
• Based On The Job Definition creates a copy of an existing JDF job definition with all its properties, including the list of referenced files. Be sure that the page content is changed before you proceed with the rest of your workflow. If you select this option, a list of available job definitions for your selection appears to the right, which shows a list of JDF files present in the JDF Job Definitions dialog box.3.Specify which version of the JDF Specification your job definition will be compatible with. The default is 1.2. This option is not available if Based On The Job Definition is selected in step 2. In this case, the version is the same as the selected job definition.
4. Click Browse to specify the name and location, and then click Save.
5. In the Create New Job Definition dialog box, click one of the following:• Create And Edit to modify the specifications.
• Create to create the JDF job definition.Editing JDF job definitions
Job definitions can come from a number of sources, including creative applications, Acrobat Distiller 6.0 and later, and Acrobat 7.0 Professional and later. You can edit these JDF job definitions using the JDF Job Definitions dialog box.
To edit a JDF job definition:
1. In the JDF Job Definitions dialog box, select the job definition, and click Edit.
2. Click a tab, and select editing options.
3. When you are finished, click OK, or click another tab to edit more options.
Customer Info options
Use the Customer Info options to identify the customer and others critical to the project.
Billing Code. A code to bill charges incurred during production. Customer ID
Customer identification used to match this job definition to a billing or higher-level MIS system. This is usually the internal customer number of the MIS system that created the job.
Customer Job.The name that the customer uses to refer to the job.
Customer Order ID. The internal order number that represents the contract between the commercial printer and the customer. This number is usually provided when the order is placed, and then referenced on any correspondence between the printer and the customer referring to this job, including bills, change orders, deliveries, and so on.
Contacts. A list of people involved with the job and their roles. (See Specifying contact information.)
Editing JDF job definitions
Job definitions can come from a number of sources, including creative applications, Acrobat Distiller 6.0 and later, and Acrobat 7.0 Professional and later. You can edit these JDF job definitions using the JDF Job Definitions dialog box.
To edit a JDF job definition:
1. In the JDF Job Definitions dialog box, select the job definition, and click Edit.
2. Click a tab, and select editing options.
3. When you are finished, click OK, or click another tab to edit more options.Adding and removing JDF job definitions
You can reuse and share JDF job definitions with other users. For example, prepress service providers can provide them to their customers to ensure that print jobs are specified correctly before the jobs are handed off to production.
To add job definitions to the job list:
1. In the JDF Job Definitions dialog box, click Add.
2. Locate the JDF job definition file (.jdf extension) and click Open, or double-click the JDF job definition file. The JDF job definition appears in the JDF Job Definitions list.
To remove JDF job definitions from the job list:
In the JDF Job Definitions dialog box, select the JDF job definition, and click Remove.
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If you want to create a document for high-end output
• Create the Adobe PDF document by converting a PostScript® file using Distiller® for
more control over the PDF components. (See Creating PostScript files.) Or, change the conversion settings if you create a PDF document from within an authoring application or Acrobat.
• Check the document for structural integrity. (See About preflight.)
• Preview separations and transparencies. (See Previewing color separations and Previewing and applying transparency flattening.)
• Adjust the print settings so that colors, marks, bleeds, separations, transparency, and other aspects of the document are output correctly. (See Setting advanced print options.)
• Create Job Definition Format (JDF) files that include such data as media and ink requirements, production quantities, customer information, product descriptions, and shipping information, as well as PDF conversion settings and preflight profiles.
