ISO 19445-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Graphic technology — Metadata for graphic arts workflow — XMP metadata for image and document proofing. This International Standard defines an XMP-based metadata set intended to communicate approval status, proof preparation and viewing parameters for images and documents used in the graphic arts print production workflow.

Abstract

This standard specifies the set of metadata elements, their semantics and expected usage for exchanging proofing information (approval state, proof identifiers, viewing conditions, proof creation and device parameters, etc.) between authors, prepress systems, proofing devices and approvers. The metadata are encoded using XMP to support interoperability across image and document workflows.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: June 2022
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 35.240.30 (Graphic technology / IT applications in documentation and publishing)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2022)
• Number of pages: 10

Core bibliographic and lifecycle information is published by ISO as ISO 19445:2022.

Scope

ISO 19445:2022 defines a standardized XMP metadata schema for proofing-related data that can be embedded in image files and documents or carried alongside them. The scope covers metadata required to record approval decisions, proof identity and provenance, viewing and proofing parameters (for predictable visual comparison), and other attributes needed to support proof review and sign-off in print production workflows. It is intended for use wherever digital proofs are exchanged or archived in graphic arts environments.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of XMP metadata elements for proof identification (proof ID, version, author, date/time).
• Fields to express approval status and reviewer decisions (approved, rejected, comments, sign-off metadata).
• Attributes for proof preparation and viewing parameters (display transforms, color profiles, rendering intent, viewing conditions).
• Requirements for embedding or associating metadata with images and document files to ensure interoperability across tools.
• Conformance recommendations for proof generation and exchange to support automated workflows and archival traceability.

Typical use and users

Typical users include prepress and proofing software vendors, print service providers, color management specialists, designers, publishers and any organization that exchanges or archives digital proofs. The standard is used to ensure consistent proof metadata exchange between authoring applications, RIPs, soft‑proof viewers, hard‑proof devices and approval systems.

Related standards

ISO 19445 is part of the graphic-technology metadata family and is commonly used alongside standards for PDF-based print exchange and print product metadata (for example ISO 21812-1 for print product metadata and the PDF/X family derived from ISO 15930). It is also applied in workflows that reference ISO 32000 (PDF) and colour/process control standards such as ISO 12647. Guidance and commentary on PDF 2.0 interactions with ISO 19445 have been published by industry groups.

Keywords

XMP, proofing, proof metadata, graphic technology, print workflow, approval status, color management, ISO 19445, prepress, interoperability

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 19445:2022 is an ISO International Standard that defines XMP metadata for image and document proofing to support approval and proof-exchange workflows in graphic arts.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the set of metadata elements and their intended use for communicating proof identity, approval status, proof preparation parameters and viewing conditions so that proofs can be reliably reviewed, approved and archived.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Prepress and proofing software developers, print service providers, color managers, designers, publishers and anyone involved in digital proof exchange and sign-off within print production workflows.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 19445:2022 is the current edition (published June 2022) and replaces the previous ISO 19445:2016 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the suite of ISO standards dealing with graphic technology metadata and print workflows and is commonly used alongside standards such as ISO 21812 (print product metadata), the PDF/X family (ISO 15930), and ISO 32000 (PDF).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: XMP, proof metadata, approval status, proofing, prepress, color management, print workflow.