JDF
JDF, or Job Definition Format, is an XML-based standard developed by the International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Printing and Packaging (CIP4). It is designed to describe and automate print production workflows by encoding a job’s requirements, processes, and resources in a machine-readable form. JDF aims to facilitate end-to-end automation across the production chain, from order intake and prepress through printing, finishing, and shipping, reducing manual data entry and improving interoperability among software and equipment.
The JDF data model covers elements such as a Job, which can be grouped into a JobSet;
JDF is used across multiple printing segments, including offset, digital, packaging, and label production, as well
XJDF is a newer, streamlined extension of JDF intended to simplify machine-to-machine exchanges while maintaining compatibility