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Print Workflow and Processes: The Ins and Outs of IPDS vs. AFP vs. PDF

Print Workflow and Processes: The Ins and Outs of IPDS vs. AFP vs. PDF

The Ins and Outs of IPDS vs AFP vs PDF – Episode Summary

In this deep-dive episode of The Print University, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee demystify the three dominant print data streams—IPDS, AFP, and PDF—explaining how each one works, where they’re used, and why they still matter in modern print environments. Whether you’re onboarding new hires with printing industry training programs for new employees, developing prepress automation training (Kodak Prinergy, Esko), or exploring MIS software training for print production, this course delivers essential knowledge for managing complex digital workflows.

The hosts trace the evolution of each format:

  • AFP (Advanced Function Presentation): An architecture developed by IBM for enterprise-class printing with modular objects (text, images, barcodes) and screen-view capabilities.

  • IPDS (Intelligent Printer Data Stream): A device-dependent stream that allows real-time two-way communication between printers and controllers—ideal for high-volume, mission-critical transactional printing.

  • PDF (Portable Document Format): Now the industry’s universal standard, PDF supports everything from static to variable content with layers, embedded fonts, and interactive elements.

Pat and Ryan explore encoding types, transform workflows, error handling, resource caching, and RIP implications. They also cover why PDF dominates today, yet IPDS and AFP persist in banking, insurance, healthcare, and utilities due to embedded legacy infrastructure.

Understanding these formats is key for optimizing output, reducing DFE bottlenecks, and preparing staff to troubleshoot issues before they impact productivity.

You Will Learn:

  • The differences between AFP (architecture), IPDS (device-specific), and PDF (universal and portable)

  • Use cases: transactional printing, customer archives, direct mail, commercial print

  • Why transform tools are used to bridge old formats into modern workflows

  • Risks and rewards of embedded vs. referenced resources in print files

  • Best practices for streamlining file intake, reducing RIP delays, and auditing datastreams

Who This Course Is For:

Workflow managers, print IT teams, DFE admins, prepress technicians, and variable data specialists implementing prepress automation training, printing technician certification online, or outsourced training for print production staff

Time to Watch:

Approx. 30 minutes