Global Graphics joins Ghent Workgroup as vendor member

Global Graphics Software has joined the Ghent Workgroup (GWG) as a vendor member and has achieved certification for its Mako Core SDK through the Ghent Output Suite v5 compliance testing, with both Jaws and the new Apex renderer passing the rigorous standards for PDF/X-4 handling.

The certification confirms that Global Graphics' technology provides reliable PDF processing capabilities for demanding print applications. The Ghent Output Suite was developed to ensure proper handling of all features within the ISO PDF/X-4 standard through comprehensive testing protocols.

'We created the Ghent Output Suite as a collection of small PDF pages. Each page typically tests one aspect of PDF/X-4; we have patches for overprint handling, transparency, fonts, image compression, you name it,' said David van Driessche, chair of the Compliancy Subcommittee and executive director of the Ghent Workgroup. 'The patches are created to show obvious cross marks if a RIP or output device doesn't handle correctly something in the PDF file. Because the Output Suite is so comprehensive, passing it is not easy, and we're thrilled to be able to accredit Global Graphics Software's Mako SDK.'

The Mako Core SDK supports both the established Jaws renderer and the newly introduced Apex renderer. Apex represents a breakthrough in rendering technology as it operates entirely on the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), delivering high-quality results on screen or in web browsers with exceptional speed. The technology excels at rendering large, complex PDFs and enables rapid inspection of layout, colors, fonts, layers and other elements before printing.

Apex marks the first fully GPU-native Page Description Language renderer to handle the complete rendering workload on the GPU, which frees up the central processing unit (CPU) used by Mako's Jaws renderer for other tasks such as imposition.

'It is great to welcome Global Graphics expertise back to the GWG to help move our efforts forward in defining standards and best practices, toward a connected supply chain for the greater print and packaging industries,' said David Zwang, chair of the GWG.

'The GWG is a leading authority in establishing best practices and standards for graphic arts and print workflows and their accreditation is one of the most respected validations in our industry and very important to us,' said David Stevenson, product manager of Mako Core. 'The rigorous test suites set a high bar for rendering accuracy and compliance. We are pleased that both the Jaws and Apex renderers in our Mako Core SDK, along with our Harlequin RIP, now meet the high standards set by the GWG.'