This part of ISO 16612 defines the PDF/VT document format and methods to enable reliable document exchange for variable data and transactional (VT) printing. It uses the Portable Document Format (PDF) Version 1.6, as restricted by PDF/X-4 and PDF/X-5, for the representation of such documents. It allows the specification of document structure and layout, content data, and interaction of graphical objects in a graphics model that supports transparency and both device-dependent and device-independent colour spaces. All elements are either included or provision is made for unique identification of externally supplied graphical content or ICC profiles.

PDF/VT is designed to enable variable data and transactional printing in a variety of environments from desktop printers to digital production presses. This includes hybrid workflows involving both conventional and digital printing.

This part of ISO 16612 does not provide for the specification and encoding of production and device control information but is constructed to enable its use with the CIP4 Job Document Format (JDF) or similar job ticket formats.