What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Job Messaging Format (JMF) is the messaging half of CIP4’s print-automation standard. It carries status reports, queries, notifications and commands between print production systems, devices and controllers. It is the counterpart to the Job Definition Format (JDF), which describes the job itself. JMF belongs to graphic arts production. It is not a general-purpose label for any job-related message.
The official definition
The CIP4 JDF specification opens by saying it “defines the technical specification for the Job Definition Format (JDF) and its counterpart, the Job Messaging Format (JMF).” That is wording from the specification itself, not from a named individual. CIP4 is the organization that maintains these standards.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
JDF vs JMF: the difference
| JDF | JMF | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Describes a print job in terms of products, processes and controls | Connects production components with system controllers and administrative systems |
| Nature | The description of the work | The communication about the work while it runs |
| Typical content | What is to be produced and how | Status, queries, notifications, commands |
Put simply, JDF says what needs to be done. JMF is how systems talk about it while it is being done.
What JMF is used for
CIP4’s specification lists these use cases:
- Setup
- Job status and device status
- Resource-use and error tracking
- Pipe control
- Device setup and job changes
- Queue handling
- Job submission
- Device capability descriptions
A system can use messages as notifications, such as reporting that a status changed. It can also use them as direct commands to another component.
#1 Best Overall
- Updated design, professional results. High-quality output with sharp color and black printing. Fast print and copy speeds up to 33ppm(1) help boost productivity. Reliable performance and durable, compact design, 25% smaller than the previous model. Multipurpose tray for custom printing.
- Maximize printing budgets. Offers built-in value with included Brother Genuine 3,000-page black and 1,800-page color standard yield toner cartridges. Help lower printing costs by using the TN635XXL super high yield replacement toner cartridges for 7,500-page black and 6,500-page color(2).
- Advanced scanning. High-speed, two-sided scanning up to 104ipm(3) with 80-page auto document feeder(4) and legal-size glass. Scan to cloud, email, SharePoint, and more from the touchscreen(5). Supports the added benefit of creating searchable and editable Microsoft Office documents(6).
- Productivity-enhancing features. Flexible connectivity, including built-in dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) wireless networking and Gigabit Ethernet networking. 7” color touchscreen for easy menu navigation, scan preview, and up to 64 customized shortcuts for frequently used tasks.
- Triple Layer Security. Advanced security features to help keep devices secure, protect documents in transit to and from print devices, and safeguard networks. Includes an integrated NFC card reader for easy badge authentication.
Where JMF applies
CIP4 places the formats in print production. Its listed contexts are digital printing, offset sheetfed and web, gravure, flexography, wide-format printing, packaging and newsprint.
Support is not universal
CIP4 says controllers and devices may support JMF. The specification describes HTTP(S) server hosting as a requirement for supporting it. A product that reads JDF does not necessarily implement every JMF message. Message support varies by product and version.
Rank #2
- FAST BUSINESS PRINTING AND COPYING: The Brother MFC-L5915DW business monochrome laser all-in-one printer delivers high-quality output and print and copy speeds of up to 50ppm(1) to help boost productivity and ensure fast, professional quality documents for busy offices.
- LOW-COST OUTPUT: Help reduce operating costs by using the Brother Genuine TN920UXXL ultra high-yield 18,000-page replacement toner cartridge. Includes a Brother Genuine 3,000-page toner cartridge(2).
- FAST, HIGH-VOLUME SCANNING: The 70-page capacity(3) auto document feeder offers single-pass, two-sided scanning up to 56ipm(4). Features a large document glass for up to legal-sized documents.
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS: Features built‐in Gigabit Ethernet and dual band wireless networking to seamlessly set up and share on your wired.
JMF and the newer XJMF
CIP4 published XJDF and XJMF in 2018. It describes conversion between JDF and XJDF, and deployments that run legacy and newer formats in parallel. JMF is therefore still part of the picture, but it is no longer the only CIP4 messaging format.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat to check when evaluating print workflow systems
- Does each endpoint support JDF, XJDF or both for job tickets?
- Does it support JMF, XJMF or both for messaging?
- Which message families and commands are actually implemented? Ask for the specific list.
- Can the endpoint meet the HTTP(S) hosting requirement?
- How does conversion behave between the specific versions you run, and what happens when legacy and newer formats run side by side?
CIP4’s documents describe the formats and their capabilities. They do not guarantee compatibility between any two products, so confirm each vendor’s stated support. No adoption or implementation-rate figures for JMF come from CIP4’s primary material, so none are given here.
Rank #3
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing, scanning and copying professional-quality color documents and reports. Print speeds up to 26 ppm black/color.
- PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY – Proficiency with every print—next-generation TerraJet toner brings your business to life with more vivid colors.
- ORIGINAL HP TONER CARTRIDGES – This HP printer uses Original HP 218A standard and 218X high yield LaserJet toner cartridges.
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 250-sheet input tray.
- AWARD-WINNING RELIABILITY – Performance you can count on page after page, and always ready for the high demands of business.
Further reading
CIP4 lists JDF Workflow: A Guide to Automation in the Graphic Communications Industry by Thomas Hoffmann-Walbeck and Sebastian Riegel, translated by John Joseph Dobrowits. CIP4 describes its examples as spanning order management, prepress, printing and finishing. Check the current edition and availability before buying. For version-specific implementation details, use CIP4’s current specification documents.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Monochrome, Wireless, Duplex 4-in-1: Print, scan, copy, fax.
- Fast Print Speeds: Print up to 37 pages per minute and spend less time waiting with a quick first print time of approximately 5 seconds.
- Easy Wireless Setup: Setup your wireless connection and get up and running in just a few steps2
- 5-inch Color Touchscreen: Get the job done quickly with Application Library - an intuitive and easy to use customizable access to the features you use most.
- Mobile Device Printing: Print from your compatible mobile devices using the free Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.
Rank #4
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
