The rendering pipeline converts PDF page descriptions into rasterized images using a multi-stage process. Content streams are first parsed into a display list, which is then sorted by paint order and submitted to the GPU for compositing.
Subpixel text positioning uses horizontal hinting to align glyph stems with physical pixel boundaries on LCD displays. This improves perceived sharpness without altering the document layout, which remains resolution-independent.
Overprint simulation models the interaction between overlapping inks in CMYK printing. When overprint mode is enabled, the renderer composites colors using the same rules that a physical press would apply, revealing knockout and overprint effects.
ICC-based color management transforms all colors through the document's output intent profile before display. The pipeline supports both perceptual and relative colorimetric rendering intents, with automatic black point compensation for shadow detail.