Avoid Printing and Finishing Delays With a Preflight Checklist
Failure to include all items required by your service provider or failure to properly prepare digital files or camera ready artwork can result in both time delays and create additional costs. Use of a comprehensive preflight checklist can save time, money, and frustration.Preflight Checklist Items for File PrepPrinting Setup
Check placement of crop marks and bleed allowances. 1/8" for bleeds is typical but could vary by printer.Font StylesUse only the actual fonts for bold, italic, and other font styles.True vs. Fake Italics | True vs. Fake BoldRIPAvoid problems that keep files from printing by cropping images before placing in document, simplifying blends, avoiding nested graphics.TrappingFind out in advance who will do trapping on the files and submit accordingly.
Extraneous ElementsRemove references to unused fonts and colors. Remove non-printing items from the pasteboard.Preflight Checklist Items for File Submissions
Digital File / Camera Ready ArtworkUse a digital format preferred and accepted by your printer. Verify software version and platform, PostScript or PDF requirements. If supplying camera ready artwork, prepare it in accordance with the service provider's requirements.FontsSend both screen and printer fonts for Type 1 fonts. Send the same format (Type 1, TrueType, OpenType) as used in the document. Send all the fonts used, including fonts in EPS graphics (or, convert fonts in graphics to outlines before placing in page layout application).GraphicsSend all graphics used, in the right format as required by the service provider and at the proper resolution for the output device. Convert graphics from RGB to CMYK.Supply original source files for graphics.If providing images for scanning, mark them for cropping, include required size and placement information. Include FPO placeholders. Media / Transfer ProtocolLabel disks with your name, address, phone number, and any job number supplied by the service provider. When sending files on disk, use a type of media supported by the service provider, properly formatted for their platform, and using a supported compression method. Include only the most current version of the document to be printed and no unneeded or alternate versions of text files, fonts, or images on the disk. Verify preferred compression method (ZIP, etc.) when transferring files electronically.Backup CopiesNever send your only copy of a file to your service provider. Make backups. Keep copies of all application files, fonts, images, PostScript, and PDF files.Preflight Checklist Items for Hard copy
Job SheetInclude a filled out job sheet (your own or one supplied by the printer) that includes your name, company name, address, phone number, job number, directories and file names and descriptions of everything on the disk, name and version of software used, font names, and printing instructions.ProofsInclude composite laser or color proof printed after ALL changes and corrections. Check proofs to ensure they accurately reflect the graphics, fonts, bleeds and include crop marks if required. Note on proof if it is not a 100% size representation of final product. Label all proofs with your contact information.Color Separation ProofsCheck that all colors separate properly. Indicate on separation proofs which color/plate it is. Label all proofs with your contact information.DummyIndicate folds, diecuts,etc.