Before getting ready to bring us your files, preflighting is recommended.

We perform a basic preflight on all files coming in to us to help ensure proper printing. This includes a font check, color mode check and image resolution check. But, printing problems due to improper file set up is ultimately the responsibility of the client. Therefore, think of preflighting and proofing as an insurance policy to hassle-free printed projects.

For a preflight checklist to view and print, click here to download. Adobe Reader (click here) will be needed to view and print this checklist.

After preflighting your files, do a collect for output. This means collecting your final page layout file and all support files used to send to us.

SPECIAL UTILITIES WITHIN THE APPLICATIONS
FOR FILE COLLECTING

• QuarkXpress.........."Collect for Output"
• InDesign................"Package"
• Publisher..............."Pack and Go"
• Flightcheck............"Collect Files"

PREFLIGHT - FILE SETUP POINTERS

• Create document size to equal trim size (for large format printing, document size can be 75% of final trim size)
• Extend items off document size .125 in. for items that bleed
• Keep all important text within .125 in. margin from trim
• Convert all RGB images to grayscale for composite output or CMYK images for film separations (offset printing)
• For digital color printing, RGB images produce best color
• Convert fonts to paths (outlines) in vector programs before placing into final page layout
• Always place graphics into layout (as links), avoid the copy-paste command
• Images should be 300 ppi final size in page layout (you can use a minimum of 150 ppi for digital color printing)
• Line art should be 800 ppi or higher final size to avoid jagged edges
• Save graphic files as PSD, EPS or TIFF formats (if must use JPEG format, use with caution for this is a lossy compression format)
• Keep an eye on spot color names; make sure all PANTONE CVC, CV, CVU and C or other spot colors use only one name per separation. In the composite, digital workflow it is very important to use all pantone colors from the same library, because when these colors print in cmyk inks it will reference this color library.
• Make sure all layers not being used are deleted.
• If using transparent elements, make sure to use the cmyk color mode to build your documents. In Illustrator, the Document Raster Effects resolution setting should be 300 dpi. Always use the high resolution transparency flattener setting when saving or exporting the file. Use caution when mixing overprint features and spot colors with transparency. View the printed results of overprinting on-screen by enabling Overprint Preview. Provide a PDF/X (flattened) file with your native files.
• Update all links before saving a final copy
• Run a set of separated lasers to check color breaks and content, or view the separations to screen using the separations window if available.