Ed #10 Prepress

As the files are completed and the client signs off on the project, the action begins to shift to the printer. The exact steps in the process, or workflow, vary according to the type of project and the type of technology that is used. A traditional analog workflow that generates printing plates from film will have more steps and different methods of proofing than computer-to-plate or computer-to-press workflows.

Almost always, however, the first step is preflighting.

“Preflighting” is a term borrowed from the procedures that pilots follow before taking off. Its aim is to discover any problems that may cause your project to crash. Most preflighting combines specialized software programs with manual checks geared to the printer’s particular workflow. Preflighting checks for both the quality of the files and their compatibility with the printer’s systems as well as such problems as lack of sufficient bleed, wrong page sizes or font problems. If problems are found, the printer will return the files for corrections or fix the problem and, often, charge for the service.

Formal preflighting is a sophisticated process. It takes experience to know how to repair and correct digital files and best construct jobs for efficient output. For that reason, most printers perform preflighting as a standard part their services.

But that doesn’t mean you can take it easy. To save time and avoid extra charges, use the built-in collection features on Quark (Collect for Output) and InDesign (Package) when submitting a project—both generate a basic preflight report, which warns of font and image issues. Make sure you have used the actual fonts from the font menu, not simply applied a style, such as “Italic,” from the style menu.

It’s also up to you to provide the very best files you can, with all changes made, and a full-size hard copy proof. If you send a PDF along with your application files, check the PDF against the laser proof for consistency and accuracy. Indicate the For Position Only (FPO) images that need to be replaced with high-resolution or retouched versions. Include crop and size instructions for any images your printer will be scanning. Make sure your files are free of viruses.