Preflight Checklist

Preflight Checklist
(courtesy of Morgan Press)

What should designers and document creators check for?

Acceptable graphic file formats and images

Logos, photos, and illustrations saved correctly as either TIFF or EPS. (Unacceptable file formats include PICT, GIF, BMP, WMF.)

JPEG files converted to TIFF. RGB images and photos printing in full color converted to CMYK.

Photoshop EPS files saved using the EPS Options dialog box during the "Save As" process:
Mac: Select Macintosh (8 bits/pixel) Preview and Binary Encoding.
Windows: Select TIFF (8 bits/pixel) Preview and ASCII Encoding.
DO NOT USE JPEG ENCODING, because your file will not print and will require resaving steps.

Each image has a resolution of at least 200-300 pixels per inch (ppi) after enlarging or reducing to proper size.

Images printing in one color supplied in grayscale, bitmap, or spot color mode.

Duotones and files with clipping paths supplied as EPS.

Proper document construction

Page size in the document set-up menu of the file is the exact same size as the piece.

Thin rules specified as 1/4 pt., not "hairline."

Crop marks placed correctly from the page setup or preferences menu and not placed manually.

Panel sizes double-checked and adjusted for folds.

Colors have been assigned in your file by using CMYK values if printing in four-color process or, if printing in spot colors, by using Pantone color numbers or names.

Extra or unused colors deleted from Color Palette of the page layout file.

Colors specified are the same in all applications used to create the document.

Mac users: Fonts correctly assigned using the Font menu instead of incorrectly using the Style menu for type styles (bold, italic, etc.).

A laser proof—printed in Color Separations mode—inspected by the document creator to detect improper color assignments within the file. (You should get the same number of sheets as the number of colors to be printed...e.g., a four-color process page should print exactly four pieces of paper. If more sheets are printed, then a color has been improperly assigned.) Be sure to turn on registration marks and select "Fit in Print Area" so each page will have its color information printed on the laser.

Inclusion of all elements used to create the file

All screen and printer fonts used in the file collected and sent with the layout file.

All original graphic files sent along, just in case editing is required.

Unnecessary versions or files that don't pertain to the job removed.

Clear output instructions

A laser proof of the file printed at 100% (from the final version of the file) to verify the integrity of the file when opened by the prepress staff.

A folding dummy or sample of the completed piece.

Printed directory of the contents of the CD or disk.

Contact name and phone number(s) of the file creator.

What do printers and service providers check for during preflight?

Printers typically include basic preflight costs within the quoted price of projects. This includes a review of everything previously mentioned (by using preflight software and by inspecting the open document on the monitor) plus,

	Verification that the images on the monitor are the same as in the laser proofs provided.
	Elements that need trapping.
	Screen angles.
	Potential banding of color or images.
	Ink coverage.
	Color builds.
	Imposition requirements.

	Noticeable text re-flows.
	Missing images.
	Extraneous elements.
	Images fitting improperly within picture boxes.
	Correct folding allowances.
	Excessive file sizes that may not process.
	Sufficient image resolution to produce good quality photos.

What do printers and service providers consider as "extra services?"

Scanning.

File editing and adjustments, before proofing and after, including conversion of RGB images to CMYK.

Creating laser proofs if not supplied with file.

Additional time associated with jobs containing incomplete or missing elements.

Proofreading.

Color proofing and color adjustments.

Morgan Press uses and recommends Markzware FlightCheck to make preflighting easier. We will provide free installation and training to local clients who purchase Flight Check Collect. Cost is about $180 from your favorite software supplier or directly from www.markzware.com. Please contact your Morgan Press representative to receive a free copy of our recommended "Ground Controls" for FlightCheck or to arrange for free installation and training.

If you have any questions about preflight, just give us a call or send an e-mail.

60 Buckley Circle • Manchester, NH 03109 • TOLL FREE: 888-624-8660
Phone: 603-624-8660 • Fax: 603-624-2770
e-mail: info@morganpress.com • web site: www.morganpress.com