Preflight:
Make your document ready to fly
from the computer to the press

Definition: Preflight is the process of checking a document before it goes to film. The process makes sure that all the elements are correct and within the demanding specifications of the printing environment.

Just about everything that is checked in preflighting a document is contained on the individual help pages on this site. With that in mind, we will not rehash every detail of every help topic, but will rather list the process which a preflight technician must go through to check a document's suitability for the printing press. Following each preflight item are links to the help pages that expand on that topic.

HOW TECHCOLOR PREFLIGHTS YOUR DOCUMENT

1. Confirm that all fonts and graphics are included with the document, and that no images are "imbedded" in PageMaker or Illustrator.
Related topics: Fonts | Specifications

2. Check to see if the size of the document, as quoted, is the same as the size of the document in the electronic file. Also check if bleeds are required and/or quoted.
Related topics: Bleeds | Paper

3. Check that the ink colors quoted are the same as the ink colors in the document. Also check for inappropriate color spaces (spot colors, rgb, etc.) or screen angles, and confirm that paper quality is sufficient for full-color printing.
Related topics: Separations | CMYK Color Space | RGB Color Space | Spot Colors | Paper

4. In a multi-page document, check for page ordering (reader spreads vs. printer spreads) and page creep.
Related topics: Booklets & Magazines

5. Confirm that trapping is active in the document, and check each color item for trapping exception errors.
Related topics: Trapping

6. Check panel sizes in folded documents.
Related topics: Brochures

7. Open all raster images and check for appropriate color space.
Related topics: Separations | CMYK Color Space | RGB Color Space | Spot Colors

8. Identify ink densities in photos, and evaluate effects of expected dot gain.
Related topics: Dot Gain | Scanning

9. Check resolution of raster images, both before and after scaling in layout program.
Related topics: Resolution | Scanning

10. Check for presence and quality of clipping paths in raster images.

11. Check photos for color castes, dust & scratches, and evaluate overall quality of the image.
Related topics: Color Correcting Photos | Dot Gain |  Scanning

12. Check for trapping requirements in raster images.
Related topics: Trapping

13. Open all bezier, or vector artwork and check for missing fonts or images.
Related topics: Fonts | Scanning | Resolution

14. Check bezier images for appropriate color space.
Related topics: Separations | CMYK Color Space | RGB Color Space | Spot Colors

15. Check ink densities in bezier images, and evaluate effects of expected dot gain.
Related topics: Dot Gain

16. Check for trapping in bezier images.
Related topics: Trapping

17. Print laser copies and laser separations, and compare to proofs supplied by customer.

18. Fax lasers to customer for approval to proceed to film.