Preflight Checklist

File Prep: Printing Setup

Check placement of crop marks and bleed allowances. 1/8" for bleeds is typical but could vary by printer.

File Prep: Font Styles

Use only the actual fonts for bold, italic, and other font styles.
True vs. Fake Italics | True vs. Fake Bold

File Prep: RIP

Avoid problems that keep files from printing by cropping images before placing in document, simplifying blends, avoiding nested graphics.
RIP Errors / Fixes

File Prep: Trapping

Find out in advance who will do trapping on the files and submit accordingly.
Avoid the Need for Trapping

File Prep: Imposition

Find out in advance whether file is to be submitted in reader spreads or printer spreads.

File Prep: Extraneous Elements

Remove references to unused fonts and colors. Remove non-printing items from the pasteboard.

File Submissions: Digital File / Camera Ready Artwork

Use 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.
Sending Files to Your Service Provider
Composite vs. Pre-Separated PostScript or PDF

File Submissions: Fonts

Send 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).
Sending Fonts to Your Service Provider

File Submissions: Graphics

Send 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.
Sending Graphics to Your Service Provider

File Submissions: Media / Transfer Protocol

Label 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.