The file pre-flighting process is performed in two stages. We use PitStop Pro – specialized software for checking and correcting PDF files, which has a built-in algorithm for automatic checking of particular parameters. Afterward, your files are being checked by our prepress experts. This is a mandatory step as only a prepress professional can find specific errors and discrepancies incompatible with the perfect printing.
I. Automated control and verification with software
1. The page format and if there are different pages;
2. Chromaticity – if used colors are different from CMYK;
3. Presence of texts or other graphic elements near the knife (preferably 5 mm but not less than 3 mm);
4. Used fonts;
5. Photo resolutions in dpi/ppi;
6. Text overprint;
7. Inking/Ink coverage (for 1 color book over 100%, in CMYK – over 300%).
II. Manual check and correction from an expert (can’t be done by software)
1. Checking the actual format;
2. Chromaticity corresponds to the order;
2.1. The Pantones reference are equal with those indicated in the order;
2.2. Is the text 100% black;
2.3. If there is a gray text in CMYK (it is recommended to transform it as a percentage of black to avoid color shades)
2.4. Pages designed with color frames – the color mode is identical on all pages to avoid color difference
3. Check texts and illustrations near the cut. If text or vector illustration is Converted to curves – the Pitstop does not indicate that it is near the cut;
4. If the book is stapled or sewn-glued there must be at least 7mm margin from the cutting edge;
5. The fonts have to be embedded/integrated, 6. Check for photos with a shadow, which also is a photo (if there is white on the edge it will make difference with the shadow);
7. For comics we check the format of the photos (jpg, bmp …) and their resolution in dpi/ppi;
8. Overprinting of black frames and texts positioned over images or colored frames;
9. Pantone overprint;
10. Check if on high resolution images the quality is low (high resolution does not always guarantee good quality image)
11. Expanding/canvas photos and color frames to prevent from cutting/edge lost;
12. Fine alignment of images and color frames on double pages – inside pages facing each other;
13. Fine alignment of images and color frames or between the book block and the cover;;
14. Page numbers are placed on the same place on all book pages;
15. Indexes in shapes and page numbers are the same and placed on the same place in some or all book pages;
16. Identical margins and block text on every page;
17. For required formats 170/240; 110/180 and some other formats within the limits, verification of the existence of a white margin/space on the outer edges (we can’t put the photo to the cutting edge);
18. If there are photos with frames – check if all frames are identical (colors and dimensions);
19. Does the image fill the frame (does it touch the edges of the frame);
20. For the color body – whether the black and white/BW photos are in CMYK;
21. “Moiré” – the printed pattern of dots can interfere with the image (when we scan/shoot objects/photos with cloth texture);
22. Print elements that are positioned on the crease or the gutter;
23. Barcode and/or ISBN of the inner body and the cover must be identical (if applicable);
24. Barcode chromaticity (black and white BW are preferred to avoid color shades/shadows);
25. Date and existence of completed print information (if applicable);
26. White margin/frame between second and third cover for gluing of the back properly;
27. UA tiny serif font on solid color or photo may become illegible/unreadable;
28. Bidding/enlarging on all sides (inner too) when the body is bound with a spiral.
Please do not hesitate to contact a sales representative if you have any questions about preflight checking and setting the layout.