DTP Electronic Pre-Flight Checklist
A few things you should check over
while you and your file are still on the ground

Questions to ask BEFORE you prepare the files:

  • Is your service provider's software (including version) compatible with yours?
  • Does the output that can be provided meet your needs?
  • What different types of media can the service provider support?
  • What modem protocols does the service provider support?
  • What font libraries does the service provider support?
  • Should the service provider or I do trapping on the files?
  • Should the file be prepared as printer or reader spreads?

Proofs

  • Supply a composite proof (laser or color) at 100% size of the FINAL file provided for output.
  • For color jobs, in addition to a composite color proof, also supply separated laser proofs of each color and indicate color identification on each sheet created by the application.

Acceptable graphic formats

  • Submit only TIFF or EPS file formats regardless of platform.
  • Convert color graphics files from RGB to CMYK including any nested or embedded elements.
  • Unacceptable file formats for the imagesetter output: PICT, PAINT, RGB TIFF, RGB EPS, Quick Time, Single file CMYK EPS.

Note: embedding unacceptable formats in an OK format does not make the resulting file OK. Also, duotones and files with clipping paths must be supplied as EPS.

Am I sure the file for output is complete and correct?
Have I . . .

  • Included all the application files and source files including EPS files?
  • Included all the display and printer fonts used in the file?
  • Removed any extraneous versions or files from the medium that don't pertain to the job being output?
  • Included complete fonts for type faces I've modified from library faces and given them a different name from the library font?
  • Named all FPO images for APR with the same names as the scanned images?

Have I forgotten anything?

Always include Precision Printing's imaging form with your electroinc file.The imaging form should include the following information:

  • applications used (including version number)
  • file names
  • directories
  • fonts used
  • graphics used
  • spot or process colors used
  • due date
  • contact name including business and after hours phone numbers

Do I have the rights on all the copyrightable material I've used in the file?

Did I make a backup file and retain it?

File compression considerations

  • In draw programs have I limited anchor points to the fewest possible to minimize ripping problems?
  • Have I incorrectly used the Style menu for type styles (bold, italic, etc.) rather than correctly using the actual "Font" menu?
  • Have I established crop marks correctly from the page setup or preferences and not placed them manually?
  • Have I included overwork for bleeds outside of the crop area?

Some things that don't always appear as they seem

  • Laser proofs of a file do not always output the same way as an imagesetter.
  • Monitor images do not match hard proof images.
  • All digital proofing devices do not output color hues and values the same way.

Responsibilities: File Originator

  • Provide complete files that can be run within acceptable ripping times.
  • Provide all necessary information that permits efficient running of files.
  • Provide ease of contact with originator and service provider should problems arise.

Responsibilities: Service Provider

  • Establish norms for ripping times for various jobs as a benchmark.
  • Establish costs for author's alterations done at the customer's request.
  • Establish procedures for prompt customer contact when problems are discovered.

What is included in the Service Provider's Base Costs?

  • Installing fonts listed on order form included with job.
  • Setting up applications to run customer file based on client supplied information.
  • Cursory file examination (look for obvious problems that show up when file is viewed on the monitor).
  • Quality control to meet specified printing requirements.
  • Final image output.
  • Redo due to vendor error.

What is not usually included in Service Provider's Base Cost?

  • Trapping
  • Scanning
  • File editing including conversion of RGB to CMYK
  • Creating laser proofs if not supplied with file.
  • Additional time associated with jobs containing incomplete or missing elements.
  • Color proofing of final film or output

Electronic Preflight Checklist
Courtesy of Precision Printing

Text reprinted with permission from the
Printing Industries of Northern California
and has been endorsed by the
Printing Industries of Ohio and Northern Kentucky.