File Preparation: The Flawless File Preparation Checklist

The "Flawless File Preparation" Checklist

If you're not sure if you are preparing your files correctly for "flawless" results on press, refer to this comprehensive checklist before collecting and sending the files for your next print project. If you have questions about any recommendation mentioned here, browse through our In-Depth File Preparation articles. If you prefer, consult your Sales Rep or feel free to contact our digital prepress department with any questions you may have.

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General Project & Document Considerations
	Flat size does not exceed size limitations of our imagesetter or presses.
	Unwanted items have been deleted, not covered with a white box.
	1/8" bleed and trim properly applied?
	Linked image files verified and updated? [ More Info ]
	Panel sizes and fold lines clearly indicated?
	Document page size is 100% of final trim size?
	If diecutting, is your dieline file included and indicated on your proofs?
	If your project foils or embosses, have you followed our file preparation recommendations for die art creation and FPO placement? [ More Info ]
	If your project contains multiple pages, is your document built as single pages (not spreads)?
	If your project is Lenticular Plastic, have you followed our file preparation recommendations? [ More Info ]
	If your project is Clear Rigid Vinyl or Clear Static Cling, have you followed our file preparation recommendations? [ More Info ]
	Have you verified that your art was created in an application that is compatible with those listed in our Digital Prepress Equipment & Capabilites OR supplied as a reliable PostScript or correctly-formatted Press-Ready PDF file? [ More Info ]

Graphic Elements and Linked Images
	Are borders and rules properly built?
	No "hairlines" (less than .5pt) used?
	Image nesting avoided?
	Is the flatness value of your clipping paths and vector art properly set?
	Placed images are at 100% of output size?
	Placed images are scaled and/or rotated in their source application? [ More Info ]
	Blends and gradients properly built in Illustrator?
	Any UPC codes placed have been correctly built and electronically verified?
	Text used in placed images spell-checked and converted to outlines?
	Hi-Res raster images are at least 225 ppi and no more than 300 ppi? [ More Info ]
	Placed image file formats are correct? [ More Info ]
	Trapping vs Overprinting considerations have been made?
	FPO images clearly indicated as such? [ More Info ]
	Were page-to-page cross-over images placed by "X&Y coordinates" and verified as accurate?

Color Space Considerations
	No RGB images or colors used in document or placed files?
	Color space of placed images either Greyscale, CMYK or PMS spot color with attention to Separations On/Off? [ More Info ]
	Rich Black process builds use correct percentages (C:60% / M:40% / Y:20% / K: 100% ) and used where appropriate?
	Color names used in placed images match those used in your page layout application?
	Unused colors deleted?
	Process color build values used in different applications are the same percentages?
	Have trapping/butting color considerations been made?
	Are duotone (EPS) or process + spot color images (DCS) correctly built? [ More Info ]
	Any special colors such as spot varnish, varnish tints, flourescent or metallics clearly indicated as such?
	If metallics are used, has overprinting been avoided?
	Have the limitations of CMYK procees color builds vs Pantone spot color swatches been discussed and understood? [ More Info ]
	If printing on clear plastic media, have the limitations of transparent inks and/or Litho White inks been discussed and understood? [ More Info ]

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