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Pre-flight Checklist for Printing
Pre-flighting is the process of checking a design file for inefficiencies/errors and making sure it’s set-up correctly before before sending it to print or final production. Preparation for printed jobs ranges according to the complexity of a project, but there are some fundamental things you should check before you send each print job to ensure that you are producing the intended outcome. Processes vary according to the design software you may use, but the principles remain the same. Here are some high level suggestions for how to prepare your file for print.
Make sure the file is high resolution
· Your design overall file should be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) in most cases
· All images included should be 300dpi or as close to that as possible at full size (to avoid pixellation). Vector graphics work great for printing as well.
· For large format printing like signage, adhere to the print vendor’s specifications (may range between 100 and 150 dpi at full scale, but double check with the vendor to make sure).
· Beware of images randomly taken from the Internet and/or cell phones. They could be low resolution / low quality imagery! Stock photography or high quality original photography is the preferred route.
