> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Preflight Checklist

> Complete quality control checklist before sending to print

## What is Preflighting?

**Preflight** = Final quality check before printing, like a pilot's pre-flight checklist.

<Note>
  **Purpose**: Catch errors before they become expensive printed mistakes.

  **Time Required**: 10-30 minutes

  **Value**: Prevents \$500-5000+ in reprints
</Note>

## Why Preflight Matters

**Cost of mistakes**:

* 500 business cards with typo: \$75-150 wasted
* 1000 brochures with low-res image: \$500-1000 wasted
* 10,000 flyers with cut-off text: \$1000-3000 wasted

**Common issues caught**:

* Spelling errors (30% of issues)
* Low-resolution images (25%)
* Incorrect dimensions (15%)
* Missing bleed (10%)
* Text too close to edge (10%)
* Wrong color mode (5%)
* Other (5%)

**Prevention**: 10 minutes of checking saves hours of headaches

## Master Preflight Checklist

### Document Specifications

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="✓ Document Size Correct" icon="ruler">
    **Check**:

    * Frame dimensions include bleed
    * Final size specified correctly
    * Multiple pages in correct order

    **Example** (business card):

    * Final: 3.5" × 2"
    * With bleed: 3.75" × 2.25" ✓

    **How to verify**:

    * Select frame
    * Check width × height in properties
    * Confirm matches specifications

    **Common mistake**: Forgetting to add bleed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Bleed Added" icon="expand">
    **Check**:

    * Bleed amount: 0.125" (3mm) standard
    * All backgrounds extend to frame edges
    * No white gaps at edges

    **Visual test**:

    * Zoom to frame edges
    * Background should extend to edge
    * No white lines visible

    **How to fix**:

    * Extend rectangles/images to frame edges
    * Ensure full coverage

    **Critical**: Prevents white edges after cutting
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Crop Marks Configured" icon="scissors">
    **Check**:

    * Crop marks enabled in export
    * Positioned correctly (outside design)
    * Visible but not interfering

    **In Printery**:

    * Document tab → Crop Marks: ✓ Enabled

    **Verify in PDF**:

    * Open exported PDF
    * Crop marks visible at corners ✓

    **Purpose**: Shows printer where to cut
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Safety Zone Respected" icon="shield">
    **Check**:

    * All important content 0.25" (6mm) from trim
    * Text inside safety zone
    * Logos inside safety zone
    * Critical elements protected

    **How to check**:

    * Create guide 0.25" from trim edge
    * Verify all text/logos inside

    **What's OK outside**:

    * Backgrounds
    * Decorative elements
    * Non-critical graphics

    **Critical**: Prevents content being cut off
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Content Review

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="✓ Spelling & Grammar" icon="spell-check">
    **Check ALL text**:

    * Headlines
    * Body copy
    * Contact information
    * Fine print
    * Everything!

    **Method 1**: Read carefully

    * Read forward (normal)
    * Read backward (catches typos)

    **Method 2**: Fresh eyes

    * Ask someone else to review
    * Professional proofreader if critical

    **Method 3**: Tools

    * Grammarly
    * Spell checker
    * Read aloud (hear errors)

    **Common errors**:

    * Typos
    * Wrong phone numbers
    * Outdated information
    * Incorrect dates

    **⚠️ Most expensive mistake**: Misspelled names
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Contact Information Accurate" icon="address-card">
    **Verify**:

    * Phone number (call it!)
    * Email address (send test email)
    * Website URL (visit it)
    * Physical address (Google it)
    * Social media handles

    **Double-check**:

    * Country code if international
    * Extension numbers
    * Spelling of company name

    **Test everything**: Don't assume it's correct

    **Critical**: Wrong contact info = useless marketing
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Dates & Times Correct" icon="calendar">
    **Check**:

    * Event dates
    * Deadlines
    * Expiration dates
    * Hours of operation

    **Verify**:

    * Day of week matches date
    * Month/day not swapped
    * Year correct (not last year!)
    * Time zones if applicable

    **Example**:

    ```
    ✗ March 15, 2024 (Saturday)
       → March 15, 2024 is Friday!

    ✓ March 15, 2024 (Friday) → Correct
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Legal/Regulatory Requirements" icon="scale-balanced">
    **If applicable, verify**:

    **Food/beverage**:

    * Nutrition facts
    * Ingredient list (correct order)
    * Allergen warnings
    * Net weight
    * Country of origin

    **General products**:

    * Required disclaimers
    * Copyright notices
    * Trademark symbols (™, ®)
    * Legal text

    **Consult**: Legal professional if unsure

    **Critical**: Legal compliance required
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Barcodes Functional" icon="barcode">
    **If included**:

    * Correct barcode number
    * Adequate size (minimum 1.469" × 1.02" for UPC)
    * High resolution (vector preferred)
    * White background
    * Quiet zone (space around)

    **Test**:

    * Print proof
    * Scan with barcode scanner
    * Verify it works!

    **Common issue**: Low resolution = won't scan
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Design Quality

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="✓ All Images ≥ 300 DPI" icon="image">
    **Critical check**:

    **Use Printery DPI Checker**:

    1. DPI Checker tab
    2. Click "Check All Images"
    3. Review results

    **All images should be**: ≥ 300 DPI ✓

    **If any fail**:

    * Replace with higher resolution
    * Resize smaller in design
    * Remove if not critical

    **Manual calculation**:

    ```
    Effective DPI = Image pixels ÷ Print inches

    Example:
    1200px image printed at 4"
    = 1200 ÷ 4 = 300 DPI ✓
    ```

    **⚠️ Second most common issue**: Low-res images
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Text Readable & Sized Correctly" icon="font">
    **Minimum sizes**:

    * Body text: 9-10pt minimum
    * Fine print: 7-8pt absolute minimum
    * Headlines: 18pt+ for impact

    **Check**:

    * All text readable at actual size
    * No text smaller than 7pt
    * High contrast with background

    **Test**:

    * View at 100% (actual size)
    * Print test on office printer
    * Can you read everything easily?

    **Common issue**: Text too small on business cards
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Fonts Embedded" icon="text">
    **Ensure**:

    * All fonts will be embedded in PDF
    * No missing fonts

    **In Printery**:

    * Export tab → Embed Fonts: ✓ Yes (subset)

    **Verify in PDF**:

    * File → Properties → Fonts
    * All fonts listed with "(Embedded Subset)" ✓

    **Why critical**: Missing fonts = wrong typeface = broken layout
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Colors Print-Ready" icon="palette">
    **Check**:

    * CMYK conversion enabled
    * Correct ICC profile selected
    * Spot colors configured (if applicable)
    * No RGB-only mode

    **In Printery**:

    * Color tab → Convert to CMYK: ✓
    * ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300% (or specified)

    **Verify**:

    * Soft proof if available
    * Colors look reasonable in CMYK

    **Accept**: Some shift from RGB is normal
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Black Handling Correct" icon="circle">
    **Check**:

    * Text uses pure black (K100)
    * Large areas use rich black
    * Auto black handling enabled

    **In Printery**:

    * Color tab → Black Handling: Automatic ✓

    **Visual check**:

    * Text should be sharp, pure black
    * Large backgrounds deep, rich black

    **See**: [Black Handling Guide](/color/black-handling)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ No Overlapping Elements Issues" icon="layer-group">
    **Check for**:

    * Unwanted overlaps
    * Hidden elements
    * Duplicated content
    * Off-canvas objects

    **Clean up**:

    * Delete hidden layers
    * Remove duplicates
    * Organize layer structure

    **Why**: Reduces file size, prevents errors
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Technical Specifications

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="✓ File Format Correct" icon="file-pdf">
    **Check**:

    * PDF format (not JPG, PNG)
    * PDF/X-1a for professional printing
    * All pages included

    **In Printery**:

    * Export tab → Format: PDF/X-1a ✓

    **Verify**:

    * Open PDF
    * File → Properties → Description
    * PDF version and standard shown

    **Standard**: PDF/X-1a for most printing
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Resolution Set to 300 DPI" icon="maximize">
    **Check**:

    * Export DPI: 300

    **In Printery**:

    * Export tab → DPI: 300 ✓

    **Exception**: Large format far viewing (150-200 OK)

    **Verify**:

    * Zoom in PDF to 400%
    * Text should be sharp
    * Images clear

    **Standard**: Always 300 DPI unless specified
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Compression Appropriate" icon="file-zipper">
    **Check**:

    * Compression: 85% (standard)
    * Or 95% (high quality)
    * Not too low (\< 75%)

    **Balance**:

    * Quality vs file size
    * 85% is sweet spot

    **High quality work**: 95% compression

    **File size limits**: Printer may have max (often 50-100MB)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Transparency Flattened" icon="layer-group">
    **If using PDF/X-1a**:

    * Transparency must be flattened
    * Auto-enabled in Printery

    **Check**:

    * Export tab → Flatten Transparency: ✓

    **Why**: PDF/X-1a doesn't support live transparency

    **Alternative**: PDF/X-3 if transparency needed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Overprint Settings Correct" icon="layer-group">
    **Check**:

    * Auto black overprint enabled
    * No unwanted overprints

    **In Printery**:

    * Export tab → Overprint Black: ✓ Automatic

    **Verify in PDF** (Adobe Acrobat):

    * View → Overprint Preview
    * Check appearance

    **See**: [Overprint Guide](/color/overprint)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### PDF Verification

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="✓ PDF Opens Correctly" icon="file-pdf">
    **Test**:

    * Open exported PDF
    * No errors on opening
    * All pages load

    **If errors**: Re-export

    **Viewer**: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or Pro
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Crop Marks Visible" icon="scissors">
    **Visual check**:

    * Open PDF
    * Crop marks at all 4 corners ✓
    * Clear and readable
    * Outside design area

    **If missing**: Re-export with crop marks enabled
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Bleed Present in PDF" icon="expand">
    **Visual check**:

    * Zoom to edges
    * Design extends to page edge
    * No white borders visible

    **Page size**:

    * Should be larger than trim size
    * Example: 3.75" × 2.25" (not 3.5" × 2")

    **If missing**: Design doesn't extend to bleed, fix and re-export
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Text Sharp When Zoomed" icon="search-plus">
    **Test**:

    * Zoom to 200-400%
    * Text should be crisp, clean edges
    * No pixelation

    **If blurry**:

    * Check DPI setting
    * Ensure fonts embedded
    * Re-export if needed

    **All text types**: Headlines, body, fine print
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Images Clear When Zoomed" icon="image">
    **Test**:

    * Zoom to 200-400%
    * Images should be clear
    * No visible pixels or blockiness

    **If pixelated**:

    * Image below 300 DPI
    * Replace with higher resolution
    * Re-export

    **Check all images**: Especially photos
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ Colors Look Reasonable" icon="palette">
    **Soft proof** (if available):

    * View → Proof Setup → Custom
    * Select CMYK profile
    * Enable "Simulate Paper Color"

    **Check**:

    * Major color shifts?
    * Acceptable appearance?

    **Remember**: Screen ≠ print (soft proof is approximate)

    **Best check**: Physical proof
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="✓ File Size Appropriate" icon="weight">
    **Check**:

    * Not too large (> 100MB may be issue)
    * Not suspiciously small (may indicate problems)

    **Typical sizes**:

    * Business card: 1-5 MB
    * Flyer: 3-10 MB
    * Brochure (8 pages): 10-30 MB
    * Catalog (50+ pages): 30-100 MB

    **Too large**: Increase compression or optimize images

    **Too small**: May be missing content or wrong DPI
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Quick 5-Minute Check

**If short on time**, minimum checks:

1. **Open PDF**: Opens without errors ✓
2. **Spell check**: No typos in visible text ✓
3. **Contact info**: Phone/email/website correct ✓
4. **Crop marks**: Visible at corners ✓
5. **Zoom in**: Text and images sharp ✓

**Better than**: No check at all

**But**: Full checklist recommended

## Preflight Tools

### Printery DPI Checker

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Checker">
    In Printery plugin → DPI Checker tab
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Check">
    Click "Check All Images"

    Wait for analysis
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Results">
    **Green**: All images ≥ 300 DPI ✓

    **Yellow/Red**: Some images below 300 DPI

    List shows:

    * Image name
    * Effective DPI
    * Status
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fix Issues">
    For low-res images:

    * Replace with higher resolution
    * Resize smaller in design
    * Re-check until all green
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Adobe Acrobat Preflight

**If you have Acrobat Pro**:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open PDF in Acrobat Pro">
    File → Open → Select your PDF
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Preflight">
    Tools → Print Production → Preflight

    Or: `Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + X`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Profile">
    **Choose**:

    * "Digital Print (P-SL)" or
    * "PDF/X-1a compliance" or
    * Custom profile from printer

    Click "Analyze"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Results">
    **Green checkmarks**: Pass ✓

    **Yellow warnings**: Review

    **Red errors**: Must fix

    Click items for details
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate Report">
    Optional: Create PDF report

    Documents issues found

    Share with printer if needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common Issues & Fixes

### Issue 1: Low-Resolution Images

**Problem**: Images below 300 DPI

**Detection**: DPI Checker shows red/yellow

**Fix**:

1. Find higher resolution version of image
2. Replace in Figma
3. Re-export
4. Re-check DPI

**Prevention**: Only use high-res images from start

***

### Issue 2: Text Cut Off at Edges

**Problem**: Important text too close to trim

**Detection**: Visual check, content near edges

**Fix**:

1. Move text inside safety zone (0.25" from trim)
2. Reduce text size if needed
3. Reorganize layout

**Prevention**: Use safety zone guides from start

***

### Issue 3: Missing Bleed

**Problem**: White gaps at edges after cutting

**Detection**: Design doesn't extend to frame edges

**Fix**:

1. Extend backgrounds to full frame size
2. Ensure all edge elements reach bleed
3. Re-export

**Prevention**: Design with bleed from beginning

***

### Issue 4: Wrong Dimensions

**Problem**: Frame size incorrect

**Detection**: Measure frame in Figma

**Fix**:

1. Create new frame with correct size
2. Copy design into new frame
3. Adjust as needed
4. Re-export

**Prevention**: Confirm specs before starting

***

### Issue 5: Fonts Not Embedded

**Problem**: PDF missing font data

**Detection**: PDF properties show fonts not embedded

**Fix**:

1. Enable font embedding in export settings
2. Re-export PDF
3. Verify fonts embedded in PDF properties

**Prevention**: Always enable font embedding

## Printer-Specific Checks

### Before Submitting to Printer

**Verify you have**:

* [ ] Printer's specifications document
* [ ] Correct ICC profile (if specified)
* [ ] File format requirements (PDF/X-1a usually)
* [ ] File naming conventions
* [ ] Delivery method (upload, email, etc.)

**Communicate**:

* [ ] Quantity
* [ ] Paper type
* [ ] Finish (gloss, matte, etc.)
* [ ] Any special requirements
* [ ] Timeline

**Ask if unsure**:

* Acceptable file size limits
* Crop marks needed?
* Color mode (CMYK, RGB+profile, spot colors)
* Proof options available

## Final Approval Checklist

**Before clicking "Send"**:

### Design Review

* [ ] Spelling checked (multiple times)
* [ ] Contact information verified
* [ ] Dates/times correct
* [ ] All content accurate and final
* [ ] Client/stakeholder approved design

### Technical Review

* [ ] Document size correct (with bleed)
* [ ] All images ≥ 300 DPI
* [ ] Text readable (minimum sizes met)
* [ ] Fonts embedded
* [ ] Colors converted to CMYK
* [ ] ICC profile correct
* [ ] Black handling configured
* [ ] Resolution 300 DPI
* [ ] PDF format correct (PDF/X-1a)

### Export Verification

* [ ] PDF opens without errors
* [ ] Crop marks visible
* [ ] Bleed present
* [ ] Text sharp when zoomed
* [ ] Images clear when zoomed
* [ ] File size appropriate
* [ ] All pages included (if multi-page)

### Pre-Production

* [ ] Physical proof ordered (recommended)
* [ ] Proof reviewed and approved
* [ ] Printer specifications met
* [ ] Quantity confirmed
* [ ] Timeline confirmed
* [ ] Payment arranged

**All checked?** ✅ **Ready to print!**

## Emergency Fixes

**If you find an error after submitting**:

**Contact printer IMMEDIATELY**:

* Explain the error
* Provide corrected file
* Ask if production started

**Before production starts**: Usually can swap file

**After production starts**: May incur fees or have to accept error

**Prevention**: Thorough preflight before submitting!

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Design to Print Workflow" icon="diagram-project" href="/tutorials/design-to-print">
    Complete workflow guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="DPI & Resolution" icon="image" href="/basics/dpi-resolution">
    Understanding image quality
  </Card>

  <Card title="Working with Printers" icon="print" href="/tutorials/working-with-printers">
    Printer communication
  </Card>

  <Card title="Common Issues" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting/faq">
    Troubleshooting guide
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Warning>
  **The Cost of Skipping Preflight**: 10 minutes of checking can save \$1000+ in reprints. Always preflight!
</Warning>