Digital PrePress Checklist
Digital Prepress…the most complicated part of printing for both printers and designers alike. Common Problems: missing fonts, low resolution photos, files saved and packaged incorrectly. Oh my!
The next time you design a project and submit it to your local printer, take a peek at this list and your life and your printer’s job should be much easier! It might even be cheaper because your files were submitted correctly.
When creating documents to send for digital output, please ensure that:
- The document dimensions are correct and at the right size for output.
- All images are correctly positioned and linked.
- Logos or graphics created in programs like Illustrator, have all type converted to paths or outlines.
- In your page layout program, the status of all imported pictures or links should be “ok.”
- You have only used fonts that you intended to use for output.
- All unused colors have been deleted.
- The pasteboard’s surrounding all design pages are empty.
- All document bleeds have been extended at least 1/8″ beyond the desired finished size of your project.
- All documents have been proof-read and double-checked before submission. Have a friend proof read it!
Design & Pre-Press Checklist:
- Do not use Publisher or Quark. Stick to Adobe Products for ease of use.
- Remember, Photoshop is for photos. Illustrator is for illustrations. InDesign is for Page Layout.
- Do not enlarge images beyond 120% of original size when placing it in your document.
- Do not use images downloaded from Google. Read second sections of post.
- Do not use compression methods (i.e. LZW or JPEG) on placed images for output.
- Do not use RGB images whenever possible. Convert them to CMYK.
Before submitting files, please make sure that you have included:
- All fonts required to process and print the document.
- All attached EPS and/or TIFF/JPG files.
- Final laser prints of all document pages.
Command Something New
Guess what I found today? Atmostheory! I have always enjoyed scouring the web and coming across something new and extremely creative. These posters are nothing overly complex but the idea behind them are amazing. Most people work a lifetime to create something truly original. Which is your favorite?
Available for purchase at My Little Underground. Throw a little love to the original artist.

Common Misconceptions in Graphic Design and Printing
“Why does it always look different on my screen? A client might ask for a specific Pantone color from their own Pantone swatch book. The designer sets the file exactly as it is required, yet when the client sees an example on their computer monitor they are very disappointed that the color isn’t the same or even close. Why is that?

Clients From Hell
Clients From Hell is a collection of anonymously contributed client horror stories from designers. Excellent resource for a daily chuckle.
Personal favorites:
- Can you please remove the iStockPhoto watermark on the photos? I don’t think it adds anything visually.
- Can you bill your design time in 6 minute increments?
- How late can I get you the revisions and still have it ASAP?

Who Reads Your Tweets?
No-One Reads Your Stupid Tweets
The truth hurts, but people need to know it. Even if you’re being (slightly) immature about it. I am currently accepting any and all monetary donations if you feel this would make a great gift for me for the upcoming holidays. Read more