Graphic Design · Advanced level

Advanced level · Module 4: Print Production and Colour Management · Lesson 1 of 4

Preflight and Print-Ready Files

Catch problems before files reach the printer.

In this lesson you will

  • Preflight a file
  • Export to print standards

Key concepts

preflight checksfonts and imagesPDF/Xoverprint and rich black

The lesson

Preflight checks find missing fonts, low-resolution images, RGB images, missing bleed and thin lines.

Export PDF/X files when the printer requests them; they embed fonts and enforce print-safe settings.

Ask the printer how to set rich black and small black text, and follow their specifications.

Step by step

  1. Run preflight on a file.
  2. Fix each issue.
  3. Export a PDF/X file.
  4. Confirm with the printer.

Practice activity

Preflight the capstone print files.

Expected result: Clean preflight reports and print-ready PDFs.

Check your understanding

  1. Name three preflight problems.

    Show answer

    Missing fonts, low-resolution images, RGB images, missing bleed or thin lines.

  2. Why use PDF/X?

    Show answer

    It enforces print-safe settings and embeds fonts.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.