Prepress Checklist: What to Do Before You Print

Before your design ever touches paper, it must pass through one of the most important stages in printing—prepress. This behind-the-scenes process ensures your artwork is technically perfect, visually accurate, and ready for flawless reproduction. Whether you’re printing labels, brochures, or packaging, following a precise prepress checklist is the secret to professional, high-quality results.

One of the first steps is verifying your color mode. Designs intended for print must be created or converted in CMYK—the four-color process used by printers. If your file is still in RGB, colors may appear dull or drastically different once printed. A simple switch to CMYK ensures color accuracy and brand consistency.

Next, attention must be given to image resolution. For clear and detailed output, all graphics should be set to 300 DPI (dots per inch). Anything lower may appear pixelated, especially on sharp, high-quality materials. Zoom in on your artwork and ensure every element retains crispness, especially photos and logos.

Another critical but often overlooked step is adding bleed and margin safety zones. A bleed area (typically 3mm beyond the trim line) allows your design to extend past the edge of the printed page, preventing any unwanted white borders. Likewise, keep important text and visuals within a safe margin to avoid them being clipped during cutting.

For typography, make sure to embed fonts or convert them into outlines. This prevents unexpected font substitutions if your printer doesn’t have the same typefaces installed. In the same vein, all images and assets should be either embedded or correctly linked in the file to ensure nothing is missing.

When your file is fully prepared, export it as a print-ready PDF—including crop marks and bleed settings. Flatten all layers, review for typographic or alignment errors, and ensure color profiles are embedded for consistency across machines. It’s also wise to check your printer’s specific prepress guidelines for format preferences.

Conclusion

Prepress is more than a technicality—it’s a commitment to quality. A well-prepared file not only speeds up production but also enhances your brand’s credibility through precise, polished results. By treating prepress as a vital step rather than an afterthought, you ensure your print materials reflect the professionalism and care that went into their creation. After all, in print, the difference is always in the details.

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