Preflight Check - Common Problems in Output

1. Character error or missing

2. Image color matching problem

3. Binding issues

4. The file is incomplete or does not work

5. The size of EPS and TIFF files is too large in the full-page layout program

6. Small color areas are not converted to the correct color mode

7. File format (may cause output confusion)

8. The TIFF file is not converted from the red, green and blue mode to the yellow, magenta, cyan and black four-color mode

9. Insufficient bleeding

10. The storage media used previously was not formatted.

Have you ever encountered any of the above problems? Here are some of the situations summarized for you.

1. Whether the characters used in the printing are indicated

All characters should be marked with their name, version, number, and font (TrueType or Postscript). Make sure you select the real character from the character menu (such as GaramondBold), not a style such as "bold" from the style menu. Also ask your prepress service provider or printer about the character file requirements. In some RIPs, interference between TrueType and Type1 Postscript characters can cause character substitution and string bitting.

2. Have all colors been converted from red, green, and blue to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black?

If you do not convert the image to yellow-magenta-cyan-black mode in your electronic file, the printed image may be black and white or have an unacceptable color cast. Remember to name all colors in the file, and ensure that the image colors designed and introduced in the image processing program also use the same names.

Unless you plan to print small color blocks or common colors with spot color inks, you should definitely use the yellow-magenta-cyan-black setting mode for all colors. As long as the full-page layout program allows, small color block areas should also be converted to the color mode.

3. Is bleeding printing possible when necessary?

It is very convenient to implement image bleed in a full-page layout program, but it is relatively time-consuming and expensive when printing.

4. Have you considered the original proofing of the file?

A black and white laser printout or color proof of the final document should be delivered. If the document is delivered to the printing service provider via telephone line and modem, be sure to fax the laser print proof or deliver the proof proof at the same time. Make sure the proof is obtained from the same electronic file delivered to the printing service provider or printer.

If the page is too large to print a full-size proof at the same size as the actual size, be sure to mark the reduction ratio on the proof. For color work, print a color separation proof (in black and white) on a laser printer. In addition to providing the printer with color proofs, you should also provide color separation proofs, making sure that each color separation proof is correctly marked with the color. Check the color separation proofs for the correct color separation and the number of colors in the separation. If a black and white composite proof is provided, clearly mark each part printed in different colors.

5. Are all precautions marked?

Your name, address and contact number should be clearly written on the disk, portable media, printed proofs and samples. In short, all documents or media delivered to the printing service provider or printer should be clearly marked. At the same time, you should give the printing service provider or printer a list of all the documents or media you delivered.