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Prepress Checklist

Checklist to ensure design print-ready status before handing off to prepress.

Project Info

Progress

0%0/13

File Basics

0/3
File Format (AI/PDF)
High

Must be a vector source file or PDF/X-1a compliant

💡 Avoid Office-generated artwork; outline or embed all fonts
File Naming Convention
Med

Include brand_product_size_date_version

💡 Example: Brand_Product_Box_20241001_v2.pdf
Package Links & Fonts
High

AI files must be packaged with linked images and fonts

💡 Prevents missing-image or missing-font errors

Size & Structure

0/3
Flat Size & Die-line
High

Confirm the die-line dimensions match the physical sample

💡 Lock-bottom and tuck-flap structures need a white mock-up proof
3mm Bleed
High

All color blocks and images must extend 3mm past the die-line

💡 Prevents white edges from die-cutting drift
Safety Margin
Med

Keep text at least 3mm-5mm from the trim edge

💡 Avoids text being cut off or sitting too close to the edge

Color Control

0/3
CMYK Mode
High

All images and color blocks must be CMYK

💡 RGB prints dull and dark, causing severe color shift
Spot Color (Pantone)
High

Confirm whether spot channels are kept or converted to process

💡 Foil and UV finishes are normally indicated on a spot channel
Black Text K100
Med

Small black text should be single-channel black (C0 M0 Y0 K100)

💡 Prevents four-color black from ghosting due to misregistration

Image Check

0/2
300 DPI Resolution
High

All raster images must reach 300 DPI

💡 Low-resolution images print blurry
Linked Images Updated
High

Confirm all linked images are current and none are missing

💡 The AI Links panel should show no red warnings

Finishing Confirmation

0/2
Finishing Layers Separated
High

Foil, UV and emboss need their own layers, in register

💡 Do not set overprint on finishing layers unless intentional
Barcode Scannability
High

Barcode must be single black, vector, with adequate quiet zone

💡 Meet the required grade; avoid unreadable combinations like black bars on red
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