Print-Ready Checklist: 12 Things to Check Before Sending to the Printer

A small mistake in a print file is repeated across thousands of copies. Printers usually check files, but they can't be expected to catch everything. Going through the 12-point list below in a few minutes before you send the file greatly reduces the risk of a reprint.

File and colour

1. CMYK colour mode: RGB images prepared for screens print differently (usually duller). Convert images and the document to CMYK, and ask your printer which colour profile they recommend.
2. 300 dpi images: images should be at least 300 dpi at their printed size. Low-resolution images taken from the web look pixelated in print.
3. Total ink coverage: if the four colours add up to more than the paper can take in very dark areas, the ink won't dry and pages stick together. Ask the printer for their limit.
4. Black text in black only: build small black text from 100% black (K) only, not four colours. Otherwise it looks blurry if the colours are slightly misregistered.

Layout

5. 3 mm bleed: images and backgrounds that run to the edge must extend 3 mm past each edge.
6. Safe area: text, logos and the QR code should sit at least 3–5 mm inside the trim line.
7. Page count and order: for saddle stitching, the page count must be a multiple of 4. Check page order and blank pages one last time.
8. Binding margin: in thick catalogs, the part of the page near the spine disappears into the fold; keep important elements away from it.

Type and export

9. Embedded fonts: make sure all fonts are embedded in the PDF, or convert text to outlines.
10. Print PDF: use the PDF standard your printer asks for (usually PDF/X), with crop marks and bleed turned on.

Final checks

11. Test the QR code: print a proof at final size and scan the QR code with several phones. Check its size with the QR code size calculator and make sure the address opens the right page.
12. Colour proof: if brand and product colours matter, ask the printer for a proof.

If you're adding video to the photos

If the photos in your catalog will be scanned to play videos, add two more checks:

• Check the photos before printing with the free image test. It shows how well a phone will recognise each photo and flags look-alike photos that could be confused.
• Prefer a matte surface on photo areas where possible; gloss lamination reflects light. For the full list, see how to prepare images phones recognise well.

For size and paper choices see catalog and brochure sizes, and for budgeting catalog printing cost.