What is a Preflight Checklist? Tips for Successful Print Design

Just as a pilot would perform a number of system checks before take-off, a graphic designer will conduct their own set of checks before package and delivery of your print design project.  This preflight process is crucial to ensure proper printing.


Prefer video? Watch 'What is a Preflight Checklist? Tips for Successful Print Design' on Skyberry's YouTube channel.

What is a preflight checklist?

Preflight for print design is a process where a graphic designer will examine all the components that make up the project and compare them against a set of potential issues. 

If the preflight is not completed, you may have delays in printing, poor print quality in the finished piece, or in some cases printing may be impossible.

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During preflight, if items "pass" the checklist, the project can move on to package and delivery.  If items "fail", the designer should correct those issues before proceeding. 

Is there a preflight checklist included in my design program?

Professional design programs may offer some scale of preflight checking automatically when you get ready to package your project, such as Adobe InDesign. However, a good designer will run the softwares included preflight and run through their own checklist manually, as the software almost never includes all the item checks for a successful print job.

What happens during Preflight?

Many tasks may be performed during a preflight process. Let's take a look at a sample preflight checklist that your designer may run against your print design project.

#1. Layout & Formatting

Does the document size match the printer specifications? Are bleed elements there? Does the bleed match the printers specs? Are all page elements accounted for? Does content fit within the safety margins? 

#2. Fonts & Text

Are the fonts embedded or is the original font file included? Were fonts converted to outlines where applicable? Are all fonts eligible at 100% scale? Is there any overset text? Are there any hangers in paragraphs (one word on it's own line at the end of a paragraph)?

#3. Images

Are images at sufficient print resolutions? Do any images contain artifacts or unsightly marks? Are images compressed? Are photos rasterized where necessary? Do images fit into their allotted frame? Are there any instances of unexpected image cropping?

#4. Color

Have all unused colors been removed from the document? Is RGB color values used anywhere? Are spot colors indicated? What color swatch library was used? Have all instances of black been converted to rich black?

#5. Effects

Have all transparencies been flattened? Does the file contain layers and are all layers to be printed? Are there any foils or special instructions that need to be relayed to the printer in the instructions document?

How do I ensure quality printing?

When hiring a professional graphic or print designer for your next job, ask if they have a preflight process in place.  If a preflight is not conducted, your print job is at risk for errors, poor print quality or costly reprints. It is also important to make sure you choose a reputable printer and if possible, ask your printer for a list of their printing requirements (including trim, safety and bleed margins, color requirements, accepted file formats, etc.) and send that document to your designer.  If they don't have a list, provide your designer with the printers contact information so they can call to verify any specifics or questions they might have. 

Want to know more? Watch the video

Visit Skyberry on YouTube to watch 'What is a Preflight Checklist? Tips for Successful Print Design', presented by Creative Director, Lacey Johnston.