What are the common prepress errors and how can you avoid them with automation?

1 Missing fonts

One of the most frustrating prepress errors is missing fonts. This happens when the fonts used in the design are not embedded or outlined in the file, or when they are not available on the printer's system. Missing fonts can cause the text to be replaced by a default font, which can ruin the appearance and readability of the design. To avoid this error, you should always embed or outline your fonts in your file, or use fonts that are compatible with the printer's system. You can also use automation tools that can check and fix font issues before sending the file to the printer.

2 Low resolution

Another common prepress error is low resolution. This happens when the images or graphics used in the design are not suitable for the printing size and quality. Low resolution can cause the images or graphics to appear blurry, pixelated, or distorted. To avoid this error, you should always use high-resolution images or graphics that match the printing size and quality. You should also avoid scaling or cropping the images or graphics too much, as this can reduce their resolution. You can also use automation tools that can check and optimize the resolution of your file before printing.

3 Incorrect color mode

A third common prepress error is incorrect color mode. This happens when the color mode used in the design is not compatible with the printing method. Color mode refers to the way colors are represented by numbers in a digital file. The most common color modes are RGB (red, green, blue) and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). RGB is used for screen displays, while CMYK is used for printing. Incorrect color mode can cause the colors to appear different or dull on the printed material. To avoid this error, you should always use CMYK color mode for print design, or convert your file from RGB to CMYK before printing. You can also use automation tools that can check and convert the color mode of your file automatically.

4 Improper bleed and trim

A fourth common prepress error is improper bleed and trim. This happens when the design extends beyond the edge of the paper or does not leave enough margin for cutting. Bleed is the extra area of the design that extends beyond the trim line, which is the edge of the paper where the design will be cut. Trim is the space between the trim line and the live area, which is the area of the design that contains the essential elements. Improper bleed and trim can cause the design to be cut off or have unwanted white borders. To avoid this error, you should always follow the printer's specifications for bleed and trim, and use guides and marks to indicate them in your file. You can also use automation tools that can check and adjust the bleed and trim of your file according to the printer's requirements.

5 Inconsistent style and format

A fifth common prepress error is inconsistent style and format. This happens when the design does not follow a consistent and coherent style and format throughout the document, such as fonts, colors, alignment, spacing, margins, headers, footers, and page numbers. Inconsistent style and format can cause the design to look unprofessional and confusing. To avoid this error, you should always use a style guide or template to ensure a consistent and coherent style and format throughout your document. You can also use automation tools that can check and apply style and format rules to your file automatically.

6 How to automate prepress and preflight tasks

As you can see, prepress and preflight tasks can be tedious and time-consuming, but they are essential for ensuring a high-quality print output. Fortunately, you can use automation tools that can help you perform these tasks faster and easier. Automation tools are software or plugins that can check and fix prepress and preflight issues automatically or with minimal input from you. Some examples of automation tools are Adobe Acrobat Pro, Enfocus PitStop Pro, Markzware FlightCheck, and Zevrix Output Factory. These tools can help you save time, money, and hassle by avoiding common prepress errors and ensuring a smooth printing process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?