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PDF CHECKLIST

PDF’s are a great electronic format to submit for printing. However, not all pdf writers and programs perform the same way. To help make pdf creation and submission easier and avoid some of the common problems that tend to pop up, we’ve compiled a checklist. Please review the following questions to determine if your job is ready to advance to the pdf-making/file submission stage.

IF ANY OF ANSWERS ARE "NO", PLEASE CONTACT THE ART DEPARTMENT OR CSR BEFORE YOU UPLOAD YOUR PDF FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE

A Cromapro proof is generated for files that are ready to print. Since all files are processed direct-to-plate, this is the last opportunity to check file integrity and catch an error prior to plating. For example, many of the pdf’s that are generated from a writer other than Acrobat Professional suffer from font substitution errors. Improper file size and lack of bleed is the next issue. Most of these errors could be prevented by following the steps below. Submitted pdf’s are assumed to be ready to print so editorial changes need to be made prior to sending to us for processing.


Has the pdf been reviewed by all parties involved?

Has the pdf gone through the final proof and edit?

Was the pdf created with Adobe Acrobat Professional?

Was the pdf created with a “free” pdf writer?
(Warning—check for font substitution when reviewing Cromapro proof!)

Have you opened the pdf you made to verify it matches your document?

Does the document size match what you’ve requested the CSR to quote?
(For example: If the job is to print 5.5 x 8.5, then the file submitted should be that size not, for example, 8.5 X 11.)

If the job folds, have you confirmed the panels are the correct size for proper folding? (See pages 12 & 13 of Pre-Press 101.

If the job requires ink to run to the edge of the paper, was “bleed” added to the pdf?
(For example: If the job will be 8.5 x 11, then the pdf size needs to be 8.75 x 11.25. If it does not have the correct amount of bleed, the file will not be usable.)

Have the fonts have been converted to outlines or paths?
Programs that do this: Illustrator, Indesign, and Freehand. All of the other software programs DO NOT.

WARNING: There could be a font substitution that we may not be made aware of--especially with any of the Microsoft programs.

If color work: Have all photos, graphics or any other links have been opened and converted to CMYK format?
If RGB files exist within the document, there is a chance that the colors will not print correctly--regardless of how it looked on the monitor or inkjet printer.

If you don’t have the programs to do this correctly, one option we have is to open the pdf in Photoshop and convert the file to a CMYK PSD file and import into a layout program.* The downside to doing this is everything will be four color process, including “black” text. There is a risk of mis-registration or “fuzzy” type.

Was PRESS QUALITY selected when the pdf was made?
Pdf’s generated with “smallest file size” may not have enough resolution.
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Graphic Department

Pre-Press FAQs