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What is Preflighting?

Preflight = Final quality check before printing, like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist.
Purpose: Catch errors before they become expensive printed mistakes.Time Required: 10-30 minutesValue: Prevents $500-5000+ in reprints

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Why Preflight Matters

Cost of mistakes:
  • 500 business cards with typo: $75-150 wasted
  • 1000 brochures with low-res image: $500-1000 wasted
  • 10,000 flyers with cut-off text: $1000-3000 wasted
Common issues caught:
  • Spelling errors (30% of issues)
  • Low-resolution images (25%)
  • Incorrect dimensions (15%)
  • Missing bleed (10%)
  • Text too close to edge (10%)
  • Wrong color mode (5%)
  • Other (5%)
Prevention: 10 minutes of checking saves hours of headaches

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Master Preflight Checklist

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Document Specifications

Check:
  • Frame dimensions include bleed
  • Final size specified correctly
  • Multiple pages in correct order
Example (business card):
  • Final: 3.5” × 2”
  • With bleed: 3.75” × 2.25” ✓
How to verify:
  • Select frame
  • Check width × height in properties
  • Confirm matches specifications
Common mistake: Forgetting to add bleed
Check:
  • Bleed amount: 0.125” (3mm) standard
  • All backgrounds extend to frame edges
  • No white gaps at edges
Visual test:
  • Zoom to frame edges
  • Background should extend to edge
  • No white lines visible
How to fix:
  • Extend rectangles/images to frame edges
  • Ensure full coverage
Critical: Prevents white edges after cutting
Check:
  • Crop marks enabled in export
  • Positioned correctly (outside design)
  • Visible but not interfering
In Print for Figma:
  • Document tab → Crop Marks: ✓ Enabled
Verify in PDF:
  • Open exported PDF
  • Crop marks visible at corners ✓
Purpose: Shows printer where to cut
Check:
  • All important content 0.25” (6mm) from trim
  • Text inside safety zone
  • Logos inside safety zone
  • Critical elements protected
How to check:
  • Create guide 0.25” from trim edge
  • Verify all text/logos inside
What’s OK outside:
  • Backgrounds
  • Decorative elements
  • Non-critical graphics
Critical: Prevents content being cut off

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Content Review

Check ALL text:
  • Headlines
  • Body copy
  • Contact information
  • Fine print
  • Everything!
Method 1: Read carefully
  • Read forward (normal)
  • Read backward (catches typos)
Method 2: Fresh eyes
  • Ask someone else to review
  • Professional proofreader if critical
Method 3: Tools
  • Grammarly
  • Spell checker
  • Read aloud (hear errors)
Common errors:
  • Typos
  • Wrong phone numbers
  • Outdated information
  • Incorrect dates
⚠️ Most expensive mistake: Misspelled names
Verify:
  • Phone number (call it!)
  • Email address (send test email)
  • Website URL (visit it)
  • Physical address (Google it)
  • Social media handles
Double-check:
  • Country code if international
  • Extension numbers
  • Spelling of company name
Test everything: Don’t assume it’s correctCritical: Wrong contact info = useless marketing
Check:
  • Event dates
  • Deadlines
  • Expiration dates
  • Hours of operation
Verify:
  • Day of week matches date
  • Month/day not swapped
  • Year correct (not last year!)
  • Time zones if applicable
Example:
✗ March 15, 2024 (Saturday)
   → March 15, 2024 is Friday!

✓ March 15, 2024 (Friday) → Correct
If included:
  • Correct barcode number
  • Adequate size (minimum 1.469” × 1.02” for UPC)
  • High resolution (vector preferred)
  • White background
  • Quiet zone (space around)
Test:
  • Print proof
  • Scan with barcode scanner
  • Verify it works!
Common issue: Low resolution = won’t scan

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Design Quality

Critical check:Use Print for Figma DPI Checker:
  1. DPI Checker tab
  2. Click “Check All Images”
  3. Review results
All images should be: ≥ 300 DPI ✓If any fail:
  • Replace with higher resolution
  • Resize smaller in design
  • Remove if not critical
Manual calculation:
Effective DPI = Image pixels ÷ Print inches

Example:
1200px image printed at 4"
= 1200 ÷ 4 = 300 DPI ✓
⚠️ Second most common issue: Low-res images
Minimum sizes:
  • Body text: 9-10pt minimum
  • Fine print: 7-8pt absolute minimum
  • Headlines: 18pt+ for impact
Check:
  • All text readable at actual size
  • No text smaller than 7pt
  • High contrast with background
Test:
  • View at 100% (actual size)
  • Print test on office printer
  • Can you read everything easily?
Common issue: Text too small on business cards
Ensure:
  • All fonts will be embedded in PDF
  • No missing fonts
In Print for Figma:
  • Export tab → Embed Fonts: ✓ Yes (subset)
Verify in PDF:
  • File → Properties → Fonts
  • All fonts listed with “(Embedded Subset)” ✓
Why critical: Missing fonts = wrong typeface = broken layout
Check:
  • CMYK conversion enabled
  • Correct ICC profile selected
  • Spot colors configured (if applicable)
  • No RGB-only mode
In Print for Figma:
  • Color tab → Convert to CMYK: ✓
  • ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300% (or specified)
Verify:
  • Soft proof if available
  • Colors look reasonable in CMYK
Accept: Some shift from RGB is normal
Check:
  • Text uses pure black (K100)
  • Large areas use rich black
  • Auto black handling enabled
In Print for Figma:
  • Color tab → Black Handling: Automatic ✓
Visual check:
  • Text should be sharp, pure black
  • Large backgrounds deep, rich black
See: Black Handling Guide
Check for:
  • Unwanted overlaps
  • Hidden elements
  • Duplicated content
  • Off-canvas objects
Clean up:
  • Delete hidden layers
  • Remove duplicates
  • Organize layer structure
Why: Reduces file size, prevents errors

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Technical Specifications

Check:
  • PDF format (not JPG, PNG)
  • PDF/X-1a for professional printing
  • All pages included
In Print for Figma:
  • Export tab → Format: PDF/X-1a ✓
Verify:
  • Open PDF
  • File → Properties → Description
  • PDF version and standard shown
Standard: PDF/X-1a for most printing
Check:
  • Export DPI: 300
In Print for Figma:
  • Export tab → DPI: 300 ✓
Exception: Large format far viewing (150-200 OK)Verify:
  • Zoom in PDF to 400%
  • Text should be sharp
  • Images clear
Standard: Always 300 DPI unless specified
Check:
  • Compression: 85% (standard)
  • Or 95% (high quality)
  • Not too low (< 75%)
Balance:
  • Quality vs file size
  • 85% is sweet spot
High quality work: 95% compressionFile size limits: Printer may have max (often 50-100MB)
If using PDF/X-1a:
  • Transparency must be flattened
  • Auto-enabled in Print for Figma
Check:
  • Export tab → Flatten Transparency: ✓
Why: PDF/X-1a doesn’t support live transparencyAlternative: PDF/X-3 if transparency needed
Check:
  • Auto black overprint enabled
  • No unwanted overprints
In Print for Figma:
  • Export tab → Overprint Black: ✓ Automatic
Verify in PDF (Adobe Acrobat):
  • View → Overprint Preview
  • Check appearance
See: Overprint Guide

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PDF Verification

Test:
  • Open exported PDF
  • No errors on opening
  • All pages load
If errors: Re-exportViewer: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or Pro
Visual check:
  • Open PDF
  • Crop marks at all 4 corners ✓
  • Clear and readable
  • Outside design area
If missing: Re-export with crop marks enabled
Visual check:
  • Zoom to edges
  • Design extends to page edge
  • No white borders visible
Page size:
  • Should be larger than trim size
  • Example: 3.75” × 2.25” (not 3.5” × 2”)
If missing: Design doesn’t extend to bleed, fix and re-export
Test:
  • Zoom to 200-400%
  • Text should be crisp, clean edges
  • No pixelation
If blurry:
  • Check DPI setting
  • Ensure fonts embedded
  • Re-export if needed
All text types: Headlines, body, fine print
Test:
  • Zoom to 200-400%
  • Images should be clear
  • No visible pixels or blockiness
If pixelated:
  • Image below 300 DPI
  • Replace with higher resolution
  • Re-export
Check all images: Especially photos
Soft proof (if available):
  • View → Proof Setup → Custom
  • Select CMYK profile
  • Enable “Simulate Paper Color”
Check:
  • Major color shifts?
  • Acceptable appearance?
Remember: Screen ≠ print (soft proof is approximate)Best check: Physical proof
Check:
  • Not too large (> 100MB may be issue)
  • Not suspiciously small (may indicate problems)
Typical sizes:
  • Business card: 1-5 MB
  • Flyer: 3-10 MB
  • Brochure (8 pages): 10-30 MB
  • Catalog (50+ pages): 30-100 MB
Too large: Increase compression or optimize imagesToo small: May be missing content or wrong DPI

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Quick 5-Minute Check

If short on time, minimum checks:
  1. Open PDF: Opens without errors ✓
  2. Spell check: No typos in visible text ✓
  3. Contact info: Phone/email/website correct ✓
  4. Crop marks: Visible at corners ✓
  5. Zoom in: Text and images sharp ✓
Better than: No check at all But: Full checklist recommended

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Preflight Tools

1

Access Checker

In Print for Figma plugin → DPI Checker tab
2

Run Check

Click “Check All Images”Wait for analysis
3

Review Results

Green: All images ≥ 300 DPI ✓Yellow/Red: Some images below 300 DPIList shows:
  • Image name
  • Effective DPI
  • Status
4

Fix Issues

For low-res images:
  • Replace with higher resolution
  • Resize smaller in design
  • Re-check until all green

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Adobe Acrobat Preflight

If you have Acrobat Pro:
1

Open PDF in Acrobat Pro

File → Open → Select your PDF
2

Run Preflight

Tools → Print Production → PreflightOr: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + X
3

Select Profile

Choose:
  • “Digital Print (P-SL)” or
  • “PDF/X-1a compliance” or
  • Custom profile from printer
Click “Analyze”
4

Review Results

Green checkmarks: Pass ✓Yellow warnings: ReviewRed errors: Must fixClick items for details
5

Generate Report

Optional: Create PDF reportDocuments issues foundShare with printer if needed

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Common Issues & Fixes

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Issue 1: Low-Resolution Images

Problem: Images below 300 DPI Detection: DPI Checker shows red/yellow Fix:
  1. Find higher resolution version of image
  2. Replace in Figma
  3. Re-export
  4. Re-check DPI
Prevention: Only use high-res images from start

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Issue 2: Text Cut Off at Edges

Problem: Important text too close to trim Detection: Visual check, content near edges Fix:
  1. Move text inside safety zone (0.25” from trim)
  2. Reduce text size if needed
  3. Reorganize layout
Prevention: Use safety zone guides from start

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Issue 3: Missing Bleed

Problem: White gaps at edges after cutting Detection: Design doesn’t extend to frame edges Fix:
  1. Extend backgrounds to full frame size
  2. Ensure all edge elements reach bleed
  3. Re-export
Prevention: Design with bleed from beginning

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Issue 4: Wrong Dimensions

Problem: Frame size incorrect Detection: Measure frame in Figma Fix:
  1. Create new frame with correct size
  2. Copy design into new frame
  3. Adjust as needed
  4. Re-export
Prevention: Confirm specs before starting

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Issue 5: Fonts Not Embedded

Problem: PDF missing font data Detection: PDF properties show fonts not embedded Fix:
  1. Enable font embedding in export settings
  2. Re-export PDF
  3. Verify fonts embedded in PDF properties
Prevention: Always enable font embedding

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Printer-Specific Checks

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Before Submitting to Printer

Verify you have:
  • Printer’s specifications document
  • Correct ICC profile (if specified)
  • File format requirements (PDF/X-1a usually)
  • File naming conventions
  • Delivery method (upload, email, etc.)
Communicate:
  • Quantity
  • Paper type
  • Finish (gloss, matte, etc.)
  • Any special requirements
  • Timeline
Ask if unsure:
  • Acceptable file size limits
  • Crop marks needed?
  • Color mode (CMYK, RGB+profile, spot colors)
  • Proof options available

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Final Approval Checklist

Before clicking “Send”:

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Design Review

  • Spelling checked (multiple times)
  • Contact information verified
  • Dates/times correct
  • All content accurate and final
  • Client/stakeholder approved design

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Technical Review

  • Document size correct (with bleed)
  • All images ≥ 300 DPI
  • Text readable (minimum sizes met)
  • Fonts embedded
  • Colors converted to CMYK
  • ICC profile correct
  • Black handling configured
  • Resolution 300 DPI
  • PDF format correct (PDF/X-1a)

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Export Verification

  • PDF opens without errors
  • Crop marks visible
  • Bleed present
  • Text sharp when zoomed
  • Images clear when zoomed
  • File size appropriate
  • All pages included (if multi-page)

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Pre-Production

  • Physical proof ordered (recommended)
  • Proof reviewed and approved
  • Printer specifications met
  • Quantity confirmed
  • Timeline confirmed
  • Payment arranged
All checked? ✅ Ready to print!

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Emergency Fixes

If you find an error after submitting: Contact printer IMMEDIATELY:
  • Explain the error
  • Provide corrected file
  • Ask if production started
Before production starts: Usually can swap file After production starts: May incur fees or have to accept error Prevention: Thorough preflight before submitting!

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Learn More

Design to Print Workflow

Complete workflow guide

DPI & Resolution

Understanding image quality

Working with Printers

Printer communication

Common Issues

Troubleshooting guide
The Cost of Skipping Preflight: 10 minutes of checking can save $1000+ in reprints. Always preflight!