10 errors to fix before going to press

Designing for print is not like designing for the web.

On the web, a typo can be corrected in seconds. In print, a similar mistake can take days to fix and—depending on how far along the piece has gone into production—can cost 5%-25% (or more) of the total print bid. If your printer has to make new plates, or pull a job off press, or *shudder* reprint, you could pay dearly.

And let's be frank, you will be paying. Clients don't like to pay for your mistakes. And if they do, they won't be your client for much longer.

Most modern page layout programs have a pre-flight function to check for typical errors. But just like you aren't supposed to rely purely on spell check to catch your typos, you shouldn't trust your print job solely to InDesign's algorithms.

Here are ten simple questions I always ask when preparing my files for press. They've served me well. Hopefully, they'll help you too.

1. Are all images 300 dpi .tif or psd files (unless specified otherwise by the printing specs)?
2. Have all fonts been included? Have all images been collected?
3. For full-color projects, have all images and colors been converted to CMYK?
4. For two-color projects, have all images and colors been converted to spot PMS?
5. Does the document have a proper bleed?
6. Is all important art and copy within the document's live area?
7. Have all unused swatches, fonts, and images been removed from the file's library?
8. Is the total number of pages a multiple of 4? (for booklets, catalogs, and multi-page brochures)
9. Is the type size legible at large distances for large format graphics (posters, transit, billboards)?
10. Is body copy set at a minimum of 8.5-9 pts with 10-11 pt leading?*
11. Bonus: Have you scheduled a press check? Unless the file is a reprint, or a seriously incidental piece, always go on a press check. If you spent three months designing a gorgeous brochure, don't skirt your responsibility at the end. Disasters do happen. Don't leave the problem to your press operator or customer service representative. You know your design better than anyone else.

*This obviously depends a lot on the font, but it's a good rule of thumb. Nothing is worse than getting a call from a client who complains the type is too small in their brand new brochure.