Getting it right first time
How automated artwork checks, clear education and vigilant production teams help prevent avoidable print errors.
A significant proportion of submitted artwork contains at least one preparation issue.
Automated checking reduces risk, but it does not remove the need for clients and production teams to examine files carefully.
Two Layers of Protection
1. Education
Templates, guidance and instructional material help clients prepare artwork correctly before upload.
When an issue is found, explaining the cause is more useful than silently correcting it because the same problem is less likely to happen again.
2. Conscientious Operators
Automated systems may process a file before a person sees the job.
Press and prepress teams therefore need to remain alert for problems involving:
- Bleed
- Safe areas
- Resolution
- Colour
- Fonts
- Page order
- Finishing masks
- Incorrect dimensions
Automated preflight is a safety net, not a guarantee. Responsibility begins with supplying correctly prepared artwork.
Shared Responsibility
Clients should submit the best possible file, while the printer should continue to inspect and flag anything that may have been missed.
For artwork questions, contact prepress@flexpress.co.uk.