Preflighting

Preflighting is a process where we review your files to verify that they are print-ready and will produce the best books possible.

We conduct a series of technical checks to make sure your files are compatible with our processes and equipment, and that they will produce good, accurate prints.

Examples of things we look for when conducting preflight checks:

• If the file dimensions are correct
• Whether the PDF has the correct amount of bleed area, and if images extend to the bleed
• That the interior pages layout starts on a right side page and ends on a left side page
• If images are 250 ppi resolution or higher
• Whether or not the images have embedded color profiles
• That the margins are wide enough, and no important content is too close to the trim edge
• That all files are included for the applicable book components
• That foil stamp designs are made of text and vector elements only
  

Preflighting is a process where we review your files to verify that they are print-ready and will produce the best books possible.

We conduct a series of technical checks to make sure your files are compatible with our processes and equipment, and that they will produce good, accurate prints.

The preflight process is not a critique or review of your book design, so we ask that you ensure your design appears the way you want and that you have proofread all contents before submitting any files.

After we conduct a preflight check of your files, we will provide you with notes about any potential issues we see.

Considering the highly custom nature of each book order, preflight guidance is given on a case-by-case basis. If necessary, we will make suggestions on how to optimize your files.

If you'd prefer not to make any adjustments that were recommended, be aware that the quality of your final book may be compromised.

Contact us directly with any preflight guidance questions you may have—we're happy to help.

We advise you to use high-resolution images at 300 ppi (pixels-per-inch) whenever possible.

However, we understand that sometimes images may only be available to you as low-resolution files.

Family histories, memoirs, and any books with historical content are often limited to available source material of varying quality.

We can print any images you provide us, just know that the print quality won't be optimal with low-resolution images.

You have the option to get a printed proof with your order, which allows you to check the print quality before the full production run.

Before you submit your files to us, you should review all of your content and design to ensure it looks the way you want.

You should also proofread all copy for typos—this is not part of our preflight process.

Familiarize yourself with the material and finish options available for the kind of book you want to make, and visit our file preparation guidelines for more information on how to format your files for each book component (interior pages, cover, foil stamp placement, dust jacket, etc.).

The most common issues we come across, from novices and experienced designers alike, are:

• Missing bleed – Be sure to check Use Document Bleed Settings in the Marks and Bleeds tab when exporting your PDF from InDesign.
• Images without embedded color profiles – Include All RGB and Tagged Source CMYK Profiles in the Output tab when exporting your PDF from InDesign.
• Insufficient margins – For even borders, we suggest margins of 0.5" (or more). For pages with paragraphs of text, we recommend 0.75" inner margins for best legibility.
• Incorrect cover size – Use the cover calculator on our website to get accurate dimensions for your cover type (and dust jacket, if applicable).
• Low-resolution images – For best results, images should be over 250 ppi resolution.