Checklist of PDF
files preparation

Are your files print-ready? Basic check-list
  • File names. Do your filenames include proper titles (cover, interior, endpapers) that represent the purpose of the file? Example of file naming: "mymagazine_cover.pdf", "mymagazine_interior.pdf".
  • File preparation. If your product is going to be a brochure or a book, do you know how to prepare cover layout? Do you know the spine-width of your future book?
  • ATrim-box. Have you set a correct trim-box (finished size) when making the document? Bleed area should not be included in the trim (finished) size of the document.
  • Bleed-box. Does the file have bleed?
  • Safe zone. Are important objects in the design (for example text) kept within a safe distance from the trim-box?
  • PDF file standard. Are you using PDF/X standard when exporting your file?
  • Color mode and spot colors. Does your file contain only the colors that will be involved in printing?

If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, your files are most likely ready to go on production.

Download the complete PDF preparation guide