Prepress Checklist

• COLOR: Make sure to convert all RGB to CMYK or to grayscale
• RESOLUTION (DPI): All photos should be 300dpi
• RESOLUTION (LPI): All line art should be 600lpi
• FORMAT: Be sure to save images as high resolution formats
• BLEED: Reserve at least 1/8" beyond the actual trim size
• HAIRLINE RULES: All thin lines should be at least .25 point thick
• RICH BLACKS: Large black areas in rich black (60%C, 40%M, 100%K)
• GRADIENTS: Use a photoshop gradient instead of a vector gradient
• LINKED GRAPHICS: Include all linked graphics that are used in the file
• FONTS: Provide all fonts (TrueType and PostScript). Avoid font styles
• PROOF: Include a laser mockup of your final file for output

Help Topics

RGB vs CMYK
Spot Colors
Duotone
Grayscale
Gradients
Resolution
Bleed & Border
File Formats
Font Types
Prepress Checklist
Gathering Files