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Files & artwork

Every file checked on arrival. Every finding drawn on the page.

23 checks in 6 categories run on every proof, every PDF that lands in Files and every print-ready file, against the preset for the process. Findings are outlined on the page, and 4 one-click fixes save the next version and check it again.

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On every plan

Preflight report of a postcard: its page with each finding outlined, and the findings grouped by check
A postcard with problems planted on purpose. Tap a number to see what preflight found.
  1. Image resolutionImage prints at 150 ppi (435 × 600 px); at least 300 ppi is needed.
  2. Fonts embeddedFont Times-Bold (Type1) is not embedded.
  3. Fonts embeddedFont Times-BoldItalic (Type1) is not embedded.
  4. Fonts embeddedFont Times-Roman (Type1) is not embedded.
  5. Colour spacesRGB image.
  6. Total ink coverageInk coverage reaches 340% (limit 300%) over 12% of the page.
  7. BleedArtwork touches the trim but the page has no room for 9 pt (3.2 mm) bleed.
  8. Minimum text sizeText smaller than 6 pt (smallest 5 pt).
  9. Safety marginText within 9 pt (3.2 mm) of the edge (closest 4 pt).
  10. Black overprintBlack text up to 12 pt knocks out: overprinting avoids halos from misregistration.

Today, and with AutomatePrint

Today: “The 150 ppi photo is found on press.”

With AutomatePrint: It's outlined on the page the moment the file arrives.

Today: “Preflight is a manual step someone forgets.”

With AutomatePrint: It runs on every proof, on new PDFs in Files and in the 1-up editor.

Today: Bleed is checked against the page box of a shaped label.

With AutomatePrint: When the file has a die, bleed and safety margin are measured from the die outline.

In numbers

checks
23
categories
6
presets, one per kind of work
5
one-click fixes
4

How it works

  1. A file arrives

    A proof version is saved, a PDF lands in Files, or the print-ready file changes in the 1-up editor.

  2. Checked for its process

    With your team's default profile, or a preset that suits the artwork: digital, offset, wide format, packaging or flexo.

  3. Fixed in one click

    Findings are outlined on the page. A fix saves the next version and checks it again; the original is kept.

From Fail to fixed in one click

Set page boxes, remove comments, forms and scripts, remove encryption, or downsample images. The fixed file is saved as the next version in Files or Approvals, and checked again.

The Set page boxes fix, explaining what it changes before it runs

  • Two report summaries side by side: a sell sheet that passed and a postcard that failed

    Pass or Fail at a glance

    Errors, warnings and notes counted at the top of every report.

  • The Total ink coverage check of a team profile, set to Error at 300 % and marked Changed
    1. Only your change is stored

    Profiles that keep improving

    Change a threshold; everything else keeps the preset's improvements.

  • A carton's report with its bleed finding drawn along the die outline
    1. Measured from the die

    Measured from the die

    Bleed and safety margin follow the die outline, not the page box.

Runs without anyone asking

Preflight runs on every proof version, on PDFs arriving in Files and in the 1-up editor whenever a checked artwork's file changes. The result shows wherever the file appears: in Approvals, in Files and in the editor's header.

Three business card files in a grid, each card with its preflight result chip
  1. Preflight result on the card

What's in it

  • Profiles per press, inheriting preset improvements
  • Per-check severity and thresholds
  • Technical and finish inks left out of artwork checks
  • Repeats counted in one finding
  • Printable PDF report
  • Results reused when nothing changed
  • Badges in Approvals, Files and the editor
  • Preflight API

Specs

23 checks

Images

Image resolution

Text and fonts

Fonts embedded, Minimum text size, Small text in several inks

Lines

Minimum line width

Colour and ink

Overprint, White overprint, Transparency, Spot colours, Colour spaces, Total ink coverage, Technical lines overprint, Black overprint, Registration colour, Lightest tint

Page, bleed and safety

Bleed, Safety margin, Page size, Page count

Document

JavaScript, Comments and form fields, Encryption, PDF version and output intent

Presets
  • Digital print
  • Offset commercial
  • Wide format and signage
  • Packaging and folding carton
  • Flexo and labels
Fixes
  • Set page boxes
  • Remove comments, forms and scripts
  • Remove encryption
  • Downsample images
Severity
Error, warning or info, per check

Works with

Read the docs: How preflight worksPreflight checks at a glancePreflight fixes

On which plan

Compare every plan
Capability FreeShopProductionPlant
Automatic preflight on every upload: 23 checks, 5 presets Included Included Included Included
One-click fixes and custom profiles Not included Included Included Included

Automatic preflight on every plan; fixes and custom profiles from Shop.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Anything else? Email hello@automateprint.com and a person who knows print will answer.

When does preflight run?

On every proof version, on new PDFs in Files (a setting, on for new teams), in the 1-up editor when a checked artwork's file changes, and through the API.

Can I set my own limits?

Yes, from Shop. Custom profiles store only your changes from a preset, so improvements to the preset still reach you.

Does it fix files?

4 fixes, from Shop. Each saves the next version and checks it again; the original is kept.

Why doesn't it complain about my die line or varnish?

Technical and finish inks are recognized and left out of the artwork checks.

Put every job on one platform

Start free, with 14 days of every Production feature. No card, and your customers review for free.

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