When we’ve done something many times, it’s easy to think, “I’ve got this,” but familiarity can breed mistakes. Preparing your next print project is no different. While the details may change from job to job, much of the basic prep work does not. Using a checklist can be an important tool for keeping things running smoothly. 

Here are seven things every print checklist should contain: 

1. Talk to us before getting started. Even if you’ve done this type of job before, it’s always good to ask the question: “Is there anything special I should know?” You’ve heard the phrase, “The only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask.” It’s true!

2. File Format Check. Ensure the file is in the correct format. In most cases, this will be a print-ready PDF. 

3. Resolution Verification. Confirm that images are at the appropriate resolution (typically 300 dpi for print). Exceptions will be for extremely high-resolution artwork, such as high-end catalogs or coffee table books. For wide format, the resolution will vary based on the size of the display and viewing distance. Talk to us about appropriate resolution based on your application. 

4. Color Mode Confirmation. No RGB images, please! Also, check that the color mode is set to CMYK for print jobs. If jobs are submitted in RGB, they will go through an RGB-to-CMYK color conversion before going on press. It’s best to design in CMYK in the first place so you have control over your colors and there are no surprises. 

5. Bleed and Margins. Unless the job is a bleed (in which the design goes to the very edge of the page), most jobs will have “trim,” or margins set off by crop marks. The page is then trimmed down to the exact size after printing. Make sure the right trim is set so you don’t cut off important content.

6. Fonts. Ensure that all fonts are embedded or converted to outlines to prevent font substitution issues.

7. Layer Management. Flatten layers if working with design software to avoid unintended edits or transparency issues.

This doesn't exhaust all of the items that should be on your checklist, but it should be a good start. Review our submission guidelines to make sure you’ve done your part. Then we can get busy doing ours!