Preflighting 101 - Part 2; Common Issues-text
In Preflighting 101 - Part 1; Preflight Overview we went over the basics of what preflighting is for designers, publishers and printers. Today we will get into what some of the problems or common issues are, starting in the fonts area.
II Common Preflight Problems
II a. Text Issues
Most problems with text are directly related to problems with fonts. One of the most frequent font issues involves missing screen or printer fonts. This problem usually occurs when the document and all of its supporting files are sent for output or when a PDF is exported locally. If any part of a font is not provided or active, the document will have problems when output to a PDF or otherwise collected (FlightCheck will not only preflight your files, but also collect all fonts and images together in one, even zipped up, folder.) and sent. If you deliver only a PDF of your print-job and have not embedded the fonts, then it will often use a default font such as courier, which will obviously print way differently than desired. It should also be mentioned, for checking at the design stage, that not all font foundries allow their typefaces to even be embedded in a PDF… check your license agreement.
Different versions of the same font may have varying characteristics ranging from different specific characters to different kerning information. The kerning information is the section of a font file that tells how much spacing exists between letters. If the document was built with one version and the film vendor uses another, the kerning may differ enough to disrupt text flow in the document layout.
For preflighting, it is important to supply a color proof of the document when sending it for output, and to use those proofs to check the file before imaging on the plate on the prepress or print side. If text has re-flowed, it must then be manually edited to match the original color proof. Then a completer set of new laser proofs should be delivered with the document. Also, if time permits, you should avoid faxing these proofs as the fax will not reproduce type accurately enough to find all problems.
Text overflow can be a big issue which although preflight tools can help you catch, is one of those issues that is best maintained throughout the design process. To maintain correct text flow once set properly, the person who created the document should submit the job to the service bureau or repro house with the original fonts used or better yet, export or create a PDF themselves. However, fonts may need to be substituted at times. Today however it is even better to simply deliver a PDF/x (GWG, PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, etc) print-file with all elements embedded within in it. If you are not sure if your PDF is print-quality, then deliver both the collected or packaged native job with all fonts and images and the press-ready PDF.
TrueType Fonts
TrueType fonts can sometimes cause problems. These fonts are comprised of only one file as opposed to Adobe Type I fonts, which include a screen font and a companion printer font. This unified font file works well on screen and on laser printers, but often fails to reproduce properly since older RIPs can’t handle the TrueType font. Unlike PostScript fonts, TrueType fonts are not infinitely scaleable. The font comes with a pre-defined variety of sizes. Every time a not pre-defined font size is needed, it will be generated from the nearest font size and may look jagged and non-professional. If your RIP cannot handle TrueType fonts or the fonts have been oversized, you may replace them with a Type I equivalent. It is best to use OpenType fonts, as they operate across operating systems.
Other Fonts
It is also important to be cautious when using fonts from Multiple Master of QuickDraw GX. Different output devices may have problems with these fonts. Be sure to check with your film vendor or your equipment to find out if these fonts will cause problems.
Improper Font Usage
Adobe Type I font families are created with a separate font for each style of the typeface. You may have a font for plain, bold, italic or bold italic. In page layout applications, styling can be applied to any text. Instead of applying a style to text, you should choose the proper font that supports the style. If the actual font for the style is not available, the printer will consider the font missing and print with default font, typically Courier. Furthermore, if you apply Bold styling to a font that doesn’t support bold styling, the text will appear bold on the screen but can print plain when output.
Another font use issue to discuss is small process type. Whenever type is set in a process color, the size needs to be analyzed. Depending on how the document is going to be printed, the minimum size for process type will vary. Simply creating a PDF will not magically fix these issues.
Unused Fonts
The last font issue we should mention is when fonts that exist in style sheets or master pages are not used. These fonts are not required for printing, but once the document is opened, the application alerts you that the fonts are needed. When preflighting, be sure to delete any master pages and style sheets that are not being used.
Tags: Adobe, Bold styling, collect, Courier, Design, FlightCheck, font issues, Fonts, Markzware, MultipleMasters, OpenType, package job, PDF/X, PostScript fonts, preflight, preflight 101, preflight basics, preflighting, printer, RIP, service bureau, TrueType, unused fonts