What’s Preflight?

Preflight is the process of checking digital files for potential errors prior to output (Exporting to PDF or Printing). This process should be done on native or source file types, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or QuarkXPress, everytime before saving or sending the job onto another party- simple quality assurance. Preflight the files can be done with special software such as FlightCheck Professional from Markzware or can be done manually, often called the eye-ball method.

Digital software like FlightCheck preflights files more accurate and reduces the chance of human error. Preflight software scans documents for problems with images, colors, fonts, and other issues detrimental to print reproduction. It then creates a report that itemizes the problems and suggests how to correct them. To preflight without software assistance, one must first acquire and understanding of the problems that can arise during film output and printing.

Whether using software like FlightCheck or checking files manually, the goal is the same: to get great print results from source digital documents.

FLIGHTCHECK
FlightCheck Professional provides both preflight and postflight in one complete package. This award-winning, stand-alone solution has saved the printing industry millions of dollars in reprocessing costs. FlightCheck Professional scans a wide variety of layout application file types, including QuarkXPress, PageMaker, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, FreeHand, CorelDRAW, WORD, PowerPoint, Publisher and PDF, as well as image and font files. The simple drag-and-drop interface warns you of hundreds of potential errors. FlightCheck Professional verifies critical elements such as colors, fonts and images, assuring validity.

After verification, FlightCheck Professional reports a menu of possible problems like missing images or fonts; even fonts in EPS files. FlightCheck Professional is a must-have for printers, service bureaus and publishers; it dramatically improves your workflow and your bottom line.