Preflight a PDF File in Acrobat

Preflighing a file helps you to check for errors that may cause problems when your printer tries to make negatives or printing plates from your file.

Aside from basic size or software issues, the main areas that cause printers problems are:

• RGB file formats (should be CMYK)
• Low-Resolution Files (Should be 300 ppi)
• Spot colors in your file (Should be CMYK for process printing)

Import Preflight Profile Settings into Acrobat

Talk to your printer and build a relationship! A good printer is more than willing to help you get your files set up and right the first time. I suggest talking to your printer before you set up your file and before you start desiging. They will save you time, money and headaches!

Ask your printer for a "Preflight Profile Settings" file that checks for the problems listed above. If they don't have one, ask if you can send them the file so they can preflight it and double check its accuracy before your print.

(You can also create your own Acrobat Preflight file to check your own file--see Acrobat)

1. First, download this Preflight Profile Setting file: craigs_preflight_book.kfp (3kb)
   • Right-click and choose: Save Link As…
   • Save the file on your desktop
2. Next, Lauch Acrobat and select Advance > Preflight…
   
   
   
   
3. The Preflight window will open. Select Options > Import Preflight Profile…
   
   
   
   
4. Navigate to the .kfp file you just downloaded. Click Open.
   
   
   
   
5. "craigs_preflight_book" settings will now be available in your list of profiles under Imported profiles.
   
   
   
   
6. The preflight profile setting is now imported and ready to use to test your PDF file for problems.

Preflighting a PDF

1. Open your Brand Identity Book PDF file in Acrobat
2. In Acrobat, select Advance > Preflight…
   
   
   
   
3. Select the Preflight profile: craigs_preflight_book.kfp and click Analyze.
   
   
   
   
4. Review your preflight results.
   
   
   
   
5. Notice the errors that were found--and the description of each to help you understand the problems your printer may/will have.
   
   There are three different types of results:
   
   Informs you of a finding that is good to know but not neccesarily a problem.
   
   Is a warning that may be a problem
   
   Is an error that will likely cause you and your printer a problem
   
   
   
   
   
6. Click on "Show" next to an error and a red dashed line will appear around the problem area. (Show in Snap will open the error area in a new window)
   
   
   
   
7. For more control and preflight viewing options go toAdvanced > Print Production > Output Preview.
   
   
   
   
8. The Output Preview window allows you to visualize your errors as well as may other techical aspects of your PDF file that your printer may ask you to review.
   
   
   
   
9. Be sure to go back to your original InDesign file and fix all errors. Then, preflight it again--making sure all errors are fixed.
10. Now you have the confidence that your file is ready to go to your printer.