Common Pre-Press Mistakes That Designers Should Avoid
Common Pre-Press Mistakes That Designers Should Avoid
Even experienced designers can overlook technical details when preparing a large number of files.
These are some of the most common issues to check before submitting artwork.
| Common mistake | Why it matters | How to prevent it |
|---|---|---|
| Missing bleed | Can expose white edges after trimming | Add 0.125-inch bleed where required |
| Incorrect document size | Can cause scaling or production problems | Use the product's exact specifications |
| RGB artwork | Can produce unexpected color changes | Follow the required CMYK workflow |
| Low-resolution images | Can appear blurry or pixelated | Use at least 300 DPI at final size |
| Missing or substituted fonts | Can change typography and layout | Outline fonts as instructed |
| Incorrect black values | Can affect fine text and ink coverage | Use the specified flat-black value |
| Excessive ink coverage | Can exceed production limits | Keep heavily saturated colors within the stated CMYK limit |
| Incorrect folded-card panels | Can place artwork on the wrong side | Use the correct panel layout |
| Wrong page order | Can disrupt multi-page products | Review every page before export |
| Unapproved specialty layers | Can cause finishing errors | Follow product-specific instructions |
A consistent preflight checklist can help catch these issues before files are submitted.