Artwork Preflight Problem Explainer
Turns a prepress person's preflight notes into a clear, friendly message that tells the customer what is wrong with their artwork, why it matters on paper, and exactly what they can send or approve to move the job forward.
Before and after
Hi Marina,
Thanks for sending in the artwork for your 40 vinyl banners (24x60) for the Willowhurst St street fair. Our prepress team, Manuel May, went through the file. Here is what we found and what we recommend.
Will not print correctly as is
- The logo is too low resolution. It is saved at 72 ppi at full banner size, and our minimum is 150 ppi. On a 24x60 banner the edges would look soft and pixelated. Fix: please send a larger version of the logo, or the original vector file if you have one. We can only rebuild it if you send a bigger file.
- Two fonts are not included in the file: Gaslight Script and Brandt Condensed. Our system would swap in different fonts, so your text would look different from what you designed. Fix: please convert the text to outlines (this turns the letters into shapes so they cannot change), or send us the font files.
- There is no bleed. Bleed is extra background that runs past the cut line so no thin white edge shows after trimming. Our bleed is 0.25 in, and your background color stops right at the trim. Fix: we can extend the background for you for $25, or you can send a file with 0.25 in of bleed.
Recommended fix
- The text "Saturday 10 to 4" sits 0.1 in from the edge, which puts it close to the cut line and at risk of being trimmed. We recommend moving it further in from the edge.
- The file is in RGB (screen colors), and printing converts it to CMYK (ink colors). Some colors will shift a bit. We recommend sending the file in CMYK so you can see the colors you will get.
Checked and fine
- The sponsor strip at the bottom is vector artwork, so it will print sharp.
- The page size of 24x60 is correct.
If you would rather approve the file as it is, just tell us and we will note it as your decision. Otherwise, the next step is to send the updated files, or tell us to add the bleed for $25. Your banners are due Friday. Please call Mark Park at 267-555-0190 with any questions. Bayland Print and Signs, 8913 Willowhurst St, Springfield.
Questions for the owner
- Is there an earlier cutoff for getting new files so the banners are ready by Friday?
What it does
Turns a prepress person's preflight notes into a clear, friendly message that tells the customer what is wrong with their artwork, why it matters on paper, and exactly what they can send or approve to move the job forward.
Use it when: Use when a print shop needs to explain artwork file problems to a customer in plain English, such as "explain the preflight problems to the customer," "the file is low resolution," "tell them why we can't print this," or "write up what's wrong with their artwork."