A practical artwork checklist before printing
Check finished size, bleed, fonts, image quality, folds and approved content before submitting printing artwork. Use Alide’s practical preflight checklist.
Confirm the format before preparing artwork
Ask for the final size and any approved dieline, folds, binding or printable area. Packaging panels and sample folders need the correct structure before artwork is placed. Keep design content separate from technical cutting or folding lines as instructed by the printer.
Ask for bleed and safe-area requirements
Bleed extends artwork beyond a trimming edge, while a safe area keeps important text away from cuts, folds or binding. Required values depend on the job. Confirm the specification with the sales team instead of assuming one value fits all products.
Check fonts, images and colour
Use the agreed export settings and embed fonts or supply an approved outlined version where appropriate. Check images at the intended printed size. Discuss brand colours, spot colours and any special finishing layers with the team; screen colour alone does not confirm the final printed appearance.
Review every page and version
Check spelling, numbers, addresses, dates, QR codes and version names. Scan codes from a realistic size and contrast proof. For menus, catalogues and books, confirm page order and pagination. For pharma work, supply approved content; printing does not replace your internal content approval.
Send useful files without exposing unrelated data
The website enquiry accepts PDF, JPG and PNG up to 5 MB. Do not include unnecessary personal or confidential information. If the source artwork needs a different format or is larger, first ask the sales team for an agreed secure transfer method.
Approve the proof and specification together
Review the proof alongside the material, size, print and finishing specification. Confirm any sample or proof process in the quotation. Keep a copy of the approved version, and clearly identify changes before production is authorised.