PRINT-READY Files Checklist

Print-Ready files are PDF files that do not require the attention of the Graphic Designers. Essentially, we receive the files and send them straight through to the Printer-Rip.

Note: This information is definitely NOT for the uninitiated. If the mere mention of the words DPI, bleed, CMYK etc sends shivers up your spine then by all means skip this section and tell your consultant to add File Setup and Design to your order. If on the other hand you are of a somewhat graphic design disposition, you can prepare your files yourself. To enable us to print/publish a high quality book for you, your files will need to be PRINT-READY. This means they will need to meet every single criteria listed below.

Print-Ready COVER checklist

File is in PDF format
There is a bleed around the entire cover of between 2 - 5mm in thickness
There are 8 crop marks around the entire cover (2 crop marks in each corner) to outline where the cover will be cut
Spine marks to clearly show where the spine starts and ends
All Colours are in CMYK not RGB or Pantone
Resolution of cover/cover images is no less than 300dpi
Front Cover, Spine and Back Cover are all laid up on one face. See example below.
The spine thickness is set using the SPINE CALCULATOR
The barcode is on the back cover (unless the book will not have an ISBN & barcode)

If ALL the above criteria are met, then the file Cover File is Print-Ready.

Example File:

Print-Ready CONTENTS checklist

File is in PDF format
The Page size is setup to the size of the finished book eg. finished book is 5x8inches then page size will be 5x8inches
If the contents are Black & White this will be 100%K (black) not (100C100M100Y100K)
For Colour Books, Colours are CMYK (not RGB or Pantone)
Margins are set to 15mm for Top, Bottom & Right. Left margin is set to 20mm
Mirror Margins are activated
No bleed or crop marks for Contents File

Example File

Should your files meet ALL the criteria listed above, then your files are PRINT-READY. Advise your consultant of this so that you are not charged the additional File Setup Charges.