Image preflight checklist
How to prepare an image for printing
A reliable print file starts with the final physical size and works backward to crop, pixels and export settings.
1. Confirm the specification
Record the final trim size, bleed, accepted file type, colour profile and requested resolution. Printer requirements override generic defaults.
2. Crop and check pixels
Crop to the final aspect ratio before evaluating resolution. Check the resulting file at 100% for focus, noise, compression and retouching artifacts.
3. Export carefully
Embed the requested colour profile, use high-quality JPEG or lossless PNG/TIFF when appropriate, and avoid repeated saves. Keep a master file separate from the delivery copy.
- Do not upscale automatically unless a proof confirms the result.
- Add bleed only when the printer asks for it.
- Open the exported file once more before delivery.