What is the Prepress Process in Printing?

The term ‘prepress’ covers all of the tasks that must be completed prior to launching a physical print run. Some of these tasks fall primarily to the client to complete, others to the printer, and some are split between both parties. Understanding the different roles is important for ensuring a smooth, efficient printing process with reliable results.

To help you stay on top of your prepress tasks, check out our Essential prepress Checklist. 

Key Stages of the Prepress Process

Many printers break the prepress process down into three general steps: file prep, proofing, and plate prep.

File Prep

File Prep consists of two functions.

Preflight is the initial first look at your file in production.  During preflight your file is looked over for any issues that may cause a poor quality printed piece. Elements that need to be confirmed during this stage include:

• All fonts are outlined or embedded in the design file.
• The file has been formatted with the correct color mode.
• Bleed and margins are correctly positioned and adequately sized.
• The file has a sufficiently high resolution.

While a commercial printer will likely double-check all of this on their end before moving to the next step, it’s always best if a client runs through the prepress checklist themselves before sending the file over. This helps prevent added costs and possible delays due to common formatting mistakes, and ensures that the final outcome adheres to the client’s intended vision.

The second step in File Prep is Assembly.  During this phase your file will be trapped and imposed to its final layout on the press sheet before proceeding on to Proofing and then Plating.

Proofing

Next, the Proofing stage is when the finalized print file is shared with the client, either as a PDF or as a physical test print. Typically, PDF proofs are used for simpler print projects, like flyers, while a physical proof is preferred for more advanced projects to confirm all elements are up to snuff. Examples of more advanced print products include bound items like catalogs and booklets, custom packaging, and prints with advanced finishes like metallic foil or gloss. The final prepress stage only starts when the proof has been reviewed and approved by the client.

Plating

For offset printing, that final stage is Plating. While digital printing works directly off of the finalized design files, offset printing requires custom printing plates to be created. Traditionally, four plates are needed to print the tiny dots of the four main print colors - cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). Once those four layers are combined on press, they create full-color, high-resolution imagery. 

However, when precise color reproduction is a priority, such as with branded materials, then a different method called Pantone Matching System (PMS) may be used. This system uses pre-mixed inks to ensure exact replication of a given color every single time it’s printed. For PMS printing, one plate for each PMS color is required.

Finally, additional plates may also be created for prints with advanced finishes. These types of finishes include metallic foil and spot coatings. 

Common Tools & Technologies 

These days, the first two stages of prepress are often an all-digital affair. Software like Adobe Creative Cloud  is used to create and edit files, and PDFs are used to share digital proofs with clients. 

However, if the job requires a physical proof, large format inkjet printers from Epson or Canon running in conjunction with advanced color control software are the norm.  Contract proofs are created for the customer to approve color and Content proofs are created to show sheet layout and/or cut and folded examples of your project.

The offset lithography plate creation process also requires a unique set of tools. What was created in the past using film to burn the image into the printing plates is now all done using digital plate setters using computer control and laser diodes to burn the image into the plate.

How Wallace Carlson Optimizes Prepress 

At Wallace Carlson, we prioritize quality control throughout the printing process, including prepress. We take a proactive communication approach with our clients, ensuring all parties are in agreement before proceeding forward. This ensures a strong alignment between our team and yours, and that all your needs and goals are met from start to finish. To learn how our process can help you create more impactful, high-quality print products, connect with our experts today.