A Wealth Of Knowledge That Could Be Considered a "Prepress University"
What is a Print-Ready PDF file ?
Print-Ready PDF Files
What's required for a PDF file to be "Print-Ready?"
Just like most printers, we ask for “print ready” PDF files from our customers. The following sets out what we consider to be the requirements for files to qualify as truly “print ready.” For the fastest and most reliable reproduction, please conform to these standards. Failure to meet these standards could mean rejection of files and the need to make them compliant before resubmission.
PDFx-1a 2001 compliant (PDF version 1.3) minimum OR PDFx-4 compliant (PDF version 1.6) maximum
All fonts embedded
Color defined in files match desired printing inks and are only in process color space, chosen from the Pantone color matching system (for spot colors), or in grayscale color space - never indexed, ICC-based or customer created spot colors.
Color names and definitions are consistent throughout the file(s).
Trim boxes in PDF files are set to the correct trim size for the book (or match the component template provided) and bleed boxes are set larger than the trim box by 1/8 inch.
The file(s) contain all pages intended to be in the book - including blanks - with a single PDF file for all interior pages in correct sequence with uniform orientation and geometry throughout. The sequence of pages in the PDF file should match how the manufactured book is expected to appear, which in some cases (e.g. Japanese manga) could be back to front, right to left reading.
Files have no password security or other restrictions to access.
PDF files were viewed with overprint preview enabled and confirmed to match customer's intent.
Text files are supplied separately from components like covers, casesides, jackets, inserts, etc.
One complete set of files - with all pages start to end - is provided for each ISBN when a title has multiple versions or volumes. Chapters and single-page workflows are supported, but not recommended.
All supplied PDF files have been preflighted for file integrity utilizing Acrobat Pro, Enfocus Pitstop or Lakeside Scout. Lakeside offers preflight profiles for Acrobat Pro and Enfocus Pitstop. Lakeside Scout is our preferred web portal for final PDF file submission.
General file preparation recommendations
Book printing and binding is a mechanical process that involves some amount of variation. Following these fundamental guidelines will ensure the best attainable quality from your supplied files. View Guidelines.
Find answers to your prepress questions
The Lakeside Prepress Resource knowledge base can be accessed on includes articles about many topics related to prepress file construction and design considerations. Click here to visit the Lakeside Book Resource site.
Quick Links
Have a specific task you need completed? Quickly navigate to your subject via the quick links below.
Templates for covers and components
Before designing your cover or component it’s vital that your InDesign, QuarkXPress or equivalent design application is set to the correct size with panel dimensions, margins and bleeds. If you haven’t received a component template from Lakeside Book, please reach out to your customer service representative and request one. Various examples of component templates can be found here, Sample Templates.
Choosing the right application
It’s important that you choose the right application for the job. Though each individual Adobe application has impressive capabilities, their use is intended for specific tasks. For more details, please click the applicable link below.