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What is Pre Press?

Pre-press is the stage where your artwork is reviewed, checked, and prepared before it goes to print. This includes inspecting your file for correct colours, image resolution, bleeds, margins, dielines, and overall technical accuracy.

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It’s essentially the “quality control” step — making sure your design is print-ready, error-free, and will produce the results you expect.

File Setup Guide

Preparing your artwork correctly ensures a smooth print process and the best possible outcome. At CRINO Designs & Print, we follow industry-standard file requirements to guarantee accuracy, colour consistency, and professional results.

Supplying Print-Ready Artwork

✔ Artwork Format

  • File supplied as a print-ready PDF

  • All pages correctly sized

  • Pages exported as single pages, not spreads (unless required)​

 

✔ Resolution

  • All images at 300dpi or higher

  • No screenshots or low-resolution graphics​

 

✔ Colour Setup

  • File is in CMYK colour mode

  • No RGB, neon or fluorescent colours

  • Rich black used only for large areas (C40 M40 Y40 K100)

  • Text black set to 100% K​

 

✔ Bleed & Margins

  • 3mm bleed included on all sides

  • Important text at least 5mm inside the trim line

  • Backgrounds and images extend into the bleed area

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✔ Fonts & Text

  • All fonts embedded or outlined

  • No missing fonts

  • Text is not too close to edges or trim​

 

✔ Layers & Special Finishes

(Only required if your job includes embellishments or custom shapes.)

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Dielines

  • Dielines placed on their own layer

  • Set to 100% spot colour

  • Clearly labelled as “Die Cut”

  • Dielines are not set to overprint

 

Spot UV / Foil / Raised Finishes

  • Each finish on its own separate layer

  • Created in 100% spot colour

  • Layers properly named (e.g., “Spot UV”, “Foil”)​

 

✔ Images & Graphics

  • Linked images are embedded

  • No pixelation visible

  • All colours converted to CMYK

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✔ Final Pre-Submission Check

  • Correct file size and orientation

  • Bleed and safe zone verified

  • Layers named correctly

  • No hidden objects or empty layers

  • File opens correctly on a different computer (recommended)​

 

✔ Need Help?

If your file doesn’t meet these requirements, we offer an Artwork Fixing Service to correct:

 

  • Bleed

  • Colour conversion

  • Resolution issues

  • Font embedding

  • Layer separation

  • Dielines

 

A small fee applies per job.

Our Pre-Flight Check

Once your artwork is submitted, our team performs a pre-flight check to confirm that your file meets all technical requirements. This process ensures your design will print accurately and as intended.

 

If any issues are detected, we’ll let you know right away.

Artwork Fixing Service

If your file isn’t print-ready, we offer an optional artwork correction service for a small fee. We’ll adjust your file so it meets all printing standards, saving you time and ensuring your project can move into production without delays.

Our Pre-Press Process 

Discover & Plan

We begin by understanding your goals, vision, and brand. This includes a brief, discovery call (if needed), and gathering all content or inspiration.

Design & Refine

We create custom design concepts based on your brief. You’ll receive initial drafts and can request revisions to fine-tune the design.

Finalise & Deliver

Once approved, we prepare all final files in the required formats—ready for print, digital use, or production. We also offer print support if needed.

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