Pre-flight checking of files can happen at various stages of the production process sometimes many times to many standards within the same workflow.  The truth is there isn't one solution to fit all eventualities as designers use different layout applications, files are created for different media, the files are output in different formats and they are created for different purposes.  Add into this the curveball that is Windows versus Mac and it starts to get a little confusing.

Pre-flight checks should be defined by a predetermined standard, generally supplied by the company who will output the file and usually defined by the output device, e.g. a file created for output at a newspaper would be completely different for a magazine.  These can take various formats from Distiller Job Options, FlightCheck Pro controls and many others.  Many organisations opt for a generic standard for the files to conform to in order to be at a sufficient quality level to repurpose, e.g Pass4Press and Ghent Workgroup.

There are various stages at which the pre-flight check can take place and a number of applications to help with this job.  A pre-flight check can take place from within the layout application for example either Quark Xpress or InDesign.  Alternatively PDF's, EPS, or Postscript files can also be checked as can a number of other native file formats.

Automation of pre-flight checking is the next step up in the pre-flight arena.  If you've a studio or production department producing a number of documents it may be more cost effective for you to automate the process of pre-flight checking the files.  In implementing a workflow you've got the option then of changing the file format, checking the colour profiles, error correcting some of the more basic problems and more.

As you can see there are many aspects to pre-flight but it doesn't need to be difficult, at Pro2col we've the industry experience and application knowledge to ensure that you are supplied with the correct solution for your requirements.  Call us today to discuss your pre-flight needs whether desktop or workflow based, we're happy to be of assistance.