Files & prepress
What is preflight?
Preflight is the systematic check of a print file before production — resolution at final size, colour mode, fonts, bleed and links — named after a pilot's pre-takeoff checklist.
It's the diagnostic half of prepress: software (or a practiced eye) walks the file for the known killers — 72 DPI logos scaled to banner size, RGB blacks that print muddy, missing fonts silently substituted, no bleed on a flood-colour design.
The customer files that need preflight most arrive with the most confidence. A 'print-ready PDF' from a downloaded template fails preflight about as often as a Word file does; the checklist exists precisely because the sender already believes it's fine.
Run a free preflight on any image →
Related terms
Software that speaks the trade
PrinterFlo runs print & sign shops on one board — quotes that price by size and material, proofs approved from one link, and a production checklist the quote writes for you.