- Save time by automatically Preflighting PDF files based on a profile
- Find errors on the spot by checking the well-documented Preflight report in case of errors
- Increase your productivity by fixing the most common errors automatically
Why Preflight?
According to our customers:
- More than half of the PDF files received contain errors that would cause a misprint
- The most common errors have not changed in 15 years
- PDF Preflight is the tool to find and fix these errors
The 10 most common errors in PDF files, and how PitStop Pro fixes them
Low resolution images
For print output, the image resolution needs to be higher than for viewing a PDF on a screen. Otherwise you will see jagged edges and artifacts in the image.
PitStop Pro detects low resolution images in PDF files and gives you a warning.
RGB objects
Unintended RGB images in PDF files can cause unexpected results after processing. The images can be of low quality, the final printed color can be incorrect and there may even be a color shift.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for RGB objects and automatically converts them to CMYK if you want it to.
Missing bleed
If a file that contains images or content that extend to the edge of the page, and it contains no or not enough bleed, white borders can appear after cutting the sheets.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for missing bleed.
New in PitStop Pro 13 PitStop Pro can also automatically add bleed to a PDF file.
Font issues
Numerous problems can occur with fonts:
- When a font is not embedded, the output equipment will need to replace that font with another font that could look completely different.
- Small text can become hard to read when printed, especially when it's printed in multiple colors.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for missing fonts and automatically embeds font from the cloud using the Monotype Baseline service.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for too small text objects and gives you a warning.
White elements
Ever seen a job where a white element looks great on the screen or paper proof, but suddenly disappears when on press? White elements could be set to "overprint", which means that the white ink will be output on top of the inks below and basically disappear.
PitStop Pro checks if white elements are set to overprint and can automatically set them to "knock-out" if wanted.
Ink coverage
Excess ink coverage causes marking from one sheet to another and long drying times, and it increases the risk of spoilage. Wet paper can lead to registration issues and can cause you to have to slow the performance of a press to ensure the final printed quality.
PitStop Pro can automatically reduce ink coverage if it's too high.
Transparency
Although transparency is now a widely accepted functionality within most design and page layout applications, many printing companies are still wary of PDF files containing transparency and like to give them specific attention to ensure they are processed and imaged correctly.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for transparency.
Layers
Layers can be visible or hidden. If your proofer or your RIP doesn't support PDF v1.5 or higher and there are layers in the PDF, they will be placed on top of each other. If a file contains a hidden layer that is set to "Always print", it will be printed.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for hidden layers.
Spot colors
Most designers like to work with spot colors (e.g. Pantone), especially in logos. But in many cases, these logos need to be printed using only CMYK ink, because an extra "dedicated" ink for the spot color is too expensive.
PitStop Pro checks PDF files for spot colors and automatically converts them to CMYK if you want it to.
Deep black
How do you define a nice deep ("rich") black, one that won't cause trouble on a printing press?
Every company has their own recipe for a nice black. But a black that carries too much ink can be a problem for some printing methods. A black that's too heavy can cause web breaks on a web press and marking or set-off.
PitStop Pro can reduce or standardize the Rich Black values to your own values.
