Prepress & File Check

Print checklist builder for prepress teams

Create a reusable prepress checklist so every job ships as clean, press ready files. Use it free online — or upload files for free Human + AI review by our prepress team.

prepress checklistbleed and trimdpi checkfont outlinecolor profilespot vs cmykfile namingapproval signoffpress ready fileshandoff to printer

Pick your path

Two ways to get this done — both 100% free

Document size matches order specs (width × height)
0.125" bleed on all sides (if full bleed)
Important text inside safe zone (0.125" from trim)
Images 300 DPI at final print size (or acceptable for large format)
Fonts outlined or embedded (PDF)
Rich black (CMYK) used for large black areas, not 100K only
Colors reviewed for CMYK shift expectations
Spelling and contact info proofread

0 / 8 complete

Prefer we handle it?

Tried the tool and want our team to take over?

Switch to the free “We'll do it for you” option above — upload your files, add notes, and we will complete Checklist and email you back at no charge.

Free Human + AI design services

How to use this tool

Pick checklist items Add bleed and trim, dpi check, and font outline tasks.
Set ownership Assign who completes color profile and file naming.
Export and share Download a PDF for approval signoff and handoff to printer.
Optional: request free Human + AI help Prefer a real prepress review? Upload your files and note “Checklist” — our team will run the same task manually with AI assistance and email you back at no charge.

Every step above can also be handled by our team — use the Human + AI upload button if you prefer personal assistance.

Standardize every job

The print checklist builder creates a prepress checklist that covers bleed and trim, dpi check, font outline, and color profile items.

Include spot vs CMYK notes and file naming rules so press ready files stay organized.

Keep teams aligned

Assign tasks, capture approval signoff, and pair with the DPI checker and bleed visualizer.

Use the print size cropper when layout changes are needed.

Hand off without surprises

Export the final checklist, attach it to the file uploader submission, and hand off to printer confidently.

Free online — or free Human + AI assistance

This page runs entirely in your browser at no cost. If you prefer a second set of eyes, email or upload your files through our complimentary file uploader and ask for Human + AI help with Checklist. Our team will perform the same task manually, use AI where it helps, and send proof-ready feedback — also free.

Need broader design support? See our free Human + AI design services.

Frequently asked questions

Can I save templates?

Yes, save checklist templates for recurring product lines such as business cards, 4x6 postcards, or trifold brochures. Reuse the same bleed, font outline, and color profile steps on every reorder so nothing gets skipped when a rush deadline hits. Templates also help new team members follow the same prepress workflow before files go to Cheap RUSH Printing.

Does it cover color settings?

The builder includes dedicated steps for color profile selection, spot vs CMYK notes, and overprint settings so brand colors stay predictable on press. Add your ICC profile name and call out any Pantone or spot colors that must not convert. Pair the checklist with the RGB to CMYK preview tool to catch gamut issues before you upload files through the Cheap RUSH Printing file uploader.

How do I prove signoff?

Capture approval signoff fields with name, date, and timestamp, then export the completed checklist as a PDF or share it internally. That record proves which version was approved before production, which matters on large runs and agency handoffs. Attach the signed checklist to your order notes or file uploader submission so Cheap RUSH Printing prepress sees the same approval trail.

Will this replace preflight?

Automated preflight in Acrobat or InDesign catches many technical errors, but it does not assign owners or track human review steps. The print checklist builder complements preflight by making resolution, bleed, font, and color tasks visible to designers and approvers. Use both: run preflight on the PDF, then confirm every checklist item before sending press ready files to Cheap RUSH Printing.

Can your team do this for me instead of using the online tool?

Yes. The browser tool is free and private, but if you would rather not rely on it alone, upload your files via our complimentary file uploader and request Human + AI help with “Checklist”. Our prepress team will review manually — with AI assistance — and reply for free.

Browse the free print toolbox

View all 33+ calculators and file utilities · Also try merge to PDF, PDF to JPG, and QR codes.

DPI Checker Bleed & Safe HEIC→JPG Split PDF Resize Crop Split Image Reassemble