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Color
  All RGB images should be converted to CMYK before the application is printed. Spot colors must also be checked to make sure that there are no duplicates. Some spot colors may have to be converted to process colors before the job can be printed. Any colors that will actually be run as a spot color (rather than being simulated with process colors) should be checked to make sure that the ink or toner color is available for the particular piece of digital equipment on which the job will be printed. If the spot color is not verified, the job will require further preparation in order to simulate the color with process colors (CMYK). It is also a good idea to delete any unused color swatches created during the design process as well as any unused graphic elements.
 Images
Bitmap images should be correctly sized, cropped, distorted, or rotated before they are place in a page layout application otherwise extra processing time is added which reduces the print output. Vector graphics can be manipulated without adding any extra processing time.
Hairline Rules
Every job should be checked for hairline rules, which are the thinnest line that the output device is able to print. The hairline rule width equals one dot in width which means that a digital press with print resolution of 600 dpi would print a hairline rule of 1/600th of an inch in width. Hairline rules are barely visible, but they are distracting. Rules should never be set less than 0.25 points in width (0.50 points is better). If a rule is a reverse surrounded with color, it should not be set less than 0.75 points.
Hidden Elements
Sometimes the layout for an application may contain borderless white boxes or freeform shapes that have been used to cover up unwanted elements of a design. For example, a small part of a graphic may need to be clipped or scattered elements may need to be removed and it is tempting to use a white shape to simply cover it up. The problem that arises is that the hidden elements, as well as the white boxes and shapes used to cover the unwanted elements, still contribute to the size of the file. The larger size of the file results in additional processing time through the RIP, which in turn reduces the printing speed of the digital equipment.
Job Tickets
It is important for print providers to check job tickets for accuracy and for completeness. This may included making sure that the quantity is correct, the paper information is accurate, and that any PANTONE colors that will be used for spot colors are exact. Finishing instructions, packaging, and shipping requirements should be checked. Special instructions must be written thoroughly in order to avoid any confusion when the job is printed. Unnecessary delays can be avoided if the information on the job ticket is accurate.
Working With Your Print Provider
The print provider must be supplied with the proper files, images, graphics, and fonts. Guidelines should be setup between the customer and the printer so that files are prepared in software programs that are used by both. The customer and printer must also have compatible systems for proper file transfer. The bottom line is that good communication between the customer and the service bureau and/or print provider is essential to ensure that the print project is accurately completed.
Software
Even with the knowledge and expertise of the service bureau and the print provider, preflight checking generally includes software tools to assist in the process. The software can check for errors in a file before processing. The file is flagged for potential problems that would prevent it from being processed at the RIP. The problem areas are all identified, which makes the preflighting much more efficient. Preflight software can be used by the print buyer as well as the print provider to assist in eliminating errors.
Some of the companies that provide preflight software are listed below. | 
