What is preflight? Preflight is an automatic check of your PDF against our print requirements. A few quick checks run in your browser before the file uploads. The full checks run on our servers after upload. You see the results right away, so you can fix problems before your order goes to print.
Where you see the results
- In the Preflight Results panel next to the upload box, for the Interior and the Cover.
- Under View all checks, which lists every check that was run.
- In the proof window, where you review your pages and acknowledge any Warnings before you approve.
Blocker or Warning?
| Level | What it means | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Blocker | The file cannot be printed as it is. Upload and approval stop. | Fix the file and upload it again. Preflight runs again automatically. |
| Warning | The file can still print, but the result may not look as you expect. | Review it in the proof window. Fix it and upload again, or acknowledge the Warning and continue. |
| Passed | No issue was found for that check. | Nothing to do. |
What should I fix first?
Always fix Blockers first. For Warnings, this table shows our advice. [Prepress to confirm the advice column before publishing.]
| Alert | Level | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| File Cannot Be Read | Blocker | Required. |
| File Is Password Protected | Blocker | Required. |
| Incorrect Page Dimensions | Blocker | Required. |
| Mixed Page Sizes Detected | Blocker | Required. |
| Page Orientation Does Not Match | Blocker | Required. |
| Fonts Not Embedded | Blocker | Required. |
| No Bleed Detected | Warning | Optional for plain white pages. Fix if artwork runs to the edge. |
| Low Resolution Images Detected | Warning | Fix covers, photos, and logos. Others are usually fine. |
| RGB Images Detected | Warning | Fix if exact colors matter. |
| Unflattened Transparency Detected | Warning | Fix by flattening when you export. |
| Crop Marks Inside Print Area | Warning | Fix. The marks will print. |
| Overprint Settings Detected | Warning | Fine if intentional, such as black text. |
| Text Near Spine Edge | Warning | Fix. Text may look off-center. |
| Trim Area Not Defined | Warning | Usually fine if pages are at trim size. |
| Text Too Close to the Edge | Warning | Fix. Text may be cut off. |
| Rich Black Used for Small Text | Warning | Fix small text. |
How it works
- Upload your Interior and Cover PDFs.
- Quick checks run in your browser. If one fails, the file is not uploaded.
- Full checks run on our servers after upload.
- Fix any Blockers and upload again.
- Open the proof window, review your pages, and acknowledge any Warnings.
- Approve your files for print.
Tip: Exporting from InDesign or Illustrator with the PDF/X-1a:2001 preset settles several alerts at once. It embeds fonts, flattens transparency, and converts colors to CMYK. Check the Marks and Bleeds settings afterwards. [Confirm this is the export setting Acutrack wants to recommend. Consider offering a downloadable Acutrack export preset.]
Still need help? Email our support team at filesupport@acutrack.com and include your Artwork number with the alert. We will be happy to take a look.