~ by Wally Thiessen, Book Prepress Manager
If you’ve ever wondered why the final check before sending book files to press is called “preflight”, you’re not alone. It’s a term that might sound more at home in an airport than at a book manufacturer, but it’s actually a perfect metaphor.
Just like a pilot runs through a checklist before takeoff to ensure the aircraft is safe and ready to fly, a preflight in book printing is a systematic review of digital files to make sure everything in is order before they “take off” to the press. The goal is simple with the prepress team: catch any issues early, avoid costly delays, and ensure the final product meets expectations.
The preflight process at Friesens is a critical part of our quality control. Prepress Operators go through a series of checks that cover everything from special instructions and page automation to technical details like glue strips and litho lines. It’s not just about catching errors, it’s about confirming that every element of the book is intentional, accurate, and production ready.
Here are a few things we look for during preflight:
- Are all pages automated and properly numbered?
- Have previous submission notes been reviewed?
- Are there any symbols that might cause issues in print?
- Is the “Printed in Canada” litho line included?
- Has the Preflight Letter been filled out and shared with the Project Specialist?
These checks may seem small, but they ensure that the book files are complete, compliant, and ready to move smoothly through production. It’s a step that reflects our commitment to excellence, and it’s why we treat preflight as non-negotiable.
So, the next time you hear the term, think of it as a flight plan for your book. With a solid preflight, your files are cleared for takeoff.
