Our Services
Prepress Printing & File Preparation - Get Your Book Print-Ready
Our prepress printing team checks, proofs, and optimises every file before it goes to press – so your book prints exactly as intended, first time.
Checklist
Prepress File Submission Checklist
Every file goes through a thorough prepress printing check including colour proofing, imposition, and file optimisation – before it ever reaches the press, so what you approve is exactly what you receive.
A — Document Setup
- File format is PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 (preferred). InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop native files also accepted.
- Document is set up at the correct final trim size (e.g. 148×210mm for A5).
- Bleed of 3mm applied on all sides that extend to the edge of the page.
- Safety margin of at least 5mm from the trim edge for all text and important content.
- Page count is a multiple of 4. Confirm with us if unsure.
- Spine width confirmed with Ink Asia based on page count and paper stock.
- Separate PDF files supplied for: cover (flat) and interior pages.
- Cover PDF includes front cover, spine, back cover, and 3mm bleed on all outer edges.
B — Colour & Images
- All colours set to CMYK (not RGB or Pantone, unless spot colour printing has been agreed).
- Colour profile: ISO Coated v2 (coated paper) or ISO Uncoated (uncoated / woodfree stocks).
- All images minimum 300 DPI at final print size.
- No images placed at over 100% of their original size.
- Page count is a multiple of 4. Confirm with Ink Asia if unsure.
- Black text set to 100% K only — not rich black (C60 M40 Y40 K100).
- Rich black (C60 M40 Y40 K100) used only for large solid black areas on covers.
- All transparency effects have been flattened or file exported as PDF/X-4.
- Find out more information about PDF file types here.
C — Fonts & Text
- All fonts are embedded in the PDF (use 'Embed All Fonts' when exporting).
- No missing or substituted fonts — check the preflight report before sending.
- Text size is legible at print size — minimum 7pt body, 6pt captions.
- Overprinting set correctly: black text overprints, coloured objects do not.
D — Cover-Specific Checks
- Barcode (ISBN) is on back cover at correct size (min 38×25mm) in 100% K only.
- Cover lamination finish specified and reflected in artwork if necessary.
- Foil, embossing, or spot UV areas supplied as a separate spot colour layer — clearly labelled.
- Spine text correct orientation: reads top to bottom when book is face-up (Australian standard).
E — Prepress Final Submission
- A low-resolution reference PDF is included alongside print-ready files.
- Any special instructions are noted in writing to our prepress team (Pantone matches, critical colour areas, etc).
- Files submitted via WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive link.
- Overprinting set correctly: black text overprints, coloured objects do not.
File Formats
Accepted File Formats For Prepress
File Type
Accepted?
Notes
PDF/X-1a
Preferred
Best for offset. Flatten all transparencies.
PDF/X-4
Preferred
Supports live transparencies. Best for digital.
InDesign (.idml)
Yes
Include all linked images and fonts.
Illustrator (.ai)
Yes
Outline all fonts before sending.
Photoshop (.psd)
Yes
Flatten layers, embed all smart objects.
Word (.docx)
With caution
Accepted for simple layouts. Reformatting may incur additional charge.
JPEG / PNG
Cover only
Minimum 300 DPI at print size. Not recommended for interior pages.
RGB files
Not accepted
Must be converted to CMYK before submission.
