Adobe Print-Ready PDF Export Checklist for InDesign or Illustrator
Prepare files for a commercial printer.
The Open buttons send the prompt text as currently shown below to that site only when you click. Fill in the placeholders first.
[VERIFY] is an editorial flag, not a blank to fill. Wherever the prompt shows [VERIFY], check that item against a reliable source before you use it.
Prepare a print-ready PDF from Adobe software. Document type and software: [DOCUMENT_AND_SOFTWARE]. Printer specifications: [PRINTER_SPECS]. Page size, bleed and finishing: [SIZE_BLEED_FINISHING]. Colours used, including spot colours: [COLOURS]. Images and fonts: [IMAGES_AND_FONTS]. Create a checklist table with Item, How to check, Who checks and Evidence (for example a screenshot of the preflight result): document size and bleed, safe margins, colour mode and the printer's profile [VERIFY], spot versus process colours, image resolution (commonly 300 pixels per inch at final size, to confirm with the printer), fonts embedded or outlined, overprint settings, black text set correctly, transparency, links packaged, preflight, export preset, proof and file naming. Explain common surprises in plain words: rich black versus pure black text, thin lines that vanish, and overprint effects on spot colours. Write the message to the printer asking for their specification, accepted formats, colour profile and proof process; the printer's requirements override general advice. Add a final proof-reading step for names, dates, prices and phone numbers, a comparison of printed proof and screen, a sign-off before the print run, and a short archive of the final package with fonts and links.
Fill in before use
Optional: type your details and the prompt above updates. Nothing is saved or sent.
Replace each bracketed placeholder with your own details, then paste into Any AI or another assistant.