Friday Print Tip: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Hit “Go”

A lot of print headaches can be avoided simply by asking the right questions up front. Before you sign off on your next job, ask your printer:

1. Is my file truly print-ready?

   • Are size, bleed and margins set correctly?

   • Any low-resolution images or font issues you can see?

2. Is this the right paper for how we’ll use it?

   • Will this stock fold well, mail well, or hold up in a binder?

   • Is there a better option for the look/feel we’re after?

3. How will colour be handled?

   • Is this printing CMYK, spot colour, or digital?

   • Are there any brand colours that might shift and need a drawdown or proof?

4. What finishing details should we watch?

   • Trimming, folding, scoring, drilling, coating, binding, padding, etc.

   • Are there any “danger zones” where text or graphics are too close to an edge, fold or hole?

5. What’s the realistic timeline – including proofing?

   • When will I see a proof?

   • When does final approval need to happen to hit my in-hand date?

Building these questions into your process means fewer surprises, fewer rush fixes, and better print every time.

At CETTEC Printing, we walk clients through these checks before production, so the first time you open the box, it looks the way you expected – not like a test run.