In this article, you will learn
- what normalizing print data means,
- what advantages a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template can offer, and
- where in the Workflow Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates can be used.
1. Introduction
Print data is created by various graphic designers, designers, artists, etc. with different levels of knowledge to create a final artwork. Print data therefore contains potential errors that can be caused by a lack of knowledge on the part of the print data creator. Another reason might be the used software products, which ideally shouldn't be utilized to create print data.
The normalization of print data is therefore a central step when accepting print data, this step is usually performed by the prepress department. The normalization step thus helps to identify sources of error and can thereby optimize production times and ensure product quality. In the Workflow, this option is provided with the help of Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates.
Normalizing print data also allows checking print data regarding the in-house standard and adjusting it accordingly. This is particularly important in the printing environment, where different sources are used to create files, which can subsequently lead to inconsistent print files. A company can therefore, for example, define the PDF/X-4 standard as the internal basis for its production and also standardize designations for technical lines.
2. Normalizing Print Data
Print data must meet certain requirements to ensure that production runs smoothly. If files are not checked and corrected, there may be printing errors, color deviations, or poor image quality. The following aspects can be checked and corrected during the normalization step of print data:
- Compliance with naming conventions – consistent naming of print data makes it easier to organize and manage. This can reduce errors in the assignment of printed products.
- Standardize naming for technical lines – the diversity that languages offer can lead to additional data preparation work in print data. Reducing the available names of Technical Colors and Spot Colors to a company's standard can simplify internal processes and name mapping with tools.
- Determining the processing method – depending on the company, there is a preference for either single files or multipage documents. Normalization ensures that the data is prepared accordingly and is thus available in the process according to the desired processing method.
- Accelerating processes – print data usually contains objects and Spot Color definitions that are either outside the printable area of the print file or extend beyond the printable area. The elimination of unnecessary and non-visible objects or the cropping of overlapping areas is an essential part of the normalization step, as it can drastically reduce processing times during checking, correcting, and rendering.
- Adjusting sizes – if necessary, it is already possible with the normalization step to determine whether and how the print file should be scaled so that the file is available in the ordered production size.
- Checking the resolution – normalization ensures that images are neither too low nor unnecessarily high in resolution. This avoids quality losses and excessively large files.
- Uniform color management – all color definitions must meet the company's specific requirements. For example, Spot Colors should not be unintentionally converted to CMYK, DeviceN Color Spaces should not be available in RGB, and ICC source profiles should be embedded accordingly.
- Standardization of color calculation – the synchronization of the visual appearance of colors – e.g. register color, black or Spot Colors - in print reduces complaints and thus ensures greater customer satisfaction according to the motto "Having the same mistakes is better than having different visual appearances when printed".
2.1. Applying Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
The use of Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates plays an important role in the normalization of print data. With the help of these templates, product-specific Preflight Checks and Fixups are automatically carried out as soon as the print files are uploaded into the Workflow. This ensures that the production standards for each product are adhered to from the outset, without the need for manual intervention.
The following advantages of using Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates have been identified:
- Automated quality control – it is possible to configure templates to perform only the desired checks on the print files. For example, it is possible to check whether the dimensions meet the production specifications, whether colors meet the required specifications, whether the image quality is sufficient or whether unwanted color space conversions have been avoided.
- Consistent Fixups for different products – not all products have the same requirements. Using templates, different profiles for checking and fixing can be created for different product groups labels, folding cartons, advertisements, plates or signs, etc.
- Increased efficiency and reduced sources of error – the use of templates eliminates many sources of error that would otherwise require manual post-processing. This significantly increases efficiency and ensures customer satisfaction.
3. Access to Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates
Check-in Preflight and Fixup templates are available in various areas of the Workflow. The individual areas where you come into contact with these templates in the Workflow are described below.
3.1. Dropzones
Dropzones are available in various areas of the Workflow – Article, Collection, Order and Production Job – that allow users to upload print data into the Workflow. These Dropzones offer the option of selecting previously created Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates and using them to upload print data.
Click on Configure [1] to select the desired template in the selection menu [2]. All print data that is now uploaded will be checked and corrected using the selected template.
Figure 1: The menu item Articles with the drop zone in the header
3.2. Via the "Add" Command
In Article, Order, and Production Job, it is possible to use the Add menu command (the first command in the action bar) to upload print data to the Workflow in the respective context. When you select the menu command, a dialog opens in which you can select the desired template in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates [4] option.
While the option is already in the General tab for Articles, it is available in the Print Items [3] tab in the context of an Order or Production Job.
Figure 2: The Print Item tab in the Add Order dialog
3.3. In the “Check-in Artwork and Normalize” Operation
The operation Check-in Artwork and Normalize can be selected in a Production Configuration. Saved Production Configurations are used in the Workflow in the context of Quick Print, Hotfolders, and when creating Automation Jobs, to apply the steps defined in them to the selected print data.
To use a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template in a Production Configuration, proceed as follows:
- Select Automation > Production Configuration.
- Click on Add to create an empty Production Configuration.
- In the Add Production Configuration dialog, select the Operations [5] tab.
- Add the Check-in Artwork and Normalize operation by selecting the entry from the drop-down menu [6].
- Then select the template you want to use for this Production Configuration in the Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates [7] option.
- Add other operations and save the Production Configuration.
Once created, Production Configurations can be selected in Automation > Quick Print, in Automation > Hotfolder, and by selecting the Create Automation Job command in the action bar of an Article or Print Item list.
Figure 3: The Add Production Configuration dialog with the Check-in Artwork and Normalize Operation selected.
3.4. Call Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates via API
Another way to access Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates in Workflow is to access them via the {REST:API}. If a leading system, such as ERP/MIS, is used to apply a template or Print Item during the upload process, the corresponding REST call must be made with the transfer of the corresponding GUID of the desired template. For a detailed description, see the REST API documentation.
Article update: Workflow 1.19.2 – 02/2025