In this article, you will learn
- which Checks are available in Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates with regard to Vectors, and
- which solutions are provided to fix the detected issues.
1. Introduction
When print files are uploaded to the Workflow, the documents are automatically checked using predefined Check-in Preflight and Fixup Templates to identify potential errors or warnings early in the production process. These errors and warnings can be displayed on the corresponding page within the Workflow and made available to the customer as a PDF report for further clarification.
The Preflight check of the print file is based on the activated checks and the severity levels assigned to each individual check Error, Warning, or Info.
2. Available Checks for Vectors
To take full advantage of a Check-in Preflight and Fixup Template, these templates must first be created. A template essentially consists of Checks and Fixups. Currently, more than 58 Checks are available in the Workflow. To maintain clarity, the individual Checks are divided into different categories.
This article provides a detailed description of all checks assigned to the category Vectors.
2.1. Determine Number of Path Points
Category: Object, Color
Description: This Check determines the total number of path points for paths using the selected Spot Colors that are located within the selected Page Box. This makes it possible to identify highly complex paths, which can lead to a reduction in cutting speed when cutting on laser systems, among other issues.
Solution: Paths with a high number of path points and segments can significantly increase cutting time. To reduce cutting time, it is recommended to optimize such paths by reducing the number of path points and path segments. This can be achieved by redrawing the Dielines with the Fixup «Replace Dieline for Regular Shape» or «Add a Dieline for Irregular Shapes» or manually in the PDF Editor.
Figure 1: The activated Check Determine Number of Path Points
2.2. Determine Path Length
Category: Object, Color
Description: This Check determines the length of the cutting path, providing insights into the expected cutting time for a given Print Item. The calculated value can be accessed by leading ERP systems and integrated into production planning. By specifying particular Spot Color Names in the field «Determine for Spot Color Names», the check can be limited to specific Technical Colors. The unit of measurement used to display the path length in the user interface is based on the system-wide settings.
Solution: The path length can only be influenced to a limited extend. It can be reduced by optimizing the paths – specifically, by decreasing the number of path points and segments. this can be achieved either by using the Fixups »Replace Dieline for Regular Shape« or »Add a Dieline for Irregular Shape», or through manual editing in the PDF-Editor.
Figure 2: The activated Check Determine Path Length
2.3. SmoothShade is overprinting
Category: Object, Page Content
Description: This Check identifies overprinting gradients (Smooth Shades). Overprinting gradients can cause underlying objects to show through when printed. Although Smooth Shades are occasionally used for design purposes – particularly in the packaging industry – they are usually unintentional. Unintended overprinting can result in an undesirable effect in the final print. Therefore, this issue should be clarified with the print data creator in advance and, if necessary, approval should be obtained.
Solution: If overprinting gradients are detected in the print file, the effect can be corrected afterwards using the Fixup «Set overprinted objects to Knockout». This Fixup can also be applied to vectors, text, and images.
Figure 3: The activated Check SmoothShade is overprinting
2.4. Vector is overprinting
Category: Object
Description: This Check allows you to identify overprinting vectors, excluding the activated Spot Colors. Overprinting vectors can cause underlying objects to show through when printed. Typically, such overprinting vectors are usually used for design purposes. However, these effects are often unintentional on the part of the designer – e.g., a black area over an image – which can lead to an undesirable effect in print. This issue should be clarified in advance with the print data creator, and approval should be obtained if necessary.
Solution: To subsequently set overprinting vector objects to Knockout, you can use the Fixup «Set overprinted objects to Knockout». This Fixup can also be applied to text, gradients, and images to set them to Knockout.
Figure 4: The activated Check Vector is overprinting
Article update: Workflow 1.20.1 – 05/2025