Question 1

What is PDF preflight?

Accepted Answer

PDF preflight is the process of checking a PDF for technical problems before it is printed. A preflight check verifies that the document has enough bleed, uses the CMYK color mode instead of RGB, contains images with sufficient resolution (DPI), and matches the intended trim size. Catching these issues before sending files to a print shop avoids reprints, delays and extra prepress fees.

Question 2

What bleed size do I need for print?

Accepted Answer

The standard bleed in North America is 0.125 inch (1/8", about 3 mm) on every side of the page. For a 8.5 × 11 in flyer that means a document size of 8.75 × 11.25 in. Some printers ask for 3 mm or 5 mm in Europe, and large-format jobs may need more, so always confirm with your print shop. Artwork Proofing checks for 0.125 in on all four sides.

Question 3

What DPI should my PDF be for printing?

Accepted Answer

Images in a print PDF should have an effective resolution of 300 DPI at their final placed size. Between 200 and 300 DPI is usually acceptable for everyday jobs, while anything under 150 DPI will look soft or pixelated. Effective DPI drops when you scale an image up in your layout, so a 300 DPI photo enlarged to 200% is really only 150 DPI.

Question 4

How do I convert RGB to CMYK?

Accepted Answer

In InDesign or Illustrator, use Edit → Convert to Profile or export the PDF with a CMYK destination profile (e.g. "Convert to Destination" with a coated FOGRA or GRACoL profile). In Photoshop use Image → Mode → CMYK Color. Artwork Proofing Pro can also convert RGB images and vector colors to CMYK automatically and give you a corrected PDF with an ink limit that matches your paper type.

Question 5

What is trim size vs bleed size?

Accepted Answer

Trim size is the final finished size of the printed piece after it is cut, for example 3.5 × 2 in for a business card. Bleed size is the trim size plus the extra bleed area on each side (3.75 × 2.25 in with 0.125 in bleed). Backgrounds and images that touch the edge must extend into the bleed so no white slivers appear when the sheet is trimmed.

Question 6

How does customer proof approval work?

Accepted Answer

After checking a file, send your customer a private proof link from the Summary tab. They can view the proof and download the PDF, leave comments, and then approve it for print or request changes, all without creating an account. You get an email for every comment and decision. The first decision locks the proof and records the customer’s name, email and the time, so you have a clear record of what was signed off.

Question 7

Is there a free plan or a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Free plan includes 5 checks and 3 customer approval links a month, with no card needed. Pro comes with a 14-day free trial the first time you subscribe, and both Pro and Studio can be paid yearly for 2 months free. You can cancel any time from your dashboard.

Capability	Typical free checkers	Artwork Proofing
Bleed / trim check
DPI / image resolution
Font embedding check
RGB → CMYK auto-convert
AI image upscaling (4×)
Add bleed by mirroring artwork
Crop & bleed marks
Branded PDF reports
Step-by-step AI fix plan
Customer approval links

Check it. Fix it. Get it approved.

Five checks. Zero surprises.

Bleed & Trim

Color Mode

DPI Check

Font Check

AI Upscale

How it works

Drop your PDF

Set finished size

Fix & download

Send for approval

Check it and fix it

Get sign-off from your customer

One link, no login

Comments in one place

A record you can point to

For print shops and designers

Your brand on proofs

White-label reports

Bulk upload

Unlimited upscaling

Simple pricing

Free

Pro

Studio

Print prep & proofing FAQ

Your next print job, checked, fixed and approved.