At Dennis Maps, your print journey begins the moment your artwork arrives with us. The first stage of the journey starts in our pre press department, where the magic happens! This is where your ideas begin their transition from digital files to a printed product you’ll be proud of.
What’s a pre press department?
Our pre press department handles an important stage of the print process but you may not have heard of it. Pre press is an industry term for all the activities that happen after we receive your order and digital print file, but prior to printing.
An expert approach
We’re proud to have pre press operators with years of experience in the field. They have the knowledge and technical expertise to produce your prints to an exceptional standard. They’re all colour experts and often make subtle changes to clients’ print files, to enhance their appearance once printed. Their expert knowledge of the printing process also means they know which file formats and resolutions are required, and how they impact on each print project.
Top-of-the-range technology
Our Frome factory is equipped with top-of-the range technology, to carry out pre press activities to the highest standard. We have the latest hardware and applications to process every job, no matter how complex. Our Prinergy Worksflow software is one of the most powerful pre press tools available and an incredible automation solution. We also have a fully integrated Kodak Prinergy Version 8.3 Connect Pre Press Workflow system, which colour profiles all work, to the requirements of ISO 12467/2. With this technology to hand, you can rest assured that you vision will be carried out perfectly.
The Pre Press process
Stage one: Pre-flighting
The first stage of the pre press process is pre flighting, which happens once a client has sent us their print file. At the pre flight stage we’ll flag any issues with file set-ups that could prevent files from being ready to print. We’ll carefully check the file to ensure it contains all elements needed to create a successful print run. For example, our in-house experts make sure all the fonts are included, that images have the correct resolution and format, all layout elements – crop marks, bleeds and margins – are set up correctly, and PMS/CYMK colours are set up as they should be. On some occasions, we’ll convert a digital file to a more suitable format, most commonly Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format).
It’s worth noting that pre flighting isn’t designed to spot any spelling or grammar mistakes. We kindly request that you carry out editing and proof reading prior to this stage.
Stage two: Creating a proof
Next, we move on to stage two – creating a proof. The proof stage is an important one, that helps avoid any errors and makes sure that we’re in agreement with you about the end result of a print run. A proof offers a close representation of how your product will look when it’s printed. We usually create proofs as PDFs, so they can be emailed to you for approval, speeding up the printing process.
Stage three: Printing plates (for large format litho presses)
Once you’ve approved your proof, it’s ready to be created on a printing press. If it’s a large format litho print, we’ll create printing plates for the process. They’re custom made for each job and transfer inked images onto sheet of paper. After our digital or litho printers are set up, it’s time to start printing!
Here to help
We’re always here to answer any questions you may have about our Pre Press services, or any other print-related queries. Have a look at our FAQs page, fill in an enquiry form or give us a call. We’re happy to help!
