Photobook Preflight Service

Why Preflight Matters

Preflight is a technical inspection that ensures your design file is “print-ready.” This process helps us catch basic issues such as low-resolution images, image density issues or layout problems that could affect the final result. Preflight ensures your book is prepared for print.

Two Levels of Preflight at Studio22

Basic Preflight

The Basic Preflight is a quick verification to ensure that your file is technically able to print. We trust that your design choices are correct and focus on the fundamentals:

  • File format and dimensions
  • Page sequence and order
  • Bleed and trim setup
  • Image quality
  • Cover and inside pages checked as separate parts
  • Confirming files are printable without errors

This level is focused only on making sure the files can pass through our workflow and go to print.

Advanced Preflight

The Advanced Preflight is a deeper inspection, following a structured checklist. Here we go beyond basic technicals and carefully check finer details that often cause problems:

  • Text too close to edges or cut into the gutter
  • Safe margins for text and important elements
  • Image placement and risk of trimming loss
  • General aesthetic alignment (balance, spacing, flow) where it affects print outcome

We also produce a preflight report, with comments on potential issues, corrections made, and suggestions where improvements may help. This gives you the chance to adjust before committing to print, or ask us to correct it for you.

Pricing Structure

Basic Preflight

  • R50 per file (Free when submitting in Studio22 software)
  • Ensures the book is technically able to print
  • Includes a contact sheet required to show the page sequence.

Advanced Preflight

  • R122 per file (includes report)
  • Corrections available at R122 per 10-minute blocks

What We Check in Preflight

  • File format, trim size, and bleed setup
  • Covers and inside pages (separate checks)
  • Fonts and text embedding
  • Image resolution, density and colour space
  • Layout safety margins and text near edges
  • Gutter and binding areas
  • Spine width and cover alignment

What Preflight Does Not Include

To keep expectations clear, please note:

  • We do not check spelling or grammar
  • We do not judge design style, creativity, or artistic composition (beyond print-related risks)
  • We do not alter your design unless requested and approved

Why Choose Advanced Preflight?

While Basic Preflight ensures your book is technically printable, Advanced Preflight gives you extra assurance. It’s especially recommended for:

  • First-time book creators
  • Bulk orders – one small fee can save many reprints.
  • Own-design files made outside of Studio22 software
  • Projects with tight margins, large images across spreads, or critical text placement