Digital Prepress Workflow Operation Process

The role of the digital process:

1. Graphical information in the digital flow
In terms of prepress processing, digital processes fulfill the software requirements of CTF/CTP. Completing the imposition of files created by different software can complete trapping and overprinting functions, achieve color management, and realize last minute modification...

2. Control information in the digital flow
In terms of prepress, printing and postpress, digital processes use the CIP4 standard, output JDF files, and transfer prepress data to presses and binding equipment, which promotes the automation of equipment and production efficiency.

3. Management information in the digital flow
From the aspect of management, the digital process uses JDF files, and is connected with the information management system, so that the production and management are organically combined, which facilitates the printing enterprise management and enables the printing production network.

Digital workflow block diagram

Input - graphic information

Some experience using PDF files

The PDF file is a common format of current digital processes, which brings great convenience to production with small files and predictability. In production we find that each 16-page PDF file is approximately 500K to 4M. For example, an experimental version of the folio, the PS file is 233M, and the PDF file is only 9.8M. And the speed of calculations in the digital flow is also faster than the PS file, the PS file explained 4 minutes and 29 seconds, and the PDF file took only 2 minutes and 26 seconds. The digital process should support the latest PDF standards, such as the PDF/X-3 standard that supports ICC files.

PDF file use should pay attention to:

1. The font should be embedded. At this time, the speed is slow. If it is not embedded, the process needs to install the corresponding CID font. Otherwise, the font will have problems.
2. Check if the image format is RGB, such as RGB image to select the corresponding color profile.
3 check the image accuracy to meet the printing needs, can not be 72dpi.
Digital processes must have pre-checking capabilities to check PDF file problems.

Input - film scan files - copydot

(to be continued)