PRE-FLIGHT TESTING SERVICES:

Pre-flight testing is a three step process that helps to determine as much as possible whether or not a file will run on an imagesetter, and if so whether or not it will run correctly - that is, whether it will produce film that will correctly reproduce what the creator of the file envisions. 
 
The three steps of pre-flight testing are: 

1. Run emulation and Postscript error check. This checks for Postscript errors, font and picture usage errors, long paths and produces reduced laser print separations which are then checked for separation and trap errors. It also simulates an imagesetter and helps to determine whether or not the file will run when sent to an imagesetter. 

2. Check Quark Xpress documents object by object for trap errors. Check Quark Xpress documents globally for font usage errors, picture usage errors and color definition errors. (Color usage and trapping are checked against information supplied by client.)

3. Submit separated laser proofs to client with report for approval. 
 
While Pre-flight testing greatly improves the likelihood that your file will run correctly on an imagesetter, it is not an absolute guarantee. Some file will not run because they are too large, contain paths that are too long, too many masks, incorrectly handled reductions of graphic objects, etc. Files that do run, may still contain trap errors and color definition errors within placed graphics that cannot be checked in Quark Xpress, and are too fine to be seen on laser proofs. 

If you or your staff is uncertain about how to handle any of these issues, or need assistance in preparing documents correctly, we are available for consultation, at your location or ours. 

Additionally, we can train management and support personnel that do not operate graphics computers but must interface with them, to help ensure maximum effectiveness in the usage of computer graphics in your organization.