Prepress

What Does Prepress Mean?

Prepress refers to the collective processes that transform and prepare a computer-generated print layout for final printing (at printing press). It includes all the processes a printing device/personnel must take to transform a computer-designed file into a print-ready file.

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Techopedia Explains Prepress

Prepress is a term used primarily in the digital printing industry. It defines all the processes that occur after a graphic designer has created a design file until it is ready for printing or is printed. The prepress process is necessary, as a computer-generated print layout may appear different in alignment, format and color if it is directly printed on a press machine. Prepress typically involves the following processes:

  • Checking and verifying the design file for format, fonts and resolution
  • Matching the computer-generated color codes with print color codes
  • Aligning and formatting the layout for print
  • Creating a sample or proof of the design before it goes into bulk printing
  • Printing plates for offset printing
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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…