Good pre-press is a prerequisite for top quality. Now that we’re immersed in the digital world, many designers and photographers believe they have the technology to do many pre-press calibrations themselves. In theory, that allows them to send their projects directly to their printer or client in PDF-locked files.

PDF workflow is excellent for preserving the integrity of type. However, it’s often an obstacle to producing optimum images. While many printers are quite happy to receive clients’ PDF-locked files and simply print them as is – less liability and less hassle – they lose the opportunity to do retouching, colour correction or benchmarks.