Print-Ready PDF Preflight Checklist
Quick answer
A print-ready PDF should match the selected trim size, include correct bleed when needed, keep live content inside safe margins, embed fonts, preserve image resolution, and use cover dimensions calculated from final page count and paper type. Preflight the exact files you plan to upload, not an earlier export or source document.
When this matters
This matters before every KDP or IngramSpark upload, especially after a previous rejection. It also matters after changing page count, trim size, bleed, cover template, fonts, images, or export settings.
Common causes
- Trim size and PDF dimensions do not match.
- Bleed is missing or backgrounds stop at trim.
- Inside margins or gutter are too small.
- Fonts are not embedded or blocked by licensing.
- Images are below print-safe resolution.
- Cover spread dimensions use an old page count.
- Export settings apply scaling, crop marks, or non-print presets.
How to check
Check geometry first: trim, bleed, page boxes, margins, spine width, and cover spread. Then check resources: fonts, images, transparency, and color profile. Finally, check platform consistency: selected dashboard settings, ISBN/barcode handling, and final file names. Repeat the check on both cover and interior PDFs.
Tool
Use the Pre-Upload Checklist and Risk Scan as the final review before upload.
Related guides
Before uploading again
Use the pre-upload checklist and run the risk scan on the final export package.