prepresstijden

Prepresstijden is a term used in the Dutch printing and graphic arts industry to denote the duration of the prepress phase before an printing run. It covers all activities required to prepare digital content for production, including file preparation, preflight checks, color management, trapping, imposition, and the creation of imaging elements such as printing plates or direct-imaging equivalents. It also includes proofreading, approval cycles, and the setup of workflow and equipment for production.

In project planning and production management, prepresstijden are estimated to forecast delivery times and costs, and to coordinate with other stages such as printing and finishing. The length of prepresstijden depends on several factors: the complexity of the content, the number of colors and separations, language and typography issues, the quality of submitted files, whether external agencies are involved, and the level of automation in the workflow.

Typical components found in this phase include: file preparation and normalization, color proofing and color-management calibration, preflight validation, trapping and imposition planning, plate or digital plate production (CTP or film), proofing (digital or hardcopy), and machine setup for the press. The aim is to ensure that the artwork is accurately translated to print without errors and with the expected color fidelity and layout.

Measuring prepresstijden can be done in hours, days, or by per-project basis, and is often tracked in production management systems to improve planning. Reducing prepresstijden can involve standardizing templates, establishing preflight rules, using automation and templates, and improving file submission guidelines.

See also prepress, printing, workflow management.