Make the print handoff explicit.

A useful handoff says which file to print, at what physical size and what still needs confirmation. A green geometry result cannot answer all three.

1. 01
   Identify the fileVersion + final dimensions
2. 02
   Resolve the unknownsScale + artwork + proof
3. 03
   Confirm the handoffPrinter + source + decision

Prepare a small handoff record

Check image resolution at the final print size

A PDF page-size PASS does not confirm image sharpness. For a raster image, check its pixel width and the width that image will occupy on the final print—not the width of the whole poster. Include any enlargement planned for printing.

PPI (pixels per inch) = image width in pixels ÷ final printed image width in inches.

For the same uncropped, 1,200-pixel-wide image, with no resampling:

Same image, different print widths

Final printed width	Calculation	Pixel density
4 inches	1,200 ÷ 4	300 PPI
8 inches	1,200 ÷ 8	150 PPI

These are calculation examples, not universal pass thresholds. Enlarging the same pixels spreads them over more paper and can make pixelation more visible. Upsampling adds estimated pixels; it does not recover original detail that was never captured. PPI alone cannot guarantee sharpness or print quality, and this raster calculation does not apply to vector artwork.

Use pixel dimensions that correspond to the image actually placed in the final PDF. If cropping, resampling or PDF export has changed it—or you cannot establish what happened—do not use the original file's dimensions to certify the final PDF.

Ask your printer what image-resolution requirements apply to your intended output. If information is missing or the image looks blurry, consider replacing it with a better source, check the exported PDF, and ask your printer for a proof at the intended size. PosterBeacon's checker does not measure image PPI, repair images or certify print suitability.

Before sending a file to a printer

1. Read the actual current organizer instructions. The local profiles are archived teaching references.
2. Open the final PDF and inspect every panel, symbol, legend and reference for clipping or omissions.
3. Run the local pre-print checker. Save your own notes about the named checks and UNKNOWN items; this tool does not issue a print certificate.
4. Ask the printer to confirm output dimensions, scale, any trimming/bleed needs and how to obtain a proof. Do not invent a bleed allowance when none is specified.
5. Review an appropriate proof before approving the real job. This local site neither transmits your PDF nor places an order.
6. Before sending your PDF to the printer, confirm that it is the same file you reviewed during your final checks. If you re-exported, replaced, or edited the PDF after reviewing it, open the actual file you plan to submit and repeat the final checks. If you cannot confirm that the file you are sending is the reviewed version, stop and verify it before proceeding.

A message you can adapt yourself

“Please confirm that [file/version] will produce [width × height, units] at [agreed scale]. My checker measured [dimensions], but font embedding, effective image resolution, bleed and color were not verified. Please identify any remaining preparation needs and the proof process before printing.”

This is a preparation prompt, not a message sent by the site. Do not attach unpublished work to any channel unless you have chosen and authorized that recipient.

When to pause

Pause the print decision if the selected session differs from the official source, the intended output is unclear, the file has conflicting page boxes, or a proof changes after your review. Correct the source document or clarify the rule, export again and rerun the check.