Use a checklist to verify picture status in QuarkXPress (5/6.1)

A common caveat in most print jobs is improperly prepared image files. To avoid this and other problems, you should run the Collect For Output command prior to submitting a layout to a service bureau for printing. In addition to collecting all the files necessary for output in one folder, this command creates a report that lists layout attributes, such as fonts, colors, trapping, and so forth.

In the report, you can view information about placed images, such as their file format, resolution, and color space. But don't rely on the Collect For Output command entirely - there are several things QuarkXPress doesn't report that could cause trouble on the RIP. For example, placed raster TIFF files should be sized at 100% their size to preserve their resolution, and text in vector EPS files should be converted to outlines to avoid font defaults. Also pay attention to the way images are positioned in picture boxes - rotated or skewed images may print with a moiré pattern, not to mention slow down the RIP. It's also a good idea to label FPO (for placement only) images in the file (on a separate layer) and on the hard copies to ensure the high-resolution versions are swapped during processing.