Course Overview
Prepress is the process where visually correct digital files are made technically correct to meet offset and digital production and post-production requirements. Prepress requires knowledge about how colour is managed and reproduced accurately, how ink and/or varnishes are transferred to paper, imaging processes and technologies, and how a print project is finished. This course will teach you how to plan and prepare digital files correctly, so that multiple copies can be produced and post-production requirements such as paper, scoring, folding, specialty techniques such as foil stamping and die-cutting, and binding, are accommodated. We will examine production workflows and a designer's relationship with the printer and meeting the printer's requirements including proofing options and procedures.
Domestic fees
$623.69 - $664.77 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Select the most appropriate method based on the print project requirements.
- Create press-ready PDF files that meet the technical requirements of different print processes.
- Communicate specifications, processes, and intent using standard prepress vocabulary.
- Prepare files that accommodate different binding methods: Wiro-O, Saddle Stitched, Perfect Bound, etc.
- Describe the different colour modes, and their limitations to a client.
- Set up a colour management system on a work station.
- Maximize accuracy and colour gamut when converting RGB images to CMYK.
- Prepare files that accommodate special finishes: metallic and spot inks, varnishes, etc.
- Create digital die lines.
- Create digital codes (UPC, QRC)
- Identify different substrate and ink requirements and limitations: white plates, maximum ink coverage, rich black, etc.
- Create printer marks within a file that indicate folds, foldouts, pockets, trim, bleeds, etc.
- Select the appropriate proofing method for the various stages in a print project.
- Describe what to look for and how to evaluate at a press check.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2025
Related Programs
Prepress (GDES 2087) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Business + Media
- Graphic Design
Certificate Full-time/Part-time
- Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of GDES 2087 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 50140
Dates
Sep 14 - Nov 30 Loading
- CRN 50140
- $623.69 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 14 - Nov 30 | Mon | 18:00 - 21:15 | Online |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Dirk Erkau
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- No class Oct 12. This is not a self-paced course. You will be expected to be available and online on the posted days and times shown on your registration schedule. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. You will require access to the Adobe Creative Cloud in order to complete this course. Students who are currently registered in one or more BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. For subscription information, please visit: kb.bcit.ca/student/using-adobe-software-for-students-3588/ If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of GDES 2087 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 91718
Dates
Jan 05 - Mar 23 Loading
- CRN 91718
- $664.77 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05 - Mar 23 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 850 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- You will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud to start this course and it is your responsibility to have this access in place prior to course start. Students who are currently registered in BCIT Flexible Learning courses are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription from BCIT. Information explaining how to obtain an Adobe subscription is available on the BCIT Software Access webpage: kb.bcit.ca/student/adobe-creative-cloud-subscription-flexible-learning-student-3130/. It is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content. Please log into learn.bcit.ca using your BCIT student email and password on the first day of class. If you are taking Graphic design programs, here is the suggested order to take them. www.bcit.ca/files/business/pdf/flexible-learning-graphic-design-certificate-recommended-order-of-courses.pdf
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.