Preflight book files

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to run preflight checks across all documents in a book file in Adobe InDesign to verify print readiness.

Preflighting a book checks all documents against a consistent set of criteria to identify issues such as missing fonts, broken links, or incorrect color spaces.

Use it for book files to ensure all documents meet production requirements before packaging or export. Each document shows a status icon indicating whether errors are present or need review.

Open your book file from File > Open.

In the Book panel, select Preflight Book from the panel menu .

In the Preflight Book Options dialog box, select whether to preflight the Entire Book or Selected Documents Only.

Set a Preflight Profile among the following:

  • Use Profile: To select a profile from the dropdown menu.
  • Use Document's Embedded Profile: To apply each document's embedded profile.

Determine which items are included in the error list under Include:

  • Layers: Select All Layers, Visible Layers, or Visible & Printable Layers to specify which items are included in preflighting.
  • Objects on Pasteboard: Select to include errors on objects placed on the pasteboard in error checking.
  • Non-printing Objects: Select to flag errors on objects marked as nonprinting in the Attributes panel.

Select Generate Report to generate a text or PDF file containing a list of all errors in the book.

Select Preflight.

Note
  • After preflight, the Book panel shows status icons for each document. Red icons indicate errors. Open the document and check Window > Output > Preflight for details.
  • If the book uses a different preflight profile, opening the document later may apply another profile and show different errors.