CLI ToolSolo Developer2025
print-check
Published on npm
Key Outcome
Open-source CLI tool published on npm that automates prepress PDF validation with 8 automated checks and CI pipeline support.
The Challenge
Print professionals and self-publishers frequently submit PDF files that fail prepress requirements — missing bleed, wrong color space, low resolution images, or non-embedded fonts. These issues cause costly reprints and production delays.
Existing prepress tools are expensive desktop applications. I wanted to build a fast, free, command-line tool that could validate print-ready PDFs and integrate into CI pipelines for automated checking.
What I Built
A Node.js CLI tool with comprehensive prepress validation:
- 8 automated checks: bleed, fonts, color space, resolution, ink coverage, transparency, PDF/X compliance, and page size
- Built-in prepress profiles for common print specifications
- Configuration file support for custom validation rules
- JSON output mode for CI/CD pipeline integration
- Clear, actionable error messages with fix suggestions
- Published to npm with full documentation and test coverage
Tech Stack
Node.jsTypeScriptCommander.jsmupdfVitest