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What Does Bookvault File Validation Check For?

Learn what Bookvault checks when validating your book files, which PDF formats we recommend and which parts of your artwork you still need to check yourself.

When you upload your book files, Bookvault runs a series of validation checks to make sure your PDFs meet the basic technical requirements needed for production.

What does Bookvault file validation check?

Our file validation system checks:

  • Whether your file is corrupt
  • Whether the PDF page count matches the specification you've supplied
  • Whether the PDF dimensions match your chosen book specification
  • Whether your fonts are embedded
  • Whether a barcode is present if you've indicated that you've already added one

If one of these checks identifies a problem, you may need to correct your file before it can proceed.

Which PDF format should I use?

Your files should be supplied as print-ready PDFs.

Where possible, we recommend supplying your files using:

PDF/X-1a:2001

or

PDF/X-3:2002

These are PDF standards designed for print production and help create a more reliable file for printing.

For more information about the file formats Bookvault accepts:

Bookvault File Format Requirements

What doesn't Bookvault file validation check?

Passing validation doesn't mean every element of your artwork has been checked.

Bookvault's validation does not check for:

  • Transparency issues
  • Whether your artwork has been correctly extended into the bleed area

These remain your responsibility when preparing and checking your files.

For bleed guidance:

What Is Bleed and Why Do I Need It?

What if all my validation checks pass but my file still fails?

If the individual validation checks appear to pass but your file still returns an overall Failed result, there may be an issue with how the PDF itself has been created.

This can happen when the underlying structure of the PDF doesn't conform to the print PDF standards required for processing, even though none of the individual validation checks identifies a specific problem.

Where possible, try exporting your file again using one of our recommended print PDF standards:

  • PDF/X-1a:2001
  • PDF/X-3:2002

If the software you're using can't export directly to one of these standards, you may need to use an alternative program that supports print-ready PDF export.

For more information about preparing your PDFs, see

What Format Do My Files Need to Be In?

Should I order a copy before selling my book?

Yes. We always advise ordering a single copy first so you can check the finished book and make sure you're happy with how the printed result compares with your supplied files.