Proofing

A proof is a document sent to you by the printer which shows how the finished print will look. Proofs are important because they are used to confirm what is being printed, while helping to spot and correct any final errors before starting the press.

There are three main types of proof:

Soft Proofs

A soft proof is a low resolution proof which is viewed on a computer screen. This type of proof is most commonly a PDF (portable document format). They are usually compressed to a small size so they can be quickly emailed to the client.

Soft proofs are widely used in the first stages of proofing, since sending out hardcopy proofs (either by mail or courier) for approval is a much slower process. However, a soft proof should never be relied on if it is important to see the colours exactly as they will look when printed, and due to file compression images will appear low resolution.

See Colours

Digital Proofs

A digital proof is a hardcopy proof which has been printed out using an inkjet printer. The printer will have been calibrated to resemble the press colours as closely as possible using the FOGRA certificate process. While digital proofs are not an exact match, they can give a very accurate version of how the printed document will look.

Wet Proofs

A wet proof is a hardcopy proof created in the same manner as the actual print, on the type of paper to be actually used. A lithographic wet proof can be expensive, due to the time involved setting up the press to produce the proof. This is the best type of proof, but it is also the most costly especially if corrections and changes are then made.