A guide to help you understand print proofs, review them carefully and know what to confirm before approving production.
A proof gives you a chance to review the project before the full print run begins.
Depending on the type of proof, it can help you check:
But different proofs show different things.
Digital proof / Soft proof
A digital file used to review layout, content and general appearance.
Useful for:
But it cannot perfectly reproduce physical paper, ink, texture or finishes.
Hard proof
A physical proof produced before the final run.
It may give a better sense of:
But you should still ask how closely it represents the final production method.