Hatteras’ Essential Proofreading Tips

In printing, details matter. A typo on a lawn sign, a missing page number in a book, or the wrong date on a postcard can cost time, money, and credibility. That’s why proofreading is essential to every job we print at Hatteras.

We're sharing our top six proofreading tips to help you submit polished, press-ready files. Whether you're reviewing a brochure, a direct mail piece, or a book, these simple steps will help you catch mistakes before they go to print.

Catch It Before It Costs You: 6 Proofreading Tips

1. Don’t Rely on Spellcheck Alone

Spellcheck is a great starting point, but it’s not foolproof. It won’t catch misused words like their vs. there or form instead of from. Always give your project a human read—even if spellcheck gives you the green light.

Pro tip: Read your text aloud. It forces your brain to slow down and helps you hear awkward phrasing or skipped words you might otherwise overlook. 

2. Proof a Printed Version

It’s amazing what you can spot on paper that you’ll miss on a screen. Typos are easier to catch. Print a hard copy and mark it up with a pen or highlighter.

3. Check All Contact Information Carefully

This one’s big. Double-check phone numbers, emails, web addresses, and physical locations. One wrong digit or an outdated website can make an entire print run unusable.

Helpful hint: Have someone else confirm your contact info by comparing it to your website or another trusted source. A second set of eyes is invaluable here.

4. Look at the Design Details Too

Proofreading isn’t just about text; make sure your design elements are lining up too. Are the page numbers in the correct order and on the right page? Are headers consistent? Do photo captions match the images they’re next to?

At Hatteras, we see lots of files where the content is correct, but formatting issues slip through the cracks, like misaligned columns or text that accidentally drops to a new page.

Remember to check that your bleeds and margins are all set correctly. If you're not sure, ask us, we’re happy to help.

5. Use a Checklist Before Sending to Print

A simple checklist can save you from major headaches. Here’s a quick example to get you started:

• All text has been proofread

• Fonts are embedded

• Images are high-res (300 DPI) and CMYK

• Bleeds and margins are correct.

• Contact info is accurate.

• The final file is a press-ready PDF

• No fonts are created in “Rich Black”

Create one that works for your project type and always stick to it.

6. Let Someone Else Take the Last Look

After working on a file for hours (or days), your brain fills in the blanks. That’s why a fresh set of eyes is your best proofreading tool. Have a co-worker, team member, or a friend look things over, especially if it's a high-profile or high-volume piece.

Hatteras’ Proofreading Tips Can Help You Save

At Hatteras, we often catch errors during prepress checks, but the best results happen when customers send us clean, carefully reviewed files from the start.

Proofreading may be daunting in print, but it’s one of the most important. Some extra time and careful review can save days of reprints, thousands of dollars, and your reputation.

Do you need help preparing a file or want a second opinion before it goes to press? Just ask. Our team at Hatteras is here to ensure that your print project is flawless every time.  Contact us at onit@4hatteras.com or call 313-624-3300