One step we never skip on a commercial printing project is asking our customer to review and approve a proof before we go to press.
However, not all printing proofs are the same, and choosing the right type of proof can make a big difference.
A few simple questions can help determine what type of proof makes the most sense.
Are you checking spelling and page order? Do you need to see how a photograph will reproduce? Is matching a specific brand color critical? Do you want to hold an actual printed piece in your hands before thousands of copies are produced?
At Hatteras, we offer different proofing options depending on the project, timeline, and what the customer needs to review. Understanding the differences in proofing options can help you choose the right one and avoid unnecessary expense.
A soft proof, sometimes called a PDF proof, is an electronic representation of your project that you review on a computer or other device.
For some commercial printing projects, that's all you need.
Soft proofs are great for reviewing copy, page order, positioning, bleeds, pagination, and overall layout. They're also easy to distribute to several people who need to review a project before approval.
Because there is nothing to physically produce or ship, a soft printing proof is generally the fastest proofing option.
One important limitation for soft proofs is that your computer monitor is not a printing press. Colors look different from one screen to another depending on monitor settings, brightness, and calibration. Don't rely on a PDF proof when exact color reproduction is critical.
Sometimes you want to see your project on paper before giving final approval.
A hardcopy proof provides a physical representation of the printed piece and can be particularly useful for book printing, catalogs, brochures, annual reports, marketing collateral, and other projects where you want a better feel for the finished product.
A physical printing proof can help you evaluate image quality, readability, size, and the overall appearance of the piece in a way you can’t do on a computer screen.
The main tradeoff is that a hard proof can add additional time.
A hardcopy proof must be produced and then needs to get to the customer. After that, it needs to be reviewed and approved before production can continue. If you're working with a tight deadline, build those additional days into the schedule.
Best for: Projects where seeing a physical sample before production is important.
Some projects are color-critical or high-profile.
Maybe the corporate brand color needs to be accurate. Or the piece is high-profile enough that you want the closest possible preview before the full offset printing run begins.
A press proof uses production equipment to provide a much closer representation of the final printed result. Because of the additional setup involved, this type of printing proof typically takes more time and costs more than a digital or hardcopy proof.
It isn't necessary for every print job, but for the right project, the time and expense are worth it.
For some projects, a proof isn't the final step before production. An in-person press check gives the customer the opportunity to be at the printing facility while the job is running on press.
During a press check, the first printed sheets are pulled from the press and reviewed before the full production run continues. This gives the customer and our press operators an opportunity to look closely at color, images, overall appearance, and how the piece is reproducing on the actual paper selected for the job.
A press check is different from a soft proof, hardcopy proof, or press proof because the job is already on the press. At this point, the focus isn't on proofreading copy or making design changes. Those items should already have been approved. A press check is primarily about evaluating the quality and color of the actual printed piece.
Press checks can be important for projects where color is extremely important, including high-end marketing materials, brand pieces, photography, artwork, packaging, and other color-critical commercial printing projects.
A press check requires planning. Press time needs to be scheduled, the customer needs to be available when the job is ready to run, and significant changes at this stage affect both the production schedule and cost.
Regardless of which option you choose, take the time to properly review your proofs.
Check names. Read dates and phone numbers. Look at page numbers. Confirm addresses. Review images. Make sure you submitted the correct version of the artwork. If multiple people need to approve the project, decide who has final authority before the proof starts circulating.
At Hatteras, our team will work with you to determine the right proof for your project based on the deadline and finished product. Whether you're working on commercial printing, digital printing, offset printing, book printing, or direct mail, we'll help you understand your options and choose the proof that makes sense. To learn more, reach out to Hatteras today with any questions.