Guide to Reviewing Digital Proofs

The Digital proofing method used by China Printing Solutions involves state of the art inkjet proofing calibrated to SWOP standard or specific ICC Color profiles, depending on the press to be used for the project. This method is the printing industry’s most modern and technically accurate solution for color management, allowing you to predict with a high degree of accuracy how color will truly appear on press. Still, these proofs are only close approximations of color, and due to paper type and color differences, inherent disparity between proofing and printing methods, and effects of coatings and other finishing procedures, they are not exact predictors of how your job will run on press. They also may not accurately show overprints, areas designed with transparency effects and paper conditions like show-through. The following Do’s and Don’ts are provided for your reference in reviewing your proofs. If you have any concerns or questions, we will be happy to discuss the proofs with you on a case by case basis.
Compare Pros and Cons of Digital and Wet Proofing Methods: Click here.

Do:

• Check all artwork, text and design elements placement and accuracy.
• Notice any typos, image resolution problems or other overlooked errors, this is probably your last chance before we print!
• Ensure you have received proofs for all elements of your job, and that page count and page order are correct.
• Evaluate color and color relationships and expect the final to be quite close.
• Flip through as you would the final and consider the user experience.
• Read the pre-press report and fax your reply as soon as possible.

Don’t:

• Pay attention to the smoothness, gloss, opacity, or color of the paper. (For this please refer to the white book prototype we have provided.)
• Worry if the proof looks just a little bit ‘soft’ or slightly unclear (out of register). This is a typical shortcoming of digital proofs, which improves on press.
• Forget that on press this color may shift slightly due to imposition pattern.
• Forget to consider the effect of varnishes, binding and other job specifics.