Have you ever printed an image from your computer, but the color doesn’t look the same on paper? Or noticed mistakes in your printed document that you missed when preparing it? These are some of the reasons Dallas Printing utilizes a process called proofing to ensure your final printed product is exactly what you want and expect. The proofing process is a critical step in which the customer reviews what will be printed to ensure all aspects of the project align with the desired finished product. There are two primary types of proofs we use: PDF proofs and hard copy proofs. The type of proof you receive to review is dependent on a multitude of factors, including: color, orientation and layout, size, spelling, grammar and verbiage, image resolution, pagination, spacing, crop marks and bleed, and image placement. These are all important elements that should be thoroughly reviewed on your proof for accuracy.
A PDF proof may be sent and reviewed digitally and can provide a good perspective on how the final product will appear. It is important to keep in mind that computer monitors and phone screens typically have a lower viewing resolution that the digital press can print, meaning that an image displayed on your screen may not appear pixelated or fuzzy when under the minimum image resolution needed for crisp printing. 300 DPI is considered the minimum resolution required for satisfactory print quality, but 600 DPI or greater is recommended for the best printed image quality. Carefully reviewing a PDF proof is a great way to ensure there are no grammatical or verbiage errors on your final printed product and that the overall appearance is correct. PDF proofs are typically quicker and easier than hard copy proofs, but they have some limitations – they are not ideal for verifying colors, checking image resolution, or confirming sizing, as those properties may not be reflected accurately through the monitor or screen.
A hard copy proof is printed out on the chosen stock at the correct size. The hard copy proof provides a closer representation of the finished product and is an excellent way to ensure all aspects of the printed artwork are in line with expectations for the final product. Attributes that should be carefully checked when reviewing a hard copy proof include pagination, spelling, grammar and verbiage, color, image resolution, proper orientation and layout, sizing, spacing, look and feel of the stock, image placement, as well as crop marks and bleed. A hard copy proof can give a more “real life” representation of the final project as compared to a PDF proof and allows you to identify any necessary corrections or changes necessary before printing.
Thoroughly reviewing your proof, either digitally (PDF) or physically (hard copy), is crucial to ensure that your project is as desired and meets your expectations. While the proofing process may take some time and effort upfront, it is the best way to ensure that your printed piece meets your expectations and fulfills your needs while avoiding a costly redo.