Proofing and Artwork Checking
Before we print your order, we’ll send you a proof to confirm everything looks right. This step helps prevent mistakes, delays, and costly reprints.
Proofing is your chance to make sure the artwork prints exactly as you expect.
Proofing is your chance to make sure the artwork prints exactly as you expect.
What is a proof?
A proof is a preview of how your artwork will look in print.
We’ll prepare the proof and send it to you for approval before your job goes to press. Use it to check:
We’ll prepare the proof and send it to you for approval before your job goes to press. Use it to check:
- Spelling and wording
- Layout and positioning
- Image placement
- Colours, depending on proof type
- Overall appearance
Once a proof is approved, we print the job exactly as shown.
Important: Proofing is the final chance to catch errors. Changes cannot be made after printing begins.
Important: Proofing is the final chance to catch errors. Changes cannot be made after printing begins.
Artwork Checking, what we review
When you submit your artwork, we run a basic technical check to confirm it’s printable.
We check:
We check:
- File opens correctly
- Correct colour mode, CMYK
- Image resolution
- Fonts embedded
- No obvious technical issues
You must check:
- Spelling and grammar
- Phone numbers, email addresses, and URLs
- Dates, prices, and product details
- Image cropping and alignment
- Colours and brand accuracy
- Bleed, trim, and safe areas
If you’re unsure, you can upload a PDF, or a single page from a larger document, for us to review.
Proof Types
PDF Proofs, most common
A PDF proof, also called a digital proof, is emailed to you for approval.
Good for:
Good for:
- Checking layout and content
- Confirming text, images, and positioning
- Verifying nothing is missing or misaligned
What to know:
- Resolution is reduced to keep file sizes small
- Colours on screen may not match final printed colours
Best for: Most print jobs where perfect colour accuracy is not critical.
Hard Copy Proofs
A hard copy proof is a printed sample produced on a colour-calibrated digital printer.
Good for:
Good for:
- A realistic preview of colours
- Checking layout at actual size on paper
- Extra confidence before printing
What to know:
- Printed on glossy proofing paper that may differ from your final stock
- Very close colour match, but not 100 percent exact
- Additional cost may apply
Best for: Brand-sensitive work or higher-value jobs where colour matters.
Wet Proofs, exact match
A wet proof is printed on a lithographic press using the same inks and materials as the final job.
Good for:
Good for:
- Exact colour matching
- Seeing the final result before full production
What to know:
- Most accurate proof available
- Expensive to produce
- Typically used for large or high-profile print runs
Best for: High-value litho jobs where colour accuracy is critical.
Proof Type Comparison
| Proof type | Check content | Check colour | Accuracy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDF Proof | Yes | Approximate | Medium | Low or free |
| Hard Copy Proof | Yes | Very close | High | Medium |
| Wet Proof | Yes | Exact | Very high | High |
Colour, what to expect
⚠ Screens display colour using light, RGB, while print uses ink, CMYK. What you see on screen will not always match printed colours exactly.
For accurate colour checking, choose a hard copy proof or a wet proof.
For accurate colour checking, choose a hard copy proof or a wet proof.
Approving your proof
When you receive your proof, review it carefully.
By approving a proof, you confirm that:
By approving a proof, you confirm that:
- All content is correct
- Artwork is approved as supplied
- You accept responsibility for any errors not flagged
Once approved, your job proceeds to print.
Need help?
Not sure which proof to choose, or want us to check your artwork first? We’re happy to help.
