Checking Proofs

The prepress proof gives an approximation of what the final printed piece will look like. This is especially important in four-color printing. It is your last chance to catch prepress errors. Inkjet, digital dylux and color laser are examples of prepress proofs. Detailed below are a few items which should be checked in order to achieve the best possible representation of what your finished piece will look like.

    Review the proof, counting page numbers. Make sure that pages back up to each other correctly.

    Check borders and rules for alignment and crossovers.

    Examine headlines and other display type for typos and uniform placement.

    Study areas that have critical color register.

     Look carefully at each page to be sure no elements have been mistakenly masked out or trimmed off.

     Check every photo to be sure it is positioned, scaled and cropped correctly.

     Clearly circle every blemish, flaw, broken letter and anything else that seems wrong.

    Confirm that all corrections marked on previous proofs were made.

    When proofing multicolor jobs, know what copy prints in each color. Are color breaks clearly indicated?

    When reviewing process color proofs, are the proofs being reviewed under the same lighting conditions? (industry standard is 5000 K)

    Are neutral colors in proper balance? Look at whites, grays and black (gray balance). If they show significant color cast, the color is probably out of balance.

    How is the overall reproduction of color? Focus on "memory" colors such as blue skies, green grass and red tomatoes - they are the toughest to match. How does the rest of the color look?

    If spot varnish or coating is being applied, an additional proof for each spot varnished page will be provided and should be checked.

    Are the margins consistent?

    Have you confirmed: Paper stock? Quantity? Type of binding?

    Are place, date and time, contact name and phone number included in delivery instructions?

    Is the job trimmed to the correct size and properly folded?

    Are all perforations, scores, glue areas diecuts, etc., correctly indicated?

    Are there any last minute corrections to the copy?