Printing: Ordering Proofs

For color work that will be commercially printed you will probably be asked to supply proofs.

Time, cost, and quality are all factors to consider when you are deciding on a proofing method. Discuss your project with your print shop
and service bureau. They will help you choose the most appropriate proofing method. There are three categories of color proofs to choose from: digital proofs, off-press proofs, and press proofs.

1. Digital proofs

This category includes proofs generated from laser, thermal wax, ink-jet, phase-change, and dye sublimation printers. Data is imaged directly from your file onto paper. This method is fast and economical, but it is not usually accepted by printing shops as being a good representation of what they are expected to match because the proof is not made from the film that will be used to make the printing plates.

Keep in mind:

Digital proofs cannot reproduce press conditions such as screen frequencies and angles.

Not all desktop printers are PostScript compatible.

Not all printers can reproduce spot colors
.

Dye sublimation printers are especially well-suited to proofing scans of photographs.

2. Off-press proofs

These are made from the film separations that will ultimately be used to make the printing plates. This category includes blueprints, overlay proofs (e.g., Color Key) and laminate proofs (e.g., Cromalin, Matchprint, Agfaproof).

Note: Laminate proofs are more accurate and more expensive than overlay proofs. Blueprints are used to check 'fit' and to proof for imperfections such as broken letters.

Most off-press proofs cannot reproduce spot colors.

3. Press proofs

Because press proofs are produced using the very plates, inks, and paper that will be used for the final print, they are the most accurate and also the most expensive. They are generally reserved for high-end projects.

Check and approve the proofs

When you receive the proofs, check them carefully. Adjustments or corrections may be in order. You may have to go through more than one proofing cycle. When you are satisfied, you can send the complete job to the print shop.

Turn the approved proofs over to the print shop

These will be considered "contract proofs", which means that this is the output the press operators will strive to match.

_______________

Related Topics

Printing