Printers often offer different types of proofs for printing projects. The cost and time needed for each differs, so be sure to check with CWS for costs and availability of each proof type available.
Types of Proofs
Electronic/PDF Proofs
PDFs (Portable Document Format) are electronic files readable with Adobe Acrobat and are our standard proofing format. Because the color of PDF files can be affected by monitor calibration, the colors on a PDF proof may not be accurate. PDFs do, however, provide a reasonable means for checking the accuracy & layout of your files for print.
Digital Color Proofs
For Direct-to-Plate printing (where films and plates are not used for printing), digitally printed proofs are essential. Digital Color Proofs are often acceptable and less costly than film-based proofs.
Blueline Proofs
Proofs made from film onto paper with a bluish tint are called Blueline Proofs. Blueline proofs are printed on light-sensitive paper that reproduce only in blue. Therefore, if your project contains more than one color, each ink color will be represented by a different shade of blue. Blueline proofs show all artwork and text in position, as well as the trim and binding edges. However, blueline proofs doe not reflect the final paper stock or true color.
Laminate or Matchprint Proofs
Laminate Proofs are one of the more expensive types of proofs, but also most accurate. Laminate proofs created from the project films and give an accurate color representation for the project. If color matching is imperative, please be sure to request laminate proof.
Press Proofs
For projects where color and accuracy is critical to the piece, a press proof is the only proof that accurately shows what the final print job will look like. Press proofs are the most expensive proof alternative, but accurately show how the paper will affect the colors, the folding, trimming, etc. of the project.
