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After learning about the differences between soft and hard proof and how they differ from press test proofing through this blog, you may wonder, is there a particular proofing option ideal for specific project types?

Foote Printing has been providing graphic design, printing services, and binding for decades, and here are our recommendations on which type of proof works best for which project types.

Proofing requirements have shifted over the years; soft proofing is the current printing service norm.

Unlike back in the days when printing shops used to do physical proofs for almost everything, nowadays, about eighty to ninety percent of proofing is just digital.

Nowadays, printing shops like Foote Printing have Pantone books they use to match spot colors or anything the client requires. Thus, soft proof is more common these days than ever. And often, these soft proofs are enough for customers to check whether their understanding of how the artwork should look when printed is correct.

Hard proof is ideal for checking how the folds, cuts, and binds impact the artwork design.

Sometimes, and especially when the project is complex or too big, it is hard for artists to picture how their layout will look after the material is printed, cut, folded, and bound. Thus, it is good to provide physical proof to let them apply any necessary corrections. Tricky warranties require more effort, but you may need them to check designs with folds, cuts, and saddle stitches to make sure your design still lines up nicely after the brochure, for example, gets folded, flipped, or bound.  

Require hard proof to double-check printed image and color quality of essential design elements.

Another scenario when you may wish to require hard proof is when you’re concerned about the quality of the pictures after printing. Sometimes it is hard to check whether specific images or colors will come out nicely by merely looking at the screens, so you need hard proof to reassure you they will look accurate and high-quality once printed. Typically, printing shops immediately inform clients if images don’t come out nicely in print, but there is nothing wrong with checking it for yourself through hard proof.

Finally, only require press proof when necessary, such as when you have spot color requirements or when printing on uncoated sheets.

Inks on uncoated paper will have none of the usual “shine” digital prints have; therefore, the digital proof may look very different from the final product. So, it will not be enough. Similarly, you cannot afford some corporate and spot colors to look different from what you intended, so it may be best to come in for a press test proof with your printers before mass-producing a material.

You can always count on Foote Printing to get your printing services requirements done in high-quality, on time, and at affordable rates. Contact us today for excellent printing services, including a suitable proofing process.