Proofing a Print Order

A “proof” is a preview of your press-ready file, allowing you to examine and confirm layout, text and content before your order goes to press. We rely on your thorough inspection of the proof to detect and correct errors. Orders will not go to press until we receive your proof approval. Online & hard proof options are available.

All of our pricing includes a free online “soft” proof. You should receive a link to your online proof within one business day after we receive your electronic files.

• When your proof is ready, we will send you an email with a link to your PDF proof, as well as attempt to contact you by phone. If you don’t have the necessary Acrobat Reader software, Adobe offers it as free download.
• We can also provide a JPEG proof if you don’t have Acrobat Reader and are not interested in using it. We will post a webpage containing a preview of your file that you can easily view with your favorite web browser. We will email you the address to this private website when the JPEG proof is ready, as well as attempt to contact you by phone.

We offer two “hard” proof options—hard copy mock-ups & hard copy proofs.

• Be aware that hard proofs add time and cost.
• While hard proofs provide a better sense of color than online proofs, they are not intended to be, and cannot be, a precise color match to your final printed piece.
• When placing your order specify in “Special Instructions” which hard proof you prefer and that you agree to pay the additional charges. Once we receive your order, we will update your preferences and email you a revised receipt.

Hard Copy Mock-up:

The hard copy mock-up should be used to verify composition and content of your piece. It is NOT intended as a color guide.

• The mock-up will be sent via Next Day Air and does not need to be returned. Prices are the same for one or two sides and include cutting, folding, stitching and any other work necessary to produce an accurate mock-up.

Hard Copy Proof:

This proof has good color accuracy; however it is just a guide. The presses we use are high quality offset presses and have a slightly different color gamut. Also, paper can and will affect color. Our presses run to industry-wide trade standards and not to match this proof.

Viewing and Approving Proofs

Proof Approval – Yes, It’s Required

We cannot send any order to press without your approval of the proof. This is for your protection as well as ours. As electronic files are transferred over the internet, they can become corrupted, fonts substituted, images swapped, etc. We don’t want you to receive any surprises when you receive your final printed product, so please take the time to thoroughly inspect the proof before you give your approval. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!

• Hard copy mock-ups and hard copy proofs will be overnighted via Next Day Air generally the same day we post your online proof.
• When your online proof is ready, we will email you a link to the proofing page. We will also try to reach you by phone. In addition to the email link, proofs can be accessed through the myPrinting for Less.

There are two versions of your proof on the proofing page:

• Proof PDF: A low-resolution version of your file at final trim size, down-sampled for shorter download times. Includes fold line indicators when appropriate. Recommended for slower connections.
• Press-Ready PDF: This is the full-resolution file which will be used to create your plates. Includes .125″ bleed margins, order number and printer’s marks which will not appear in the finished trimmed piece.
  – Your text may falsely appear jagged in the full-size (zoomed out) PDF. The inability to accurately preview
  vector text is a known weakness of Adobe Acrobat.
  – Select the magnification tool and zoom in to the text. It should now preview clear and crisp; this is
  how it will print. If it still appears jagged when zoomed in, contact us.

1.   If you find something that needs a correction:

• Submit up to two rounds of minor corrections for us to make at no charge by using the  button, or
• Send us a corrected file by using the  button.
Extensive corrections and/or design work may be subject to additional fees. Of course, there is never a charge for any corrections needed as a result of any errors we introduced in preparing your proof.

2.   If you are ready to send your order to press for printing, click the  button to approve your proof.

 

3.   Complete the approval process by confirming or adjusting your production speed, shipping method and delivery addresses on the interactive delivery date calendar.

 

 

The InstaPrice® calculator will display the adjusted order total for any changes selected. Some tips:

• Experiment with various combinations of production speeds and shipping methods.
• Split your shipment if you need only a portion of your order faster.
• It is often more cost-effective to upgrade shipping rather than production.

Follow the steps to add additional addresses or modify existing addresses, and be sure to click .

Proofing Checklist

Here are some tips and guidelines to help you in finding potential errors in your file, BEFORE it goes to press:

1. Print out a “hard copy” of the online proof and compare it to a printout of the original file you sent to us. We have found that it is much easier to proofread and catch minor changes on paper than on a computer monitor.
   • Keep in mind that most desktop printers will cause significant inaccuracies in panel sizes and margins. This resizing is NOT part of your file—be assured that we have checked and adjusted your project so that it has proper bleed and panel dimensions.
2. Have a friend or co-worker give the proof a quick review; a second set of eyes will often notice things that you overlook.
3. Look at these common problem areas particularly carefully:

Proof Download Times

The speed of your proof download is dependent on file size, Internet connection speed and the volume of Internet traffic.

Changing Order Attributes

It’s easy to make changes to your order attributes—quantity, paper type, ink, coating and folding.

1. Click on the “Change Your Order” link, found in either the upper left or right corner of your screen. You can also go directly to the Change Order Request page. Enter your 9-digit order number in the left-hand column.