Connect. The Network Media Partners blog.

Soft proofs are the new black

February 16, 2010

Online proofing has many advantages, but a good production team knows when to go old school with a match print proof

The majority of the printed publications that Network is involved with have moved to a soft proofing process – viewing and approving proofs entirely on screen. We’ve quickly grown to appreciate its many advantages: we can upload final pages to the printer and have proofs ready to view and approve the very same day, and because the proofing system is web-based, users in multiple locations can easily review pages at their convenience. It’s a great example of technology making our jobs easier.

How can we be sure, though, that what we see on screen is what we’ll get in print?

First of all, we’re especially careful to set up our files properly in the first place. Several helpful tools within InDesign, like the Preflight panel and Output Preview, can catch potential problems like unintended overprints or font issues while we’re still in the design stage.

Once the final pages have been uploaded, the soft proofing system has more tools to catch any problems that may have been missed. And because the system is RIP-based, we know that the proof we’re looking at is using the very same data that will be going to the press.

On occasion, it can still be a good idea to ask for an old-fashioned hard copy proof – for instance, if there’s a cover or important feature story that you’re not sure will turn out as intended, it’s helpful to see a hard copy to be sure that the imagery is precisely right.

Ask for a proof when color is key. Depending on your monitor’s calibration, critical color will require a hard match print proof.

Ask for a match print or at least a hard copy proof when working with a new printer or new soft-proofing application.

And finally, consider asking for a proof when working with any new variable that may require tweaking: a new color palette that is critical; any change to your applications or production process that causes concern; or anytime you’ve had trouble with a particular image or file in the past.

–Austin Stahl, Art Manager, Network Media Partners

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