Proofing a job for print is one of the last, and most critical, steps in your project. It’s your final chance to take a look at what’s going to be produced, make sure it’s right, and send it to the presses. It’s also your final chance to make sure everything is correct, and appears as you’d expect it to on the final printed pieces. As such, special care and attention should be taken at this stage. Here’s a guide of what to look for as you proof your printing project:
Final Check All Spelling and Grammar: We always suggest that at least two sets of eyes on all of the copy - and that means headlines too! Believe it or not, many spelling errors occur in the headlines. For some reason, they tend to be the most overlooked pieces of copy on your piece. If possible, enlist the help of someone who has not been involved with the project to do a review of spelling. Chances are, you and your team are so familiar with the project that you may overlook something that a fresh set of eyes could catch.
Check Against the Last Round of Revisions: This ensures that you’ve sent us the final version of your file to be printed. Mistakes can happen, and it’s always possible that an old version makes it to the printer.
Bleeds: Review the entire piece, and make sure that bleeds are where they are supposed to be, and that you’ve provided enough of a bleed to print properly.
Text, photos, colors: Look closely at all components of the piece for solid coverage to ensure there are no broken up areas or unusual shading or blocking.
Positioning: Does everything look to be in place? Are images, effects, etc. appearing as you intend them to, and as they appear in your original file?
Size: Is the size correct? Are the trim marks where they should be?
In general, be sure to look at the proof as a whole to make sure it looks the way you intend it to look. When in doubt, circle your area of concern on the proof and ASK! It’s much better to ask what you may consider to be a stupid question on the front end, as opposed to assuming that it’s OK and ending up with mistakes on the finished product.
