Fortunately there are more options for a proof than there once were. The most basic is a digital proof – you view the artwork on a computer screen. This is good for checking everything is in the right order, checking type for errors, making sure that images are the right way up and in the right place, and so on. 

Next up from this is a low resolution proof, often printed on an inkjet printer from a PDF. In addition to the above, if printed at actual size this can give you a better sense of the scale of images and type size.

Moving on up the scale (both quality and cost) are various proprietary digital proofing systems which emulate the printing process, all the way up through proofs made on a ‘proofing press’ to a ‘machine’ proof for litho printing. The latter two are the closest you will get to the printed article in terms of colour, since they use the real printing plates (subject to any changes you might make at this point) that will be used for the final print, often on the paper that is to be used. A machine proof is made on the printing press running your job. A number of sheets are run through the press, then the press is halted while you check the print quality. If necessary minor adjustments can be made to one or more of the printing colours (CMYK): ‘slightly less heavy on the cyan’ for example. 

We supply you with a PDF proof which you can view on screen or print out yourself. A printer’s proof is a good idea, particularly if you want a lot of copies and a degree of colour control is important. A printer will invariably charge for this, and the cost and type of proof on offer depends on the printer. You should discuss the options with your printer.