Soft Proofing:
 Is It Hard?

The reality—Soft proofing options range from sending PDFs as email attachments for content approval to browser- or server-based collaborative solutions, whereby multiple –individuals may be invited to review and annotate a single file for reasons that range from compliance with legal labeling requirements to –language and shelf aesthetics. The most –sophisticated solutions on the market permit viewing for color and content, as well as –editing and annotating; predict how an image will print on a designated stock; and/or enable the viewing of spot colors, the comparison of proofs, and online collaboration. Homegrown systems may add elements reflecting the unique the characteristics of the business and its relationship to the customer. Properly implemented, all soft proofing options will reduce the number of pre-contract hard copy proofs, along with the cost of their creation and transport. Since there's no delay in printing out a proof and shipping it to the client, the instant a job has been produced, it can be made available for approval.