Printing Proofs: Soft Proofs vs Hard Proofs

estimated reading time: 3 minutes

What is a Proof?

In printing, a Proof is a preliminary representation of how a project will appear when printed. A proof is an essential component of the printing process because it ensures the client and printer are in total agreement about the desired outcome.

Proofs are created by a printing company after receiving a client's order and artwork file(s) but before any actual printing takes place. Once the proofs are ready for review, they are sent to the client to be examined thoroughly and approved.

Proofs help verify that images, text, margins, bleed, and other design elements have the proper appearance and placement. It is important to catch any issues during the proofing stage so they can be addressed and rectified before any printing plates are made or the project is sent to a printing press.

Soft Proofs

A Soft Proof refers to an electronic file that displays on a computer screen. As such, soft proofs do not exist in physical form. Instead, a soft proof simulates a printed piece through digital imagery.

The most common type of soft proof is a PDF proof. PDF stands for "Portable Document Format." PDF files provide a simple and convenient way to share electronic documents.

In our digital age, it should come as no surprise that soft proofs are the most widely used type of printing proofs. Not only can soft proofs be created quickly and inexpensively, they can be easily sent and received by email. This streamlines the approval process, allowing for prompt scheduling of the project and faster turnaround times.

In addition to displaying the layout and design elements of a project, soft proofs can also indicate how a printed piece will be trimmed, folded, perforated, drilled, punched, or similarly modified. Even though an electronic image is 2-dimensional, these finishing operations can be indicated using colored lines and markings. Of course, these markings will not print on the final piece. They merely appear on the proof to help visualize location.

Because soft proofs display on a computer screen, the colors displayed will be very close but not entirely accurate. This is because computer monitors use the RGB color model (Red, Green, and Blue) to create colors, whereas a printing press uses the CMYK color model (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). That said, soft proofs are still the preferred proofing method for the vast majority of print projects.

Hard Proofs

A Hard Proof, also known as a hard copy proof, refers to a physical proof. Unlike a soft proof, a hard proof is tangible and can actually be held in one's hands while being reviewed.

Since hard proofs are basically a one-off version of a print project, they can be expensive to produce. They also have to be mailed or shipped, which adds cost and time to the project.

This is why hard proofs are generally reserved for print projects that are more complicated. For example, projects that are color critical or have more involved physical features, such as a complex folding method or components that fit together in a certain way. Hard copy proofs can also help verify that books and multi-page documents have the proper page order.

Another benefit of hard copy proofs is that they can be printed on the actual paper, cardstock, or other substrate specified for the project. This allows the client to feel the weight and texture of the piece in addition to inspecting the layout.

Depending on the project, hard copy proofs are sometimes referred to as mock-ups or prototypes.

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If you have an upcoming print project, get in touch with Color Vision Printing. We have great pricing on full color printing, book printing, laminated printing and more.

We are always happy to discuss your projects, so give us a call at 800-543-6299. Or, submit a quote request by clicking here and we will email you a quote. As always, we look forward to assisting with your custom printing needs!