Checking Proofs

The best time to see what your actual printed job will look like before it is printed is when a proof or blueline is provided. When you are checking the proof, be sure to check for:

Overall size. Check that the whole piece is the right size and that the live area within the trim marks is sized correctly.
Folding. Be sure folding is correct. Be sure that crossovers that jump the gutter are properly aligned. Do sides backup as they should? Are pages in correct order?
Perfs/Scores/Die Cuts. Check for proper placement of perfs and scores. Be sure that die cut areas are indicated on the proof in the place they should be.
Logos. Do all logos appear as they should? If a logo looks “jagged or bitmapped” on the proof, it will appear the same on the printed piece. Check logo color breaks.
Type. Check that all fonts are correct. Check reflow, placement and color. Using a loupe will be helpful.
Images. Check position, color, size and density.
Color. Be sure all color is correct. Are color breaks clearly indicated? If varnish is being applied, is it indicated?
Flaws. Are there any spots, objects or colors appearing that should not be there?