It’s always important to proof your documents prior to printing, especially for commercial prints. Once a file is submitted for printing, the printing company would have no liability over the outcome of the prints as far as content is concerned since editing the files are not their responsibility.
Usually, printing companies let their customers proof their prints first before going into production. This stage is extremely crucial and at the same time, very delicate. Every aspect of the file to be printed needs to be carefully observed for any errors. Any errors after proofing would be irreversible and may cost you dearly especially if you need to re-print the whole thing.
We have compiled a checklist of the things that you need to consider before signing off on your proof:
Spelling and Grammar
For business and marketing-related prints, it is quite embarrassing to have a printed document with errors in spelling and grammar. Designers sometimes take the appropriate step to change misspelt words in a job order. Although sometimes that may prove problematic since there are some words uncommon to everyone. Make sure that everything is correct before sending it off. Use common tools, such as Microsoft Word for automatic spell checks and grammar. A little effort goes a long way.
Details
It’s important to have everything correct especially if the file is for an advertisement. The phone number, address, email address, date, time, Facebook, Blackberry barcode – everything has to be correct. Generally, designers are not allowed to make any changes especially when it comes to the details. Everything has to be correct to the last character to avoid re-prints
Size
Make sure that you are proofing the file at its appropriate size. If you’re printing a legal-sized file, do not proof it under a different size since it will dramatically alter the file’s layout.
Images
The image quality is different when printed out. A normal screen display only shows up to 72dpi or dots per inch. The real quality of the printout will show on the printed product as it would have as much as 300dpi depending on the type of printer used. You would need to carefully examine your image and make sure that the image would translate very well when printed out, otherwise use a higher resolution image.
Once you are done proofing the document, try to print out a test print if possible. Scan the test page for any areas for improvement, and apply changes as necessary.
