PDF Proofing

A common proofing method today is with the use of Adobe's Portable Document Format. This allows everyone to share documents from just about any program with each other, and the files are post script which allow for accurate reproduction of the contents. The files are compressed and are small enough to be sent via email.

The perfect solution?

As long as the file is made properly you are able to view the file without problems, and commercial printing companies can take the same proofed file and output to the device needed to produce the end product. When you can run into problems is where the fonts are not embedded in the PDF file, or the document is made to shrink, expand to the page size selected if different from the finished product or the file is compressed to much with low resolution. But if the fonts are correct, and file looks like what you are expecting then the file was most likely made correctly.

Another problem that can occur is when the end user, you, try to print the file. There are a couple of settings in the print dialog box of the Acrobat Viewer that will insure a successful proof session.

When you open the document, and the document looks good, you can print the document by selecting "File" from the menu at the top of the screen. Then select "Print" from that menu. You will get the following print dialog box:

Note the settings for "Print as image" is selected, and the "Shrink oversized pages to paper size" and "Expand small pages to paper size" are not selected. But you must ensure that the printer you are using supports the size of the project, and you have that paper size loaded into the printer. Otherwise you can check the shrink to fit option, but know that the proof is not to size.

When placement is critical, you would not want the "Auto-rotate and center pages" selected.

As always, there are many ways to proof commercial printing. If the project has critical dimensions, color or placement it is advised to request another form of proofing.

Always feel free to call and discuses your proofing options with us.

Types of proofing:

PDF - Usually Free

Postscript Laser: Approximatly $5.00 B&W; $10.00 Color (8.5 x 11)
(Color is not exact)

Rainbow (High End Ink Jet): Approximatly $45.00 (8.5 x 11)
(Color is close, not exact)

Blue line (Negatives required, final proofing only): Approximatly: $50.00 (8.5 x 11)
(No color available, placement / quality proof only)

Match Print (Negatives required, final proofing only): Approximatly $190.00 (8.5 x 11)
(Exact color and placement, best proof)

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