How to Use a Print Proof

What is Instant Proof?

Instant Proof is a print proof that lets you review your artwork before placing your order. It’s designed for speed and simplicity, helping you catch common file setup issues early. Instant Proof generates within seconds and displays key print details like trim lines, bleed areas and safe zones. It can also flag potential issues in your file so you can correct them right away.

How to Use Instant Proof

1. Upload your artwork.
2. Click Create Proof.
3. Review your print proof and any warnings or recommendations.
4. Approve your proof, request an expert review or decline.

Approving an Instant Proof before checkout can help move your order into production faster by bypassing the standard prepress review step. Instant Proof is available on most products without folds or multiple pages, such as postcards, sell sheets, business cards, invitations, posters, bookmarks, letterheads and select signs and menus.

What is a Soft Print Proof?

A soft proof is a digital PDF proof intended to demonstrate the size, placement and text of a file. It allows you to proofread your content, visualize your bleed, trim size, folding and any other finishing options, like perforation scoring and die cutting.

A soft proof is a digital print proof provided after your order is placed. It allows you to review your layout, text, sizing and finishing details before production begins. This is the most common print proof type and is used for the majority of Smartpress orders.

Soft proofs are typically available within one business day after artwork submission. Production time (or turnaround time) begins once you approve your proof, not once you submit your order.

How to Review Your Soft Print Proof

To review your proof, we recommend opening it in Adobe Reader. Digital proofs do not show transparency or overprint areas, nor do they show color shifts resulting from the conversion of RGB or Pantone spot colors to CMYK. For folded pieces like brochures and cards, we highly recommend printing and folding down your soft proof to confirm your artwork is in place.

What are Proof Lines? How Do I Adjust Them?

You may see lines on your soft proof PDF the first time you open it. To adjust these lines:

• Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
• Go to Preferences, select Page Display.
• In the rendering settings, select Smooth Line Art and Smooth Images.

Smartpress Tip: When reviewing, you can make changes to your proof. As your online printer, Smartpress will then send you another soft proof to confirm those changes have been made.

What is a Hard Print Proof?

A hard proof is a physical print proof used to evaluate how your design will look in an actual printed format. We offer hard proofs on a very limited number of products. Many products also offer a minimum quantity that is more cost effective than a hard proof for sample purposes.

If your project is highly color-critical or you have concerns about what your color will look like, we recommend ordering our Print Coating & Sample Sheet to review your design. Hard proofs are available only in the U.S.

What is Smartpress’ Print Proof Process?

Your print proof experience depends on the product you order. If your product is eligible for Instant Proof, you’ll be able to generate and review your print proof within seconds during the ordering process.

If Instant Proof is not available, a soft print proof will typically be provided within one business day after we receive your file upload. Orders that include addressing and mailing services may require up to two business days.

When your print proof is ready, you’ll receive an email notification with a link to review it. We recommend adding No-Reply@Smartpress.com to your safe senders list to ensure you receive updates.

No order is sent to press without customer approval of the print proof. If revisions are needed, you’ll upload a revised file and approve a new print proof before production can begin.

Print Proof FAQ

What products have the Instant Proof option?

Instant Proof is available on most products without folds, multiple pages or speciality finishes, including postcards, sell sheets, business cards, invitations, posters, bookmarks, letterheads and select signs and menus.

How quickly is an Instant Proof generated?

Most Instant Proofs are generated within seconds after you upload your artwork, making it the fastest way to review a print proof.

What should I check in a print proof?

When reviewing any print proof, make sure to check:

• Trim size
• Bleed coverage
• Safe zones
• Page count
• Page orientation
• Text and artwork placement
• Any warnings or recommendations shown

Can I make changes after reviewing my print proof?

Yes. If something looks off, update your file and upload a revised version. You can then generate a new Instant Proof or request an updated soft print proof.

What happens if I find an error?

If you catch an issue during your print proof review, simply correct it yourself if possible and regenerate the proof. Or you can request an expert review for additional help.

What doesn’t Instant Proof catch?

Instant Proof is an automated tool and does not replace human review. It may not identify:

• Spelling or grammar errors
• Layout inconsistencies
• Incorrect page rotations
• Flattened image issues
• Certain cut tolerance concerns

Will colors look exactly the same in print as they do on screen?

No. Part of understanding a print proof is knowing how color works. Screens display color in RGB, while printed materials use CMYK inks. Because screens emit light and printed pieces reflect light, some variation should be expected.

Does Instant Proof show paper stocks, coatings or specialty finishes?

No. Instant Proof does not simulate paper stocks, coatings or specialty finishing options. Some specialty features, including foil, raised UV, white ink, scoring and motion cutting, may disable Instant Proof entirely.

How do I order a hard proof?

If a hard proof is available on your product (it’s offered on a very limited number of products), you’ll see the option in the Proof dropdown menu on the product page.

How do I order a hard proof?

We offer hard proofs on a limited number of products. If a hard proof is available, you’ll see that option in the Proof dropdown above the instant quote on the product page.

When will I receive my hard proof?

Hard proofs are available with next-day or ground shipping. Typical timing includes:

• Next-Day Hard Proof: 2-3 business days
• Ground Hard Proof: 3-5 business days

This includes production and shipping time.

Can I choose “No Proof Needed”?

Yes. However, skipping a print proof typically does not reduce production time and may increase the risk of errors going unnoticed. If you notice an error in your order that wasn’t Smartpress’ fault, a refund/reprint may not be possible.

How do I approve my print proof?

When your print proof is ready, you’ll receive an email with instructions for review and approval. No order is sent to press without approval of the print proof. If you have a hard deadline for when you need your printing project, please communicate that in your order notes or to your customer service representative. We’ll do whatever we can to ensure you receive your print project in time.

Key Takeaways: Print Proof Options