{"id":26324,"date":"2016-07-27T10:26:51","date_gmt":"2016-07-27T10:26:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spdc.wpengine.com\/?page_id=26324"},"modified":"2026-07-07T10:10:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T15:10:12","slug":"how-to-use-a-print-proof","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/ordering-shipping\/how-to-use-a-print-proof","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Print Proof"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Instant Proof vs. Soft Proof vs. Hard Proof: Understanding Your Print Proof Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before your project is printed, it goes through the print proof process. A print proof is an early version of your artwork that helps you review and confirm your design before production begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your product and workflow, Smartpress may offer Instant Proof, a traditional digital soft proof or a physical hard proof. Each option is a different type of proof designed to help you confidently move your project into production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide explains the differences between each print proof type, how to review them and what to expect at each stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Instant Proof?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Instant Proof is a print proof that lets you review your artwork before placing your order. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use Instant Proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Upload your artwork.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Click Create Proof.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Review your print proof and any warnings or recommendations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Approve your proof, request an expert review or decline.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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    What is a Soft Print Proof?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a>, trim size, folding and any other finishing options, like perforation<\/a> scoring<\/a> and die cutting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soft proofs are typically available within one business day after artwork submission. Production time (or turnaround time<\/a>) begins once you approve your proof, not once you submit your order.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Review Your Soft Print Proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a>. For folded pieces like brochures<\/a> and cards<\/a>, we highly recommend printing and folding down your soft proof to confirm your artwork is in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are Proof Lines? How Do I Adjust Them?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You may see lines on your soft proof PDF the first time you open it. To adjust these lines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n