{"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":"2026-01-14T11:11:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T17:11:01","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<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/blog_choosing_a_printer_mel-poole-3IxYATx6Ylg-unsplash.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=e677648e85c4a2b9eb5e6f4998e49903\" alt=\"Two hands typing on a laptop with a soft print proof on the screen.\" class=\"wp-image-29558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/blog_choosing_a_printer_mel-poole-3IxYATx6Ylg-unsplash.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=576&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1024&amp;s=e677648e85c4a2b9eb5e6f4998e49903 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/blog_choosing_a_printer_mel-poole-3IxYATx6Ylg-unsplash.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=169&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=300&amp;s=8d40dc2ab2d555880822b836e23b6bab 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/blog_choosing_a_printer_mel-poole-3IxYATx6Ylg-unsplash.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=432&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=768&amp;s=8e8f3d1092d629f1d425fb29e18b3304 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/blog_choosing_a_printer_mel-poole-3IxYATx6Ylg-unsplash.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=864&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1536&amp;s=3de88387967011f0208f6971a2db0502 1536w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/blog_choosing_a_printer_mel-poole-3IxYATx6Ylg-unsplash.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1920&amp;s=e2ac639e1891b6ea8323d14d75bc73ff 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft Proof vs. Hard Proof: What\u2019s the Difference in Printing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before your project is printed, it goes through the proofing process. A print proof is an early version of your project that closely represents how it will look when printed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article explains the difference between soft (digital) and hard (physical) proofs, how to review each type, what to expect from the proofing process and when to request a proof. It also includes online printing tips for color accuracy, file setup, approval timelines and when to choose \u201cNo Proof Needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"soft-print-proof\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Soft Print Proof? (Digital PDF)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/printing-basics\/bleed-borders\">bleed<\/a>, trim size, folding and any other finishing options, like <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/print-with-perforation\">perforation<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/paper-scoring\">scoring<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/die-cutting\">die cutting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We&#8217;ll send a soft proof within one business day after you submit your art.<\/strong> <strong>Production time (or <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/ordering-shipping\/printing-turnaround-time\"><strong>turnaround time<\/strong><\/a><strong>) begins once you approve your proof, not once you submit your order.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"review-your-soft-proof\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Review Your Soft Print Proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/color-ink\/color-space\">RGB or Pantone spot colors to CMYK<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have color-critical work where a high level of color accuracy is required, we recommend you order a hard proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For folded pieces like <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/brochure-printing\">brochures<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/card-printing\">cards<\/a>, we highly recommend printing and folding down your soft proof to confirm your artwork is in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Proof Lines? How Do I Adjust Them?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may see lines on your soft proof PDF the first time you open it. To adjust these lines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to Preferences, select Page Display.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the rendering settings, select Smooth Line Art and Smooth Images.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Smartpress Tip:<\/em><\/strong> When reviewing, you can make changes to your proof. Your online printer will then send you another soft proof to confirm those changes have been made.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"hard-print-proof\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Hard Print Proof? (Physical Copy)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A hard proof is a physical copy of the PDF. <em><strong>We offer hard proofs on a very limited number of products<\/strong><\/em>. Many products also offer a minimum quantity that is more cost effective than a hard proof for sample purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your project is highly color-critical or you have concerns about what your color will look like, we highly recommend ordering our <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/print-coating-sample-sheet\">Print Coating &amp; Sample Sheet<\/a> to review your design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hard proofs are available only in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"print-proofing-process\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Smartpress\u2019 Print Proofing Process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A digital PDF soft proof will be available for your review within one business day after we receive your file upload. For orders containing <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/mailing-and-addressing-services\">addressing and <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/mailing-and-addressing-services\">mailing<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/direct-mail\/mailing-and-addressing-services\"> services<\/a>, proofs will be available within two business days. We process proofs during our normal business hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a PDF proof is ready for your review, you will receive an email notification with a link to your job. We recommend you add No-Reply@Smartpress.com to your email\u2019s &#8220;safe senders&#8221; list to ensure you always receive order status updates.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"no-proof-needed\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Opt Out of Receiving Smartpress\u2019 Print Proof?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, Smarptress allows you to opt out of receiving either proof option. Select \u201cNo Proof Needed\u201d if you do not need a proof. This typically does not speed up the production time on your order.&nbsp;<strong>If you notice an error in your order that wasn\u2019t Smartpress\u2019 fault, a refund\/reprint may not be possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"approving-your-proof\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Approve My Smartpress Print Proof?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When a PDF proof is ready for your review, you\u2019ll receive an email notification with a link to your job. We recommend adding No-Reply@Smartpress.com to your email\u2019s &#8220;safe senders&#8221; list to ensure you always receive order status updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you have a hard deadline<\/strong> for when you need your printing project, please communicate that in your order notes or to your customer service representative. We\u2019ll do whatever we can to ensure you receive your print project in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No print job will be sent to press without your approval. If your proof is not approved and changes need to be made before printing can occur, the print proof cycle will start over and turnaround time will be recalculated.Before printing, we ensure your file is set up correctly and allow <strong>15 minutes per order<\/strong> for any adjustments that may be needed. We will notify you if additional time is needed and the applicable rates.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"print-proof-faq\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smartpress&#8217; Print Proof FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I order a hard proof?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We offer hard proofs on a limited number of products. If a hard proof is available, you\u2019ll see that option in the Proof dropdown above the instant quote on the product page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-8.31.50-AM.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.0&max-h=542&max-w=948&s=a103c6e37e8d84abbea3c10ed61009db\" alt=\"The proof and production time dropdowns above a price quote on a Smartpress product page.\" class=\"wp-image-30139\" style=\"width:369px;height:211px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-8.31.50-AM.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=948&amp;s=a9a97a9df3965975fdc687e2febc423e 948w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-8.31.50-AM.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=172&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=300&amp;s=676c4e03d9dec02277a3fc9f91105894 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-13-at-8.31.50-AM.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=439&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=768&amp;s=ef625019ed337dd9607f92eb0f60ea82 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will I receive my hard proof?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You have two options for a hard proof: next-day and ground. Both of these refer to the shipping speed. No matter which one you select, the process includes generating a soft proof, producing it and then shipping it. Accounting for this time, you\u2019ll typically receive your next-day hard proof within 2-3 business days and ground hard proof between 3-5 business days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a hard proof is not available on the product page and you\u2019d like one, please <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/contact\">contact customer service<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does selecting &#8220;No Proof Needed&#8221; speed up my production time?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you opt out of receiving a soft proof, it typically does not speed up the production time on your order.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft Proof vs. Hard Proof: Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Soft Proof (Digital PDF)<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Hard Proof (Physical Copy)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Check layout, text, trim, bleed, folds, finishing features<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Check color accuracy and how artwork looks in print<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Delivery Time<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Sent within 1 business day after file upload<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2-3 (next-day) or 3-5 (ground) business days after approval<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Recommended For<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Most projects \u2192 layout and content review<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Color-critical projects requiring precise print matching<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Availability<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Available for all products<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Limited product availability \u2192 only in the U.S.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Approval Required to Print?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Yes \u2192 Customer manually approves the soft proof<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Yes \u2192 Customer must still manually approve the soft proof<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Revisions Allowed?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Yes. Revisions are encouraged if necessary for reproof<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Not typically, used to confirm final look<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Included in most orders<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">May incur additional costs&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any questions about Smartpress\u2019 proofing process or any of our online printing services, feel free to <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact customer service<\/a>, and our print experts will be happy to help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Soft Proof vs. Hard Proof: What\u2019s the Difference in Printing? Before your project is printed, it goes through the proofing process. A print proof is an early version of your project that closely represents how it will look when printed. This article explains the difference between soft (digital) and hard (physical) proofs, how to review [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":29702,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[5,2],"class_list":["post-26324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ordering-shipping","tag-digital-printing","tag-policies"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Use a Print Proof | Support<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A print proof is an early version of your project that represents how it&#039;ll look when printed. 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