What Are Proofs and Why Are They Important?
The proof is the final quality control check before the printer produces your label. It’s a critical step to ensure that you love your final product. Here at Pacer Labels, we take proofs seriously going the extra mile to ensure that you approve our final proof with confidence.
So, what are proofs exactly? And why do they matter?
What Are Proofs?
A proof is a representation of your artwork that allows you to review your label before printing. This representation shows you how your colors will appear, where your artwork is positioned, and how your text will read for your final printed product. Generally, there are two types of proofs: digital and print.
- A digital proof is a rendering of your final artwork that we will send via email or an online portal before printing. This proof will typically show lines for various margins and cut lines so you can understand what your final product will look like.
- A printed proof is a physical representation of your artwork sent to you via mail.
At Pacer Labels, you will have the option of choosing between receiving a digital proof or a printed proof.
Why Is a Proof So Important?
Proofs are your final chance to review what your label is going to look like once it’s printed. The proofing process is your final chance to request changes.
When ordering your first round of custom printed labels, purchasing a printed proof is recommended. For one, proofing your label in physical form vs. in digital format provides a much better perspective when judging your artwork with your desired stock and lamination. In addition, a printed proof allows you to test the feel of your label and to judge the final look of your label when adhered to your product.
Digital proofs are the way to go when re-ordering your custom labels. This is because we already know what the final product will look and feel like when printed. Proofing your label artwork digitally is enough to ensure that all artwork, text, etc. looks good and is properly in place.
Whether it be a printed or a digital proof, we recommend that our clients always complete the proofing process to the best of their ability. It’s easy to introduce and overlook unintentional errors when neglecting proper proofing. As a consequence, any missed errors will inevitably cost you more later.
How Does Proofing Work?
If you’ve requested a digital proof, once our prepress department has received your artwork, they will prepare the proof and email it to you within 24 hours. Once you’ve reviewed your proof, respond to the proof email with your approval or request for changes. If you are requesting changes, please be sure to include a detailed description of what changes you need to have done along with the updated artwork showing these changes. We will then generate a new proof and send it to you at no extra cost! This process repeats until you are happy with the final proof and we receive your final approval. Upon receiving your approval, production officially begins.
Now that we’ve gone over the importance of proofs and how they work, we hope that you feel confident when proofing your custom label orders with Pacer Labels. If you have any questions or need more guidance during the proofing process, give us a call at 888.391.3575 or email us at service@pacerlabels.com. We are super easy to work with and our friendly reps will take care of you.
