The Proofing Process

So you’ve just gotten your print project proof from Printco’s stellar Prepress Department and wondering what you need to know about the proofing process? Then you’ve come to the right place! 

What is a proof?
A proof is a visual simulation or test print of a print project; it is also an agreement between the customer and Printco Graphics. Proofs give the customer an opportunity to review and verify content, accuracy and quality before it goes to press.

What can you do to make sure your proof is accurate?
First, always provide high-resolution PDFs or packaged native files. Secondly, always be sure all your images are high-resolution and in CMYK format. Click here for a complete list of Design Dos and Don’ts.

Types of Proofs

• PDFs: PDF proofs are sent to customers via email and can be either high resolution or low resolution. Lo-res PDFs are most often sent due to email attachment size limitations.
• Low-Resolution Flats: Printed on an Epson 9880 8-color inkjet proofer, lo-res flats are great for seeing a mock-up of your finished product’s content and layout. They are printed low resolution and are not an indication of final quality or color.
• Color Correct: Also printed on an Epson 9880 8-color inkjet proofer, color correct proofs are the best proofs to ensure a more accurate (but not exact) color match. Color correct proofs are not printed on the project’s paper stock and thus, should only be used to verify content and basic color quality.
• Press Check: This is an on-site inspection of the printed piece and will require the customer to visit Printco’s production floor before printing begins. Please note: Because Printco Graphics runs 24/7, press checks may be scheduled any time of day or night. For critical color matching, this is the customer’s best resource.

A Note on PDF Proofs
PDF proofs are a close representation of your final piece, but are NOT the best way to verify color accuracy. Computer monitors are RGB and can visually depict a broader range of colors than CMYK printing. Also, natural variations in a computer monitor’s brightness, contrast and color adjustment settings can affect the way a color appears.

Proofing Instructions

1. Review the proof very carefully.
2. Once you have reviewed the proof, immediately contact your Printco Customer Service Representative at sales@printcographics.com with either 1) approval or 2) revisions.

Approved
If you approve the proof and have emailed your CSR, you are acknowledging that you proofed your project and approve this project to be printed. It will then enter the production process.

Revisions
If you have revisions, explain any changes when you contact your CSR. Please note: Printco Graphics is able to revise files, but this can and will increase the cost of printing, as well as adding additional turnaround time. Save time and money by making corrections (yes, even the small ones) yourself and sending new files. This also ensures that the changes are done to your own specifications.

FAQs

What should I look for on the proof?
Customers should always check the following: spelling, grammar, document size, page count, font usage, images and type-flow.

Can you convert RGB to CMYK?
You betcha! But just remember, you run the risk of color changing unexpectedly. The best method is to convert, and confirm, colors yourself.

Can you print a Lo-Res image?
Oh sure, we can print a Lo-Res image, but you’re not going to like it. Any image under 200 DPI will not print clearly, nor will a Lo-Res image that has been upsampled to become a High-Res image.

I used overprint and the effect didn’t show up on my proof. Why?
Overprint does not print, and thus, will not appear on a proof. Using a transparency setting, instead of overprint, will correct this problem.

There is a line on my proof that isn’t supposed to be there. What should I do?
Maybe it should be there, maybe it shouldn’t – but you should always play it safe with proofs! If you have any questions, we are here for you. Contact us anytime at sales@printcographics.com or just call us at 402.593.1080.

The Small Print
Under no circumstances will Printco Graphics be responsible for errors caused in print due to a proof and do not guarantee color matching from PDF proofs.  It is solely the customer’s (or customer’s delegates) responsibility to review and approve the proof. No written or verbal statement to the contrary will relieve the customer of this responsibility.

Coatings 101: UV in Action

UV coating is just what it sounds like… a coating that is cured via Ultra Violet light. It’s available in matte, gloss, spot or flood. It adds stability to paper as well as protection and quality. Is it an in-house service at Printco? You bet it is!

 

Call us today at 888.593.1080 to place your order today.

Design Dos & Don’ts from Printco Graphics

Printco Customer Testimonials

Larry Reding, founder and CEO of Printco Graphics, makes it our business to provide nothing but the best in service…and it shows! Just read what our valued customers have to say:

 

 

“I wanted to let you know we received everything yesterday and they look great. Please thank your staff for all the hard work.”

“LOVE THEM!”

“Job looks excellent. Tell everyone they did a great job!”

“Thank you for all of your help. The Design department was a great help during the entire process and deserves extra credit.”

“This print job is fan-fricking-tastic!”

“The print quality is outstanding. I want to thank the Prepress department for their expertise and ability to explain technical issues.”

“The catalogues arrived and they look beautiful.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and everyone there at Printco. It was a great experience for me and i look forward to having the opportunity to work with you in the future!”

“I wanted to thank you all and your staff for pulling together a beautiful binder! I know it was a whopper of a project, but I know offices are going to love it! I am very lucky to work with such great partners.” 

“The folders look great and the color matches perfectly! Thanks!” 

“I cannot tell you how happy I am with the way the book looks. This is the third book I have had printed by Printco. Your Sales Rep, Customer Service Rep and Shipping departments were very helpful and professional. They kept the process going and avoided any delays.”

“Thanks for the super work and time that everyone put in – well done!” 

“We just received the print project and it looks fabulous! We are very pleased with not only the results, but with how easy it was to work with you and Printco. I personally appreciate all your help and continued communication with me as I am still fairly new to the whole printing process, but I think this all went very smoothly. Thanks again and I will let you know if we have further printing needs.”

“AWESOME JOB ON THE CALENDARS!!”

“We are very pleased with the quality of the book. Thank you for rushing them and all your help in the process.”

“The books look amazing! Well done and thank you for taking the time to get them here so quickly.”

“Just got the folders today and they look great. Thanks for the help on getting this one to look it’s best.”

“We’ve gotten tons of compliments on our magazine and I know a lot of that probably has to do with the great colors from the printing, so thank you!”

“Thanks again for a great product and very prompt turn around!”

“Wristbands look great! Thanks again for your assistance!”

“We just received a package of the newsletters–nice work!”

“The quality of your work continues to improve and amaze. The design is up-to-date, sharp and very creative. The colors are rich and well-matched. The black in the black and white section is also sharp and intense. The grays are not dull. Absolutely beautiful and fantastic! Job well done.”

 

Printing 101

Printco makes printing easier than ever, whether you’re a design novice or expert in the field of print media. Just follow these 4 easy steps!

1. Bid: Provide the details of your print job to your sales person for a job bid (see below for a handy dandy checklist of information to include).
2. Artwork: Supply your print-ready artwork via email, disk or our convenient online FTP site.
3. Proof: Review the proof of your artwork carefully. Send approval or make changes, as needed.
4. Production: Your piece then goes into production: printing press, bindery and/or special services. Finally, it’s shipped or mailed out – you’ve just gone through the printing process!

Mail Services: Current Resident vs. NCOA

Millions of people move each year in the US. These moves account for 8% of all mail being undeliverable. You can avoid being in this dreaded 8% by using a few tried and true methods, including National Change of Address (NCOA) mail list cleansing and sending mail addressed to Current Resident. However, it is important to note that these methods cannot be interchanged or combined:

Mail + Current Resident = Specific Address

If you want a mailing to go to the specific address and it won’t matter who lives at that address, then use “Current Resident” on the piece.

Mail + NCOA = Specific Person

If you want the piece to go to a specific person, then take advantage of Printco’s NCOA mail list cleansing service. If your target has put in a Change of Address, it will be updated and have the best chance of reaching that person.

 

 

Click here  to get to know your NCOA codes, or sign up for NCOA by downloading this form.

What Printco Customers Say About Fulfillment…

4 out of 5 Printco Fulfillment customers would recommend us to a friend and 100% of Fulfillment customers were satisfied (or better) with our service. Read what our customers have to say about Printco’s Fulfillment Service…

 

“I would recommend Printco’s fulfillment to colleagues and friends because you are GREAT to work with!”

 

“My favorite part about Printco fulfillment is that it’s nice and easy and everyone is helpful.”

 

“Keep doing what you are doing!”

 

“Fastest service available – when I order, the booklets get here the very next day.”

 

“Our samples go to customers and they always look good; it’s so easy to order.”

Ask about blind shipping options!

Bid Request Check List

Often times, offset and digital printing starts with a bid request. Get instant online bids at printcographics.com 24/7 or email us at readytoprint@printcographics.com for any custom requests. Use this handy checklist to be sure to send all necessary details.

 Quantity

Number of finished pieces. Account for the offset printer’s industry standard that dictates a window of 3% overs or unders.

 Stock

Choose from various weights and finishes of offset, text or cover paper. Just want the most economical choice? Be sure to notate your choice of house stock.

 Color

The number of colors to be printed (full color is CMYK, or 4). Common colors combinations include 4/4, 4/0, 2/2 and 2/0. Be sure to indicate if your margins bleed or not, as this can affect the sheet size needed to print your piece.

 Coatings

Special finishes added to protect and add interest to 1 side, 2 sides or spot. Choose from UV, aqueous or varnish — or ask your Sales Rep for additional speciality options!

 Flat Size

Width x height. The size of your piece before bindery.

 Bindery

Folding, collating, binding, die-cutting and other finishing services. Include instructions or a PDF of your file for more complex projects.

 Finished Size

Width x height. The size of your piece after bindery.

 Artwork

Let us know how you’ll be providing your files: via email, FTP site, CD, DVD or ZIP drive.

 Proofs

Go paperless by choosing emailed PDF proofs. Need to verify color before printing? Indicate an assembled color proof in your job quote request.

 Delivery

Local, overnight, ground or via our in-house Direct Mail Service… each option is value-priced for your convenience.

Specialty Items By Printco: Family Picnic Cooler Set

Provide a giveaway they’ll use for years to come! This family picnic cooler set is the perfect summertime promotion and includes 2 plastic wine glasses, 2 melamine plates, 2 napkins, corkscrew bottle opener, cheese knife, butter knife, fork, spoon, and cheese board! Front zippered pocket can be personalized with your logo, company name, website and more with any of our various imprint styles.

• Size: 12″ x 14″
• Imprint styles: PhotoReal, transfer, color fill, deboss, epoxy dome or metal plate
• Includes adjustable strap

Reward your team, treat your customers and entice your prospectives with these durable, quality picnic coolers! Call us today at 888.593.1080.

 

Specialty Items by Printco: Family Announcement Magnets

Family reunions, baby announcements, wedding save-the-dates, anniversary party invitations — magnets are a great way to keep friends and family in the know. These handy magnets are conveniently sized for mailing and value-priced to fit any budget! Each is printed in vivid four-color process and can be customized to your specific needs.

• Size: 3.5″ x 4″
• Mailing envelopes available for 9¢ each
• As low as 18¢ each

Make your announcements today! Bids are available anytime via readytoprint@printcographics.com.