Section 4 | Page 12

A proof serves as a communication and quality control tool at many steps in the production process. It is used within a production environment to monitor how a job is progressing. It is used with the customer to determine if color correction is necessary. It is used with the printer to check image quality and serve as a pressroom guide. A color proof often serves as a ôcontractö between the printer and the customer. This means the customer expects the printed sheet will look like the proof. In the pressroom, the press operator makes adjustments to produce printed sheets that match the proof. To be useful, a color proof must match the color, tonal range and visual appearance of the printing process. First, the colorants of the proofing system must simulate both the primary and secondary hues produced by the printing inks. Next

the proof must simulate the tone compression inherent to the printing process used. Finally, a proof must match the overall appearance of the printing process. Factors that affect overall appearance include the substrate, or paper stock, and gloss level.

A common pitfall is to judge a proof on how pleasing it is to the eye without considering how well it represents the printing process. If a proof cannot be matched on press, the proof creates frustrations for the press operator and unrealistic expectations for the customer, not to mention potential financial responsibility.