LaCie White Paper:
Soft Proofing
Page 4
Unfortunately, the method described above is frequently inconvenient: printers may be in one or several remote loca-
tions, hard proofing costs may be too high, or production time may be too tight to allow for a hard proof.
However, an alternative proofing method, called
soft proofing
, has recently appeared, which offers a
financially superior alternative to the more expensive and time-consuming hard proofing.
The major difference between soft proofing and hard proofing is that in the former, the reference document is
never printed; it is only displayed on a computer monitor. In this case, print accuracy is controlled by compar-
ing it with the document displayed on the monitor. Since it is not a printed, tangible proof which is used as refer-
ence, but an electronic, virtual document, this method is commonly called
soft proofing
or
virtual proofing
.
These advantages deliver better client satisfaction, predictability and consistency.
Shorter turn-around times
The consistency, predictability, and reliability of high-end monitors combined with soft proofing systems
reduce the number of required proofs and accelerate processes.
Higher return on investment
Monitor profiling can be implemented with relatively low costs, as recommended systems prices have
dropped. Print costs, if necessary, are also drastically reduced.
Ease of use
Thanks to the increased popularity and ease of use of color management and calibration systems, it is no
longer necessary to employ a color management specialist to implement them.
Remote proofing
With the ability of color-managed systems and monitors to be set up anywhere, remote proofing systems
are becoming more popular. Dispersing locations can bring additional flexibility, since it is easier to work
with several publishers or accounts, and can help to cut costs. Additionally, by eliminating the need to
ship hard proofs, remote profiling saves time and shipping costs.
Other benefits.
Monitor-based proofing systems also capture clients’ comments and approvals: they can be used for bill-
ing or audit trails. Additionally, because the job remains digital later in the production process, clients
can collaborate simultaneously on the soft proof with other users, and apply changes even later in the
production process.
SOFt PrOOFiNG VS. hard PrOOFiNG
SOFt PrOOFiNG BeNeFitS
