Before printing a book, catalog, or series of packaging, it is important to ensure that everything looks as it should. This is what a digital proof is for – a test print that allows you to verify the design before starting production. If you care about color consistency, perfect margins, and compliance with your vision, this is a step you cannot skip. What does the digital proof preparation process look like at our printing house? Here are the details.
Digital proof – why do it and when is it worthwhile?
Digital proofing is one of the most effective methods of quality control before printing. It is a test print that allows you to:
- see the actual color reproduction from the CMYK design,
- evaluate the typographic layout, margins, bleeds, and illustration proportions,
- confirm that the layout complies with the final printing requirements,
- avoid costly mistakes with large print runs.
In particular, we recommend digital proofing in the following cases:
- printing artbooks, albums, premium catalogs,
- projects with uniform backgrounds or large areas of color,
- situations where color accuracy is crucial (e.g., branding).
This is a small cost compared to the potential losses – both financial and reputational.
How do we prepare digital proofs at Druck.pl?
1. Verification of files and settings
First, we carefully analyze the materials sent to us. Our DTP department checks:
- correct bleeds (usually min. 3 mm),
- use of CMYK color profile – e.g. FOGRA39 or FOGRA51,
- bitmap resolution (300 dpi for offset printing),
- correct page formatting (e.g., no frames, correct number of pages in the publication),
- presence of cut marks and any fold lines.
If the file requires corrections, we contact the customer—sometimes a quick fix in InDesign or exporting to a new PDF is all that is needed.
2. Digital proof – printing on a dedicated device
Once the files are ready, we generate a proof on a proofing device. We use certified proofing paper with high whiteness and color stability.
Most often, the proof contains:
- full cover (for books, catalogs),
- 2–3 inside spreads (for larger publications),
- control strips (CMYK, neutral gray, gradation tests),
- production information: proof date, version, operator’s initials.
The proof can also be accompanied by a Fogra certificate if the customer requires it – this is particularly important when working with agencies or foreign brands.
What happens after the proof is printed?
The proof is sent to the customer by courier or picked up in person. Based on the proof:
- the customer approves the design for printing,
- sends corrections – we then prepare a new version,
- in exceptional situations, we recommend making an additional proof after correction.
Once the proof has been approved, production begins – and we make every effort to ensure that the final result is identical to what the customer saw earlier.
Summary
For many of our customers, digital proofing is a turning point – the moment when a project becomes real. It reduces stress, saves time, and eliminates misunderstandings. At Druck.pl, we take this stage seriously – because we know that quality is not a coincidence, but the result of conscious decisions. If you care about precise printing, don’t skip proofing.