Proofing Your Job

Purpose of a Proof

The Circle proof is a miniature representation of the Customer's final large-format output. The Customer should use the proof for object placement, spelling accuracy, and to make certain that all elements of the design have been included. For the hardcopy proof only, the proof should also be used for color accuracy.

Types of Proofs

The following is a list of possible proofing options that you may request when ordering with Circle Graphics.

» No Proof Required: The Customer has sent in print ready art and doesn't want to see a proof before printing begins.

This option would be selected in cases where a rush is needed, as it enables the job to move more quickly through our world because the item will not have to stop to wait for approval. Generally, the client won't need to see a proof when reordering past art. When "No Proof" is requested, the Customer loses the ability to check over the art one last time to ensure that there are no mistakes on the artwork before printing begins.

» Soft/Online Proof: Circle generates a proof that will be emailed to the individual who can authorize approval.

Online proofs allow the Customer to see the art before we begin printing and give the opportunity to catch any mistakes. Online proofs are not color accurate due to computer monitors not being calibrated correctly, so the screen can not show exactly what the color on the board will look like.

» Hardcopy Proof: A color accurate print out of the Customer's art is generated and overnighted, typically the day after we receive the art.

This form of proofing will allow the Customer to see exactly what the colors on the art will look like as we use the same inks for the hardcopy proof that we use to print our customers' billboards. When a hardcopy proof is requested, it may delay the job depending on how quickly it's needed since the Customer must wait for it to be overnighted.

» Color Swatches: Swatches of the requested color are printed on our poster paper on our presses. These swatches give the Customer the ability to choose their color from a range of different variations.

Not all PMS Callouts can be matched 100% in a four-color process, because of this, it is within the Customer's power to request that color swatches be sent on a particular color. To request this option, the Customer should insert a note in the "Order Notes" field of the order asking that color swatches be sent out for the color they'd like to see. Giving us a PMS Callout to start with always helps as there are thousands of color combinations and shades possible. The PMS Callout will give us an idea of what the Customer is looking for. Once a color has been chosen, Circle will reference the Customer's choice from the swatches when working the art to ensure we use the correct color.

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