PRINT PROOFING

One of the most crucial steps when ordering envelopes is the proofing process. This step ensures that customers can have complete confidence that the final product will match their desired design. Every printing company includes this step, and "Thai Envelope" is no exception. To guarantee high-quality prints, we offer comprehensive proofing services in various forms. If you're curious about the different types of proofing, we’ll explore the answers in the article below. And if you're interested in ordering from Thai Envelope, whether it’s envelopes, packaging, or other printing needs, we can handle it all. Feel free to contact us here.

Types of Print Proofing

Print proofing can be divided into two main types: Digital Proofing and Offset Proofing. The purpose of both types is to give customers a preview that closely match the final product. The quality and accuracy of the proof vary between the two types, allowing customers to choose the one that best suits their needs.

Digital Proofing

Digital proofing is ideal for customers who need a quick turnaround. However, there may be a color difference of about 10-20% compared to the final product. This type of proof can be further divided into two subcategories.

1. Online Proofing

As the name suggests, online proofing involves sending a digital file to the customer to check the accuracy of the artwork according to their specifications. This is a basic step required whether you choose Digital or Offset proofing. In this step, the customer should carefully check the text for any errors, including typos or changes needed from the previous artwork. It's also essential to verify the size and placement of text or logos to ensure everything is as desired. At "Thai Envelope," we send a file with measurement lines included to make the review process easier.

Please note that "Digital files cannot be used for color reference" because the colors displayed on a computer or phone screen are in RGB, which may differ from the final print colors in CMYK. You can read more about RGB and CMYK color modes here. Once the customer is satisfied with the proof, they can proceed to the next step, which could be printing a mockup using a Digital printer. If a quick turnaround is needed, production can start immediately, making this method suitable for black-and-white prints, pre-made envelopes, and similar projects.

Sample images from digital files for online review

2. Mockup Proofing with a Digital Printer

After the customer reviews the digital file for accuracy, Thai Envelope will send a mockup printed using a digital printer. This allows the customer to check the positioning and correctness of the text once more before actual production. The mockup helps ensure that the envelope design meets the customer’s expectations, and any errors can still be corrected at this stage.

However, it's important to note that "Colors on a mockup printed with a digital printer may differ by 10-20% from the final product." This is because digital and offset printers, used in final production, mix ink differently. In digital printing, the ink sits on the surface of the paper, giving the colors a shinier and more vibrant appearance than the offset printing process, where the ink is absorbed into the paper. Additionally, the type of paper used for the mockup can also affect the color, especially if the customer requests a special type of paper, which may result in the mockup colors not perfectly matching the final product.

Sample printer for digital mockup

Offset Proofing

This method of proofing is the closest match to the final product because Offset Proofing involves actual production for the customer to review. It uses real ink, real paper, real plates, and an offset printer, just like in the final production. However, this comes with higher costs compared to creating a mockup with a digital printer. Offset proofing is ideal for customers who require the highest color accuracy to match the final product. If a customer opts for Offset Proofing, it can be further divided into two types.

Sample Offset printer for proofing and manufacturing

1. Proofing with an Offset Printer

This method is similar to creating a digital mockup for customer review, but instead of using a digital printer, the proof is made using an Offset printer with the same process as the actual production. This approach takes more time and incurs higher costs than digital proofing, but it provides superior color accuracy. Offset printing layers each color one by one, with the ink absorbing into the paper, resulting in a more accurate color compared to digital mockups, where the ink sits on the paper's surface.

This step requires the creation of plates for actual printing process, which takes more time compared to digital proofing, where only the artwork file is needed. "Since plates are created for real production, the customer must be certain that no further changes to the artwork are needed, as any revisions would require new plates, leading to additional costs and production delays."

An offset printing example showcasing color layering to create the intended color [image credit: andrew1055]

2. Onsite Proofing

This type of proofing is suitable for customers who require spot colors that need to match the artwork file as closely as possible. In this process, the customer must visit the press during actual production to verify that the colors match their expectations. This method is ideal for high-quality print jobs or projects that require color mixing before production. On-press proofing allows customers to see both the actual paper and the actual ink, ensuring that the final product will closely match their desired specifications.

Examples of color proofing for the most accurate color matching in printing [image credit senivpetro]

Comparison Table of Offset and Digital Proofing

Summary of Each Proofing Type

Digital proofing is faster and more cost-effective, making it ideal for checking the overall look of the final product, such as text accuracy, artwork placement, and envelope design. However, the paper and ink used in digital proofing differ from the actual production.

Offset proofing on the other hand, mirrors the actual production process. It requires the creation of real plates, so the cost is equivalent to a full production run. If changes are needed in the artwork, new plates must be made, leading to additional costs. However, this method ensures that the final product matches the customer’s exact requirements in terms of paper, ink, and envelope design.

Why Do Digital and Offset Proofing Colors Differ?

The reason for the difference between Digital and Offset proofing lies in the "color." Various factors can affect the final color output, and the following sections will explain the main factors that help you determine which proofing method is best suited for your printing needs.

Printing Technology

Digital Proofing : This involves creating a mockup using Laser or Inkjet printers that use toner or ink, which mix colors differently from Offset printing. As a result, the color saturation and shades may vary slightly.

Offset Proofing : This method uses a 4-color CMYK process with plates that print each color layer by layer to achieve the desired shade. Sometimes, when specific colors cannot be produced by CMYK, special color mixing, known as Spot Color, is required before printing.

Color Range

Digital Proofing : Digital printing offers a broader color range, meaning that the colors in a Digital mockup may appear more vibrant and varied. However, when produced with Offset printing, these colors may appear less intense.

Offset Proofing : The standard CMYK color mixing in Offset printing has a narrower color range, which can result in colors appearing lighter compared to Digital printing. However, this can be corrected by using special Spot Colors if needed.

Differences Between Ink and Toner

Digital Proofing : Digital printers typically use water-soluble inks or toner. When printed on paper, the ink remains on the surface, making the colors appear more vibrant than the actual production, especially on glossy paper.

Offset Proofing : This method uses liquid ink applied through a plate, allowing the paper to gradually absorb the ink color by color. This process may result in colors that differ from the Digital mockup, depending on the paper used.

Paper Types

Digital Proofing : Although Digital printing can be done on various paper types, there are limitations with certain specialized papers. As a result, the mockup might be printed on different paper from the actual production, leading to color differences.

Offset Proofing : Since Offset proofing involves a trial run identical to the actual production process, from paper to ink, it allows for accurate assessment of ink absorption and color output. The color accuracy between the proof and the final product is higher compared to Digital proofing.

Calibration and Color Profiling

Digital Proofing : Digital printers often come pre-calibrated with color profiles, which may lead to inconsistencies in mockup colors. This can result in colors that differ from the final Offset-printed product.

Offset Proofing : Offset printers are usually calibrated and color profiles are created to ensure more consistent and accurate color reproduction compared to Digital printing. However, slight color variations may still occur, though they are generally less pronounced than in Digital proofing.

“Differences in technology, ink, paper, and printing processes lead to color variations between Digital and Offset proofing. While Digital proofing is useful for initial reviews, Offset proofing provides a more accurate representation in terms of color accuracy.”