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ImageSetters
strongly recommends that customers who will be printing their materials
in process color have color proofs made both during the design process
and after the films have been generated. There are also occasions
when projects which use spot color will require one or more of the
proofing methods shown below.
Generally, the vendor performing the offset printing will dictate
type of film proof they require for their shop. The choice of the
type of digital proof is a subjective decision made during the course
of the project with the approval of the client. The use of digital
proofs during the development of a color project is usually critical
in reaching the proper color balance at the time of film generation.
The output from the digital color proof machines is not considered
a contract proof which will be an exact match for the film proofs.
The descriptions below outline the characteristics of the different
color proofing methods currently in use at ImageSetters.
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Digital Color Prints
These types of color proofs are effective when employed as comps,
to monitor the progress of a design, to verify color breaks.They closely
approximate the colors on press but are not considered contract proofs
for determining the balance of color from separated films. Since these
digital color printers can simulate the CMYK process color printing
in composite mode, they cannot be relied upon to flag the presence
of images with incorrect separation information (i.e. RGB files and/or
spot color or trapping).
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Laminate Film Proofs (WaterProof)
Created by exposing the film separations for a job so images have
halftone dots and result in a close match to press results. These
proofs are used to check that all elements are present and that color
images, matches, and balance are correct. Undesirable moire patterns
will show up if present. Traps, overprint, and registration can also
be verified. If the film has been damaged in any way (i.e. scratched),
it will show on this proof.
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Overlay Film Proofs (Color Key)
These film proofs are less expensive than laminate proofs. While they
contain the same information about a separation or signature, colors
will not be completely true to the print color due to the "cast"
of the laminate film itself; and the extreme ends of the color spectrum
may not be as well defined as in the laminate proofs. Since the color
key has a "softer" dot than a laminate proof, it also may
not show the shade stepping of gradient colors.
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Notes About Proofing
Because there is an array of options to preview color work before
it's printed, it becomes increasingly important to have a basic understanding
of the purpose, process, and pros and cons involved in proofing color.
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Before a printer puts a job on press, they usually expect their customers
to sign off on what's commonly called a contract proof. The term implies
a formal agreement that the colors and elements shown on that proof
are what the customer expects the printer to achieve on press, within
the prediction limitations of the proofing medium. Be sure you understand
the proofing limitations with respect to what the press can deliver.
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Differences in equipment, paper, inks, and other conditions between
off-press color proofing and production pressroom operations are bound
to create a variation in color between color proofs and printed material.
Only a true press proof (a sample run with plates made from final
film on the actual production press) using the specified substrate
and ink for the job, will exactly match the final printed piece.
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If the requirements for the final printed material are extremely exacting,
be sure to inform ImageSetters at the inception of the job. We will
make allowances in our quotes for the budgeting of additional development
and materials costs.
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