FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About proof

The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions:


  • At the very end of the ordering process in our shop, after you click "Order now for payment", you will be shown a link to our upload area, where you can upload up to 30 files per item, each up to 420 MB in size. Most customers use this method. Your data will be available in the shop for verification for about 1 year. In case of data errors such as RGB data, etc., you can easily and conveniently delete your old data and upload new data. For us, this method is the simplest for handling your proof data.
    However, sometimes there are good reasons for a different approach, whether due to very large files, stubborn proxy servers, or simply the fact that you already have a WeTransfer link to the data, but don't want to download and re-upload it first.

    We are also happy to download and process your data from WeTransfer, Dropbox, or a direct link to your NAS system, your FTP, or your web server. You can simply write such links or the access data during ordering in the comments field.

    We are also happy to provide customers with frequent orders their own FTP upload, where you can then upload large amounts of data.


  • We proof with the proof system with the most precise color reproduction of the entire printer market. With our 11-color proof system, we can proof specialty colors like Pantone and HKS better than many other service providers. In our proof software, we have stored all common colors so that specialty colors are simulated as well as possible in the digital proof.

    If our system doesn't know your color, we can enter it manually. Even then we strive for optimal reproduction. However, it's clear that colors such as Pantone 811 or silver and gold can only be approximated even with us.

    The following color systems are stored in our proof printer:
    • • HKS: HKS K, HKS N, HKS Z
    • • Pantone: Pantone C, Pantone U, Pantone Goe C, Pantone Goe U,
      Pantone M, Pantone TCX (Textile), Pantone TPX, Pantone DS
    • • Toyo
    • • DIC

    Further compact information on the representability of PANTONE and HKS colors can be found here.
     

    Detailed information, image examples and color deviation tables for all common PANTONE colors can be found on our Proof.de blog:

    › Can HKS colors be proofed?
    › Can Pantone colors be proofed?
    › Color deviations of Pantone colors in proof in Delta-E (∆E)
    › Color deviations of Pantone Metallics and Pantone Premium Metallics colors in proof in Delta-E (∆E)
    › Color deviations of HKS colors in proof in Delta-E (∆E)
     


  • We are happy to ship your proofs neutrally. Please write your request for neutral shipping in the notes field during the ordering process. Our proofs are generally kept completely neutral and have no reference to proof.de. Your customer cannot determine who produced your proofs.
    In case of neutral shipping, you will receive your proof invoice by email.

    What we can also offer you: Upload your delivery slip to us as an additional file with your proof data. We will then print your delivery slip in black and white and include it with your order. Very practical: You order 10 pages of proofs in DIN A4, which are to be sent directly to your customer.

    • Place 10 pages of DIN A4 in the shopping cart and check out with customer delivery address
    • In the notes field: "Please neutral shipping, own delivery slip will be uploaded" or write something similar
    • Upload two files: 1x "Proofs" and 1x "Delivery slip" or something similar :-)
    • Complete the order
     


  • If we, for example, should proof all proofs 2x, and then one set should be sent to you and one set to your customer, you can either place two orders, or you can write us your request and the second delivery address in the comment field. We will then adjust the invoice to 2x shipping and include it with your shipment. Important: Do not pay via Paypal or Sofortueberweisung, but select "Invoice" as the payment method, because the amount on the order confirmation will no longer match the final invoice amount, and Paypal would therefore request the wrong amount from you.


  • Media wedge, test report, and job ticket (a few lines of text with information about medium, printer, proof profile, etc.) are printed below or next to your motif. The space for this is added to your motif and does not need to be calculated by you.

 

All Questions:

› General Questions about Proofs

› Proof Standards and Profiles

› Special Colors, PANTONE, HKS

› Print Data, Upload, Formats

› Ordering

› Shipping

 

General Questions about Proofs


  • A proof from Proof.de is created according to the currently valid ISO standard 12647-7 and is color-binding and legally binding with UGRA-Fogra media wedge and test report. This is also verified annually by Fogra: We are currently triple Fogra certified according to Fogra 39, 51 and 52.

    proof.de works exclusively with Epson proof devices equipped with the latest X-Rite Spectroproofer-ILS30 measuring devices and measures and checks proofs directly after printing in the device.

    How does it work?
    When you order a proof with UGRA/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK V3.0 from proof.de, the media wedge with its 72 standardized color fields is printed directly below your proof. This media wedge is then actively dried directly in the proof device and subsequently measured by a Spectroproofer measuring device. The measured values obtained are evaluated by the proof server. If the measured color values are within the tolerances of the ISO standard, a test report of the measurement is printed directly after the media wedge, which guarantees color-binding and legally binding status according to ISO 12647-7 (see image below). As you can see in the image below, our proofs are usually well below the limits allowed within the standard.

    The automated creation and testing of the media wedge directly in the proofer has many advantages:
    • • Measurement is automated directly after proof printing; measurement errors due to manual misoperation are excluded. Since the test report is not subsequently "glued on", as is often the case, manipulation is also excluded.
    • • With the same measuring device integrated in the proofer, the proof printer calibrates itself at regular intervals and thus guarantees perfect proof results.
    • • We have the proof system with the most precise color reproduction of the entire printer market (commissioning 2016, software from 2017). This allows us to proof not only the classic CMYK color spaces, but also Pantone and HKS colors, which are otherwise often pale and not really close to the original. Over 99% of all Pantone colors can be reproduced by our proof system.
    •  
    Further information on the test report, the media wedge, and the work and responsibility of UGRA/Fogra can be found at www.ugra.ch and www.fogra.org.
     

  • We proof on four types of paper:

    For the simulation of brightener-free image printing papers (e.g. ISOCoatedV2), we use the EFI Gravure Proof Paper 4245 with 245g/m². It feels very high quality and is also perfect for presentations to customers.

    For the simulation of brightener-containing image printing papers (e.g. PSOcoatedV3), we use the EFI 8245 OBA with 245g/m². In contrast to Gravure Proof Paper, the paper white of OBA paper is significantly brighter.

    For those needing a proof for brightener-free uncoated papers (e.g. PSOuncoated), we offer a proof on matte EFI 9120 XF 120g/m² paper. It is very suitable for simulating uncoated papers as it is very similar in feel and thickness to letterhead paper.

    For those needing a proof for brightener-containing uncoated papers (e.g. PSOuncoatedV3), we offer a proof on matte EFI 8175OBA matte proof paper with 170/m². It contains a high proportion of brighteners and is therefore very similar to a modern, bright preprint or office paper.
     
     

    EFI 4245 Gravure Proof Paper

    		 EFI 8245 OBA Semimatte EFI 9120 XF matte EFI 8175OBA matte
    Weight: 245 gr/m² 245 gr/m² 120 gr/m² 175 gr/m²
    Thickness: 260 µ 245 µm 150 µm 230 µm
    Opacity: 96% > 95% 95 % 97%
    Gloss (Tappi 75°) 54 % (satin gloss) 22 % (semimatte) 6 % (matte) 5% (matte)
    L*a*b Paper White 94.5 / 0.0 / -1.5 M0: 95.8 / 0.9 / -4.3
    M1: 96.0 / 1.1 / -5.6    		 96.7 / 0.2 / -2.4

    M0: 96.8 / 2.5 / -7.7
    M1: 97 / 3.0 / -10.8












     

    Further information on our certified proof papers can be found here.
     


  • Many print portals are certified for Process Standard Offset Printing (PSO) and print according to ISO 12647-2. This is the same ISO standard we use to create our proofs. Proof and print therefore fit together perfectly.

    In some cases, you can also have a digital proof created at online printers – but only as part of the actual order, not in advance. For example, Flyeralarm does not offer proofs beforehand. Additionally, these proofs – depending on the format – are not particularly affordable. And for brochures, Flyeralarm.de, for example, does not offer proofs at all.

    With proof.de you can create digital proofs to show your customer the printed result in advance – and at every stage of the design process. And once your customer has approved the proof.de proof, you can confidently send the data to flyeralarm.de or other print portals. As long as they print according to Process Standard Offset Printing, proof and print should be very close to each other.
     

  • In Germany, there is a standard that all reputable printing companies follow: Process Standard Offset Printing – PSO or Process Standard Rotogravure – PSR for gravure printing. These standards define certain tolerances for a printed product. To prove that your proof, which you have provided to the printer, meets these standards, the media wedge is measured in case of dispute – that is, in case of conflict or uncertainty – and the values are analyzed. If the media wedge is "OK" and the measured values are within tolerance, the printer must also achieve these values.

    In practice, it turns out:
    If you proof and print an 8-page image brochure, it is usually sufficient to assemble the 8 pages on the printing sheet and on the proof and print a media wedge after the last page. If the media wedge is provided with a test report, it is directly "confirmed" and thus color-binding and legally binding. Strictly speaking, this only applies to the last page, but in practice, the printer would have difficulty proving that the proof of page 5 is not "OK".

    Strictly speaking, each proof page must have a media wedge, although the test report is not required. So if you want to be on the safe side or have had problems with the printer in the past, you should have either a media wedge or a media wedge with test report created for each printed page. These media wedges are not cut off, but are printed directly with the test report and the document on one sheet. So if you order a DIN A4 proof with media wedge and test report, your A4 document will be supplemented with the wedge and report. You will therefore receive a sheet in the format 31 x 31 cm. Your DIN A4 page format is never trimmed, but the test report and media wedge are printed next to it, extending the page size by these elements. A job ticket is also printed, which contains all important information about the proof system, profiles, rendering intents, proof software, etc.
     

  • In order to assess the color of a proof, you need a uniform light environment: Even if an identical proof is on the table in Hamburg and Munich at the same time, the light at a north window facing the Alster on a cloudy day is not the same as the light that prevails at exactly the same time in Munich in the sun at a south-facing window with a view of the Isar: The Munich and Hamburg colleagues discuss completely different colors on the phone at the same time.

    For color matching, only standardized artificial light is appropriate. The color matching must take place under the same light under which the proof is matched to the press run in offset printing: D50 standard light. This is light with a color temperature of 5,000 Kelvin and a defined, uniform spectral distribution that displays colors optimally.

    Because the differences between an incandescent bulb, a neon tube, a halogen lamp, and a daylight LED as a possible light source are huge. Since 2009, a new light standard has also been in effect: ISO 3664:2009. This standard specifies what the new D50 standard light looks like, under which proofs and printed products are matched to each other. And one innovation jumps into the eye with the inspection: The new standard light contains UV components that address the optical brighteners commonly used in offset papers. This was not the case before.

    With our Proof.de Metameric Index Card, you can determine whether the light source corresponds to standard light and whether color assessment is permitted.

    Interesting further reading:
    An article about the issues of the new ISO 3664:2009 at Proof.de
    A good discussion on the topic can be found here.
     

  • A contract proof according to ISO 12647-7 primarily serves to simulate the color of the later printing process. The UGRA/Fogra Media Wedge CMYK V3.0 is predominantly used to verify this binding nature. Further information such as simulation profile, date and time, and much more are printed on the contract proof in a job ticket. To demonstrate color binding, the media wedge is measured after printing and a test report is printed, proving that the measured values are within the tolerance of the media standard print and ISO 12647-7. If this is the case, the contract proof is considered legally binding.

    A form proof is created to check a layout or composite form for completeness. The correct imposition of the pages is also checked on the form proof. The form proof is usually printed on cheap paper and in poor quality, because it is only to check the status. Therefore, the same data that will later be sent to the plate setter are usually sent to the proof device. Therefore, the form proof shows the same result as the later print; albeit in significantly worse quality.

    A validation print according to ISO 12647-8 is a color-correct print usually produced on a laser printer digital printing system. Unlike a true "proof", it is arbitrarily screened, much more uneven in the printed image, particularly with color areas and gradients, and is measured with noticeably higher tolerances. As a result, it is not color-binding and legally binding like the true contract proof, but may only be used for color matching in the print shop with prior agreement.


  • "We print on Berberich Allegro 135g/m². Can you create a proof on this paper for us? Can you proof on our press paper?"

    The question of a proof on press paper comes up frequently in our phone support. Unfortunately, we must always answer the question in the negative. To date, proof on press paper is technically not possible.

    All currently Fogra certified proof systems are based on an inkjet printer as a proof printer, usually from Epson, Canon, or HP. These printers are characterized by a large color gamut, good resolution, and excellent homogeneity and color stability – all properties that are essential for a proof printing system. The Epson systems used by the vast majority of proof printers are based on 11-color pigment inks that can reproduce a significantly larger color gamut than, for example, ISOCoatedV2 or PSOCoatedV3. However, this requires the use of special papers optimized for inkjet printing, in which the pigments and inks can be displayed optimally. This requires special coatings optimized for optimal reproduction, fast drying, good rub resistance, and high UV stability of the print. On an image printing paper without these coatings, the ink would run, barely dry, and would not be resistant to smudging. The color gamut would also not be achievable. A proof would therefore not be possible from this perspective.
    Detailed information can be found in our Proof Blog at www.proof.de
     


  • The moiré effect, or in other words, a raster overlay, is a common phenomenon in the viewing of prints. It occurs when two regular patterns are superimposed unevenly.
    Moiré can generally not be checked in the proof.
    All common proof systems focus on the reproduction of colors in proofs, but not on the reproduction of typical offset screening and offset rosette. Why?
    Printers work with different screening frequencies and screening angles. From 54-line to 80-line screening in sheet-fed offset printing to 32-line screening in newspaper printing, many screenings are on the market. Sometimes the halftone dot is round, sometimes square, sometimes diamond-shaped. Furthermore, the screening angle of CMYK and spot colors is also different from printer to printer. And some printers also print a frequency-modulated screen that is not subject to any screening angle, but is quasi chaotically produced by the RIP. As a result, proof manufacturers largely focus only on the reproduction of colors, not screens and offset rosettes. Detailed information can be found in our Proof Blog at www.proof.de
     


  • Since 2010, a proof has been required for the final exam for Media Designer Digital and Print, specialization in Design and Technology, Print, in the task description of the ZFA (Central Expert Committee Vocational Training Printing and Media). As a uniform control tool, a UGRA/Fogra Media Wedge 2.0 is included on the exam participants' task CD and can be placed next to the exam task in the proof.
    If you want to do it conveniently, just order our media wedge with test report with it; it is equally recognized and can also be used.
    Detailed information on the Media Designer final exam can be found in our Proof Blog at www.proof.de
     


  • For proofs for ALDI or Hofer that must contain a verifiable GTIN code, we have developed a special procedure to ensure the verifiability of our proofed barcodes. We have summarized detailed explanations in an article on our blog:

    Verifiability of GTIN codes for ALDI / Hofer in proof

    For the conversion to verifiable GTIN codes, we charge a flat fee of €10 plus VAT per GTIN code per file. So if a barcode is displayed on four pages of a product package, we charge you an additional €40 in addition to the proof costs. If you need multiple proofs of the same motif, the fees for the exchange of codes naturally only apply once.
    With multiple designs and multiple GTIN codes per design, costs can accumulate that often exceed the proof costs. However, the preparation of the codes is a manual effort that requires time, effort, and expertise. We therefore ask for your understanding.
     

  •  

    Proof Standards and Profiles


    • We use all current profiles according to Process Standard Offset Printing (PSO) and Process Standard Rotogravure (PSR) of the ECI and some older – but common – proof standards.

      These are specifically:

      Offset Printing and Newspaper

      • ISO Coated v2 (ECI) / ISOCoated V2 300% (ECI)
        Standard for glossy and matte coated image printing paper
      •  
      • ISOUncoated
        Standard for uncoated white uncoated paper
      •  
      • PSOCoatedV3 (Fogra 51)
        The successor to ISOCoatedV2 for glossy and matte coated image printing paper with moderate optical brighteners
      •  
      • PSOUncoatedV3 (Fogra52)
        The successor to PSOUncoated for uncoated, wood-free uncoated paper with many optical brighteners
         
      • PSO Uncoated ISO12647 (ECI)
      • The successor to ISOUncoated
      •  
      • PSO LWC Improved (ECI)
      • LWC paper improved, glossy coated, successor to ISO Web Coated
      •  
      • PSO LWC Standard (ECI)
        LWC paper standard, glossy coated
      •  
      • ISO Web Coated
        LWC paper standard, glossy coated
      •  
      • ISO Uncoated yellowish
        Uncoated uncoated paper, slightly yellowish
      •  
      • SC Paper (ECI)
        Super calendered paper, satin
      •  
      • PSO SC-B Paper v3
        SC-B paper, super calendered paper, satin
      •  
      • PSO MFC Paper (ECI)
        Machine Finished Coating Paper
      •  
      • PSO SNP Paper (ECI)
        Newspaper
      •  
      • WAN-IFRAnewspaper 26v5
      • Newspaper
      •  
      • ISONewspaper 26v4
        Newspaper
      •  
      • PSO Coated NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI)
        Glossy and matte coated image printing paper, FM screen
      •  
      • PSO Coated 300% NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI)
        Uncoated white uncoated paper, FM screen
      •  
      • PSO Uncoated NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI)
        Uncoated white uncoated paper, FM screen
      •  
      • Improved Newsprint, INP
      • Improved newspaper
      •  
      • PSO Coated v2 300% Glossy laminate (ECI)
      • Image printing with subsequent gloss laminate lamination
      •  
      • PSO Coated v2 300% Matte laminate (ECI)
      • Image printing with subsequent matte laminate lamination
      •  
      • eciCMYK - CMYK Exchange Color Space
      • FOGRA53 is a CMYK exchange color space and serves color communication for print production.
      •  
      • Heaven 42 (Scheufelen Paper)
      • Bright white image printing paper
      • Profile: Heaven42_AM_U280_K98_G80_HD.icc (Heidelberg Print)
      •  
      • PaC.Space
        PaC.Space is the first uniform color standard for packaging gravure printing, which provides an interface from supplied prepress data to process- or print-specific adjustments.

      Gravure Printing

      • LWC Plus V2 M1
        The successor to LWC Plus (PSR_LWC_PLUS_V2_PT.icc)
      • Improved LWC paper (light weight coated)
      •  
      • LWC Plus
        The successor to HWC
      •  
      • LWC Standard V2 M1
        The successor to LWC Standard
      •  
      • LWC Standard
        LWC paper (light weight coated)
      •  
      • SC Plus V2 M1
        The successor to SC Plus
      •  
      • SC Plus
      • whiter super calandered paper
      •  
      • SC Standard V2 M1
        The successor to SC Standard
      •  
      • SC Standard
        Super calandered paper
      •  
      • PSR MF V2 M1
        Web gravure printing, paper type MF or INP
      •  
      • News Plus (PSRgravureMF)
        PSRgravureMF (2004) is now referred to as News Plus


      Other International Profiles

      • GRACoL2006_Coated1v2
        GRACoL interpretation of ISO 12647-2, glossy and matte coated image printing
      •  
      • SWOP2006_Coated3v2
      • SWOP interpretation of ISO 12647-2 for web offset printing on thin coated paper
      •  
      • SWOP2006_Coated5v2
      • Other SWOP interpretation of ISO 12647-2 for web offset printing on thin coated paper, derived from Adobe USWebCoated v2
      •  
      • JapanColor2011Coated
        The new standard of the Japan Printing Machinery Association (JPMA)
      •  
      • Japan Color 2001 Coated
        Standard of the Japan Printing Machinery Association (JPMA)
      •  
      • SWOP 2013 C3
      • CGATS21-2-CRPC5
      •  
      • GRACoL 2013 Uncoated
        CGATS21-2-CPRC3
      •  
      • GRACoL 2013
        CGATS21-2-CRPC6

      More detailed information on offset print proof standards, ICC profiles, and the proof profiles used can be found here or on our proof blog at http://www.proof.de/proof/proof-profile/
       


    • We have compiled all proof profiles available to us for download in our blog. All information on proofs and ICC profiles as downloads can be found here:
      http://www.proof.de/proof/proof-profile/
      Further information on profiles, downloads and exact specifications can also be found on the websites of the respective organizations, such as:
      http://www.eci.org
      http://www.wan-ifra.org
      https://www.idealliance.org
       


    • The best thing is to always ask the respective printer which standard they would recommend. Generally speaking, many printers orient themselves to the color of ISO coated v2, although this is actually only intended for sheet-fed offset on coated paper. While not color-binding and legally binding for other printing processes and media, this would be suitable for communicating an expectation to the print shop.


    • Generally, it is safest to use the standard that the printer requires for their print data. Within Europe, it is often sensible to use ISO coated v2 (FOGRA 39) in case of doubt, as this is often used as a reference even for printing processes and media for which it is not actually intended. Beyond that, recommendations are difficult because unfortunately there are not uniform standards everywhere.


    • Proofs are standardized products that are created and tested according to a specific set of values. Exactly that is the point that distinguishes them from any "colorful prints".

      For example, a traditional proof for offset printing on image printing paper is produced according to the standard values of ISOCoated V2 (paper types 1 and 2, glossy and matte coated image printing, tone value increase curves A (CMY) and B (K) from ISO 12647-2:2004) and checked according to a set of values (FOGRA39L). A proof for uncoated paper (e.g. PSOUncoated) is produced and tested according to completely different value sets. Logically, because a print on uncoated paper obviously looks different from a print on image printing paper in terms of vividness and white value.

      A proof must therefore always be created according to a standard and be verifiable according to a reference value set. A proof without a profile cannot be created, because that would be nothing more than "colored paper from a proof system", but not a color-binding, ISO-compliant proof. If you nevertheless have to create a proof but don't have precise information about the required profile, then in case of doubt, proof ISOCoated V2. This has become the most commonly used standard in the industry and will therefore always be accepted as a base proof.

      With the introduction of the new standards, Fogra 51 and Fogra 52 are now also available parallel to ISOCoatedV2 and PSOUncoated as new proof standards on proof papers with optical brighteners. Please inquire with your printer whether they already print according to the new or still according to the old standards and order your proofs accordingly.

      Our Heaven42 proofs are a special case. Here we proof not an international standard, but a house standard of the Scheufelen paper mill, with which the print on the widespread and unusually bright paper is simulated. These proofs are therefore not color-binding and legally binding, but simulate within tolerances the color of the color profile issued by Scheufelen and Heidelberg Print.
       
     

    Special Colors, PANTONE, HKS


    • We proof with the proof system with the most precise color reproduction of the entire printer market. With our 11-color proof system, we can proof specialty colors like Pantone and HKS better than many other service providers. In our proof software, we have stored all common colors so that specialty colors are simulated as well as possible in the digital proof.

      If our system doesn't know your color, we can enter it manually. Even then we strive for optimal reproduction. However, it's clear that colors such as Pantone 811 or silver and gold can only be approximated even with us.

      The following color systems are stored in our proof printer:
      • • HKS: HKS K, HKS N, HKS Z
      • • Pantone: Pantone C, Pantone U, Pantone Goe C, Pantone Goe U,
        Pantone M, Pantone TCX (Textile), Pantone TPX, Pantone DS
      • • Toyo
      • • DIC

      Further compact information on the representability of PANTONE and HKS colors can be found here.
       

      Detailed information, image examples and color deviation tables for all common PANTONE colors can be found on our Proof.de blog:

      › Can HKS colors be proofed?
      › Can Pantone colors be proofed?
      › Color deviations of Pantone colors in proof in Delta-E (∆E)
      › Color deviations of Pantone Metallics and Pantone Premium Metallics colors in proof in Delta-E (∆E)
      › Color deviations of HKS colors in proof in Delta-E (∆E)
       


    • Pantone and HKS colors should be created as solid colors and named correctly.
      Our RIP recognizes the colors by name and assigns the associated Lab values to the colors. It should be noted that, for example, a PANTONE 300 C (for coated paper) and a PANTONE 300 U (for uncoated paper) are assigned different Lab values. Our RIP would therefore also try to display a spot color for uncoated paper on a proof for coated paper.
      In press run printing, in which physically mixed solid colors are used, this is not easily possible. This would result in significant color deviations between proof and press run.

      If you want to know in advance how well we can match your spot color, please check here: https://shop.proof.de/de/info/Pantone-und-HKS-Proof.html


    • The underlying color tone can be proofed, but there are no printers suitable for proofing that have metallic pigments. It is therefore unfortunately not possible to represent the metallic sheen in the proof.


    • Currently, two metallic color swatches exist in parallel at PANTONE:

      PANTONE Metallics Coated: Contains the classic metallic color tones available since the late 1980s.
      • • Most important base colors: PANTONE 877, 876, 875 ...
      • • Typical color names: PANTONE 8020, 8040, 8060, etc.

      PANTONE Premium Metallics Coated: The new metallic swatch that has existed since 2012, showing new, finer metallic color tones.
      • • Most important base color: PANTONE Silver 10077 C
      • • Typical color names: PANTONE 10142, 10158, 10214, etc.

       

      The main differences between the two swatches lie in the composition of their respective base colors: On one hand, there is the different Pantone silver: PANTONE 877 or PANTONE Silver 10077 C. On the other hand, in PANTONE Metallics Coated, the silver is supplemented by additional gold base colors, whereas in PANTONE Premium Metallics Coated, the newly defined silver is the only metallic base color and is toned with PANTONE Goe base colors.


      Detailed information on PANTONE Metallics can be found in our Proof Blog at www.proof.de
       
     

    Print Data, Upload, Formats


    • At the very end of the ordering process in our shop, after you click "Order now for payment", you will be shown a link to our upload area, where you can upload up to 30 files per item, each up to 420 MB in size. Most customers use this method. Your data will be available in the shop for verification for about 1 year. In case of data errors such as RGB data, etc., you can easily and conveniently delete your old data and upload new data. For us, this method is the simplest for handling your proof data.
      However, sometimes there are good reasons for a different approach, whether due to very large files, stubborn proxy servers, or simply the fact that you already have a WeTransfer link to the data, but don't want to download and re-upload it first.

      We are also happy to download and process your data from WeTransfer, Dropbox, or a direct link to your NAS system, your FTP, or your web server. You can simply write such links or the access data during ordering in the comments field.

      We are also happy to provide customers with frequent orders their own FTP upload, where you can then upload large amounts of data.


    • From DIN A4 to DIN A1, we offer not only DIN formats such as DIN A4, but also a DIN A4+ format in an oversized format. The "+" formats are each about 2.5 cm taller and wider than the respective DIN formats. This has the following background:

      We proof from roll, and the roll formats are usually optimally adapted to the DIN formats. Our most common roll width is 61 cm, perfectly suited for two landscape DIN A4 pages plus 3 mm side margin and 5 mm spacing in the middle between pages.

      If you now add trim marks and bleed to this, the page size grows accordingly. So if your page is instead of 297 mm, due to trimming and trim marks, 315 mm, then two landscape pages no longer fit side by side for us. The RIP then places the pages in portrait format on the roll. We must therefore cut off and discard about 170 mm of material. Therefore, we calculate the DIN formats with bleed at a small surcharge to account for the higher material consumption.

      Formats
      A6: 105 x 148 mm
      A5: 148 x 210 mm
      A4: 210 x 297 mm
      A4+: 235 x 320 mm
      A3: 297 x 420 mm
      A3+: 320 x 445 mm
      A2: 420 x 594 mm
      A2+: 445 x 620 mm
      A1: 594 x 840 mm
      A1+: 620 x 880 mm
      70/100: 700 x 1000 mm
      A0+: 882 x 1247 mm


    • We do not scale data, do not add anything, and do not remove anything. You receive your proof exactly in the size of the data provided. If you have created trim marks in the PDF, they will be proofed with it. If you haven't, your proof won't have any trim marks either.


    • No. We proof from roll and not from exact DIN sheets. Your proof will usually have a white margin several millimeters wide, but due to the roll format it can sometimes be several centimeters wide. We cut by hand, so the cuts are not always 100% exact.


    • Media wedge, test report, and job ticket (a few lines of text with information about medium, printer, proof profile, etc.) are printed below or next to your motif. The space for this is added to your motif and does not need to be calculated by you.


    • We do not need bleed, printer marks, or any kind of marks. Basically, we print 1:1 what is laid out in your print data. If you provide us with print data with bleed and crop marks, you will also get a proof with bleed and crop marks back. Please note that bleed and printer marks increase the format. So if you want to proof an A4 with bleed and crop marks with us, you should not order A4, but A4+.


    • Yes. As long as the number and format of the pages in your print data match your order, it doesn't matter to us how many files these pages are distributed across. For example, combinations of a multi-page PDF and JPGs or TIFFs would also be possible.


    • As long as your print data contains only CMYK colors and possibly spot colors (Pantone or HKS), it is not relevant for the proof what color profile is embedded in the file. Our RIP simulates the ordered profile based on the existing CMYK values and Pantone or HKS colors using Lab values stored in our RIP. However, correctly created PDF/X3 and PDF/X4 also allow print data containing RGB colors to be color-bindinged. However, the associated color profiles must be embedded for all elements and the output profile must also correspond to the ordered profile.
       


    • When we receive a file from you, we first check whether it contains anything other than CMYK colors. If the file consists exclusively of CMYK, it is sent directly for proofing.

      Handling of incorrect profiles for CMYK data / "profile mismatch"

      If we have received exclusively CMYK data from you, we ignore all embedded input and output profiles and only use the CMYK values that we convert to the ordered output color space.

      Example 1: Data in ISOCoated, proof in ISOCoatedV2 ordered, so incorrect or no CMYK profile embedded

      You send a file with the ISOCoated profile and a color area in CMYK 100/70/0/0 and order a proof according to ISOCoatedV2. We ignore the ISOCoated profile and proof the pure color value 100/70/0/0 according to ISOCoatedV2.

      Why do we do this? We try to reproduce the "lived reality" of printing in our proofs as well as possible. In many conversations with printers, we have seen that in almost 100% of cases, they do not perform CMYK-to-CMYK profile conversions, but instead put a color value of 100/70/0/0 onto the plate without regard for CMYK profiles, insert paper, and print according to standard. So we also map this process, although it would actually be "more correct" to perform a color space transfer from ISOCoated 100/70/0/0 to ISOCoatedV2. However, this results in a different color value, for example with relative colorimetric rendering with black point compensation, 100/63/1/6, or perceptually with black point compensation 100/63/3/15!

      Practical case: A customer of ours did not proof with us, but with a colleague proofed about 30 slightly different, dark blue color areas in ISOCoatedV2, each with the CMYK value printed in black text below, in order to color match a powder-coated surface. Based on the proofed color areas, the customer defined a very well-matching CMYK color value, put it into his brochures, and started the print jobs.
      Result: The dark blue was always a significantly different blue than on the reference proof. Customer and agency were very dissatisfied and went on a search for errors.

      Now the case came to us. We received a file for proofing according to ISOCoatedV2 and compared it with the proof of our colleague. The colors with the same CMYK values printed in black underneath were significantly different, both proofs had media wedges and were correctly measured. After some troubleshooting, we had the idea of requesting the file originally proofed with our colleague, which still existed. In this we found a Fogra27Coated profile, which is an implementation of the old ISOCoated. A proof according to ISOCoatedV2 had been ordered at the time.
      What happened? The colleague had taken the input profiles into account, which resulted in a significant change in the CMYK values of the color fields through a color space transfer from CMYK to CMYK as explained above. However, the black printed CMYK values below the color fields naturally hadn't changed. The color-matched CMYK value therefore no longer corresponded to the proofed value at all. Our customer was shocked: "What, our CMYK values weren't proofed?"

      With us, this case would not have occurred, since we ignore the embedded profile for CMYK data. This would also have been our customer's expectation in this case. After about two hours, we had identified the "error" (or perhaps rather the "difference"), created an "expectation-appropriate" proof for our customer, based on which he could determine the matching CMYK value in ISOCoatedV2, and had solved the problem.  


    • If we receive a PDF file containing RGB images, in the next step we check whether the file is a valid PDF/X-3 or PDF/X-4. If so, and all input RGB profiles are correctly labeled with color space (sRGB / AdobeRGB / ECI-RGB-V2, etc.), then we check whether the correct output color space is used as output intent and whether any CMYK data also has the correct input profiles. If so, we proof the file with the settings: "Consider all input and output color spaces".

      If RGB data should not have a profile, i.e. are created in device-RGB, we generate a "data faulty" email in which we explain our procedure as follows:

      "Dear Customer,
      The data check has determined that your data contains RGB elements. RGB elements can only be reliably interpreted in the proof if they are labeled with a color profile and a rendering intent. This is the case, for example, with correct PDF/X-3 and PDF/X-4 data. In addition, the correct output intent must be specified.
      At least one of these criteria does not appear to be the case with your file.
      The safest way would be to convert the contained RGB data to CMYK. This has the advantage that you have control over the conversion and can view the CMYK result in Acrobat again before you re-upload the file for proofing. For the proof, we can then reliably fall back on your CMYK values. To do this, open the current order in your customer account, delete the faulty data, and upload the corrected data.
      If, for example, the RGB element is only a small image that is not relevant to the overall impression of the proof, or if you don't have another file available for the proof, we can of course also use your RGB data for the proof. If available, we will use your RGB source profiles and rendering intents; otherwise, we will use the sRGB standard and the rendering intent "relatively colorimetric with black point compensation", which in most cases will produce correct proof results.
      If we should proof your RGB data in this way, just let us know. We are happy to answer any questions. Best regards, Your Proof Team"

     

    Ordering


    • If we could choose how our customers pay, we would wish for the following payment methods:
      1: Sofortueberweisung (low fees for us, secure payment method, fast transfer to our account)
      2: Payment on account (no fees, but despite good payment morale, we sometimes have to follow up with some customers and remind them to pay)
      3: Paypal, credit card, or direct debit (all processed via and costs us noticeably higher fees than, for example, Sofortueberweisung)

      We ship all proofs immediately, even with payment on account, even with new customers, so there is no prepayment in our shop. We trust that our customers appreciate our services and like to use them and are therefore happy to pay.

      So feel free to choose the payment method that suits you best. If it doesn't matter to you, we would prefer Sofortueberweisung or payment on account ... :-)
       


    • When you log in to our shop and access your account, you will see an overview of your previous orders. You can call up and download the invoice directly from the overview.
       


    • Whether you have the same page proofed 10 times, or 10 different pages proofed once each, makes no difference to us. If you, for example, put 10 pages of DIN A4 in ISOCoatedV2 in your shopping cart, you can upload a file to us, which we should then proof 10 times. Or a PDF with 10 different pages. Or a JPEG, two TIFFs, a ZIP file with four single-page PDFs and a PDF with three pages in it. As long as it's plausible for us that we have 10 pages to proof, that's absolutely fine. If you want a page proofed 10 times or 5 pages proofed 2 times each, then write us a short note in the comments field during ordering, otherwise we won't know for sure whether you accidentally forgot or overlooked pages during upload.
       


    • For shipments to EU countries, so-called intra-community supplies, you must provide your sales tax ID number during ordering. We will then issue you an invoice without German sales tax. For the German tax authorities, it is important that we verify your sales tax ID number and document the border crossing of the shipment to your country using the tracking protocol. Only under these two conditions can we issue a tax-free invoice.
      For and other third countries, only the border crossing needs to be documented. We don't need a sales tax ID in this case; the shop automatically generates an invoice without German sales tax.
       


    • You cannot choose which paper we use for your proof with us. Which paper we use depends on which proof profile you ordered. We use a total of 4 different papers for our proofs. Each one coated and uncoated paper without optical brighteners and one with optical brighteners. Basically, we always use uncoated paper for profiles intended for uncoated paper and coated paper for profiles for coated paper.

      When we use which papers, you can also read under "Proof Papers".


    • If we, for example, receive an order for two pages but only one page was uploaded, we usually contact you to check whether you need the same motif multiple times or if print data is still missing. To avoid any possible delay, you can inform us – best via the comment field – what we should proof and how many times.
       


    • Contact us as soon as possible. Best via chat or by phone at +49 (0) 7071-7952740. We can change or cancel orders after the fact, but production of your proofs can sometimes begin immediately after the order is placed. Speed is therefore of the essence.
       


    • The order status does not change automatically, but must be manually updated by a staff member. If you only recently uploaded new data, it's possible that no one has had time yet to look at the new data. If your data continues to be missing or faulty, we will contact you again. Either by email or by phone.


    • Contact us! Best via chat or by phone at +49 (0) 7071-7952740. Despite all our efforts, it can still happen that the proof software has a bad day and prints faulty, or we, who are only human, accidentally miss the wrong workflow or overlook fine lines on the proof in the hustle and bustle of shipping. In such a case, we will immediately create new proofs for you and send them to you again.

     

    Shipping


    • We ship up to DIN A4+ format in a 400 g/m² chromatic sulfate carton with tear strip; from DIN A3 format in a single-wall square cardboard tube, which is also equipped with a tear strip.

      The proofs are additionally placed in polyethylene protective sleeves. This protects the proofs in transit from rain, moisture, and climate influences. The protective sleeves are tear-resistant and water-resistant and can be reused multiple times. After inspection, you can easily send the proofs on in the same protective sleeves. Polyethylene films burn without residue, without toxic fumes, gases and slag, and are groundwater neutral.

      The cardboard tube is also reusable, although the tear strip will no longer work for further shipment.

      We receive feedback only a few times per year that our packaging was bent or damaged during shipment. In particular, the envelopes were a more frequent problem before the current chromatic sulfate carton solution.

      We are also happy to ship the proofs neutrally; please let us know during ordering in the comments field.



    • We are happy to ship your proofs neutrally. Please write your request for neutral shipping in the notes field during the ordering process. Our proofs are generally kept completely neutral and have no reference to proof.de. Your customer cannot determine who produced your proofs.
      In case of neutral shipping, you will receive your proof invoice by email.

      What we can also offer you: Upload your delivery slip to us as an additional file with your proof data. We will then print your delivery slip in black and white and include it with your order. Very practical: You order 10 pages of proofs in DIN A4, which are to be sent directly to your customer.

      • Place 10 pages of DIN A4 in the shopping cart and check out with customer delivery address
      • In the notes field: "Please neutral shipping, own delivery slip will be uploaded" or write something similar
      • Upload two files: 1x "Proofs" and 1x "Delivery slip" or something similar :-)
      • Complete the order
       


    • If we, for example, should proof all proofs 2x, and then one set should be sent to you and one set to your customer, you can either place two orders, or you can write us your request and the second delivery address in the comment field. We will then adjust the invoice to 2x shipping and include it with your shipment. Important: Do not pay via Paypal or Sofortueberweisung, but select "Invoice" as the payment method, because the amount on the order confirmation will no longer match the final invoice amount, and Paypal would therefore request the wrong amount from you.


    • For packages whose shipping label we have created via our shop software, you will receive a tracking link by email. For proofs up to a maximum of A4+ we ship in standard shipping as a priority large letter with Deutsche Post. We can view the tracking ourselves, but it usually only shows whether it has already been delivered or not. The tracking for neutrally shipped packages, DHL Express before 9 AM, and Express with Saturday delivery, can only be viewed by us, since we generate the labels for them outside of our shop software. However, if you contact us, we can find the corresponding link for you.


    • Everything we receive by 4:00 PM goes out the same day, as long as the order is completed on time and the print data are proof-ready. If you choose one of our express shipping options, the proof should reliably arrive at its destination within Germany the next business day. In standard shipping, it can sometimes take a few days to be delivered, which we also cannot subsequently accelerate.

      You can find more detailed information under "Shipping Costs and Delivery Times".


    • Please contact us immediately, best via chat or by phone at +49 (0) 7071-7952740. It can happen despite our good packaging that the package and its contents are damaged in transit and the proofs arrive bent. Even though the shipment is no longer in our hands, we will immediately create new proofs for you and send them to you again. Please send us a picture of the bent proof and / or bent packaging for safety and don't throw them away. Although filing a claim with DHL or UPS is usually not successful for us, we can at least try. Thank you very much.