FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions on the Topic of proof

The 5 most frequently asked questions:


  • At the very end of the ordering process in our shop, after you have clicked "Now order for a fee", 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 inspection for approximately 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 is the simplest way to handle your proof data.
    However, sometimes there are good reasons for a different approach, such as very large files, problematic proxy servers, or simply the fact that you already have a WeTransfer link to the data but don't want to download and then upload it again.

    We also happily 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 your order in the comments field. 

    We also gladly 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 colour reproduction in the entire printer market. With our 11-colour proof system, we can better proof spot colours such as Pantone and HKS than many other service providers. In our proof software, we have stored all common colours so that spot colours can be simulated as well as possible in the digital proof. 

    If our system does not recognise your colour, we can enter the colour manually. We also strive for optimal reproduction in this case. However, it is clear that colours such as Pantone 811 or silver and gold can only be reproduced approximately with us as well.

    The following colour 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

    For more detailed information on the reproducibility of PANTONE and HKS colours, please see here.
     

    Detailed information, image examples and colour deviation tables for all common PANTONE colours can be found on our proof.de blog:

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


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

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

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


  • For example, if we 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 enclose it with your shipment. Important: Do not pay via PayPal or instant transfer, but select "Invoice" as your payment method, as the amount on the order confirmation will no longer match the final invoice amount, and PayPal would therefore charge you the wrong amount.


  • The media wedge, test report and job ticket (a few lines of text with information about the 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

› Spot colours, PANTONE, HKS

› Print data, upload, formats

› Ordering

› Shipping

 

General questions about proofs


  • A proof from Proof.de is created according to the current ISO standard 12647-7 and is colour-binding and legally binding with UGRA-Fogra media wedge and test report. This is also certified to us anew every year 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 that measure and test proofs directly after printing in the device.

    How does it work?
    When you order a proof from proof.de with UGRA/Fogra media wedge CMYK V3.0, the media wedge with its 72 standardised colour patches is printed directly below your proof. This media wedge is then actively dried in the proof device and then measured by a Spectroproofer measuring device. The measured values obtained are evaluated by the proof server. If the measured colour values are within the tolerances of the ISO standard, a test report of the measurement is printed directly behind the media wedge, guaranteeing you colour and legal compliance in accordance with ISO 12647-7 (see image below). As you can see from the image below, our proofs are usually significantly 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 the proof printing, measurement errors due to manual operating errors 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 colour reproduction on the entire printer market (commissioned in 2016, software from 2017). With this, we can not only proof the classic CMYK colour spaces, but also Pantone and HKS colours, which are otherwise often pale and not really close to the original. Over 99% of all Pantone colours can be reproduced by our proof system.
    •  
    Further information about the test report, the media wedge and the work and responsibility of the 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 photo paper (e.g. ISOCoatedV2) we use the EFI Gravure Proof Paper 4245 with 245g/sqm. It feels very high-quality and is also perfect for customer presentations.

    For the simulation of brightener-containing  photo paper (e.g. PSOcoatedV3) we use the EFI 8245 OBA with 245g/sqm. Unlike Gravure Proof Paper, the paper white of the OBA paper is significantly whiter.

    For those who need a proof for brightener-free natural paper (e.g. PSOuncoated), we offer a proof on matt EFI 9120 XF 120g/sqm paper. It is very suitable  for simulating natural papers because it is very similar to writing paper in feel and thickness.

    For those who need a proof for brightener-containing natural papers (e.g. PSOuncoatedV3), we offer a proof on matt EFI 8175OBA matt proof paper with 170/sqm. It contains a high proportion of brighteners and is thus very similar to modern, bright white preprint or office paper.
     
     

    EFI 4245 Gravure Proof Paper

    		 EFI 8245 OBA Semimatt EFI 9120 XF matt EFI 8175OBA matt
    Weight: 245 gr/sqm 245 gr/sqm 120 gr/sqm 175 gr/sqm
    Thickness: 260 µ 245 µm 150 µm 230 µm
    Opacity: 96% > 95% 95 % 97%
    Gloss (Tappi 75°) 54 % (satin gloss) 22 % (semi-matte) 6 % (matt) 5% (matt)
    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












     

    For more information about our certified proof papers, please see here.
     


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

    In some cases, you can also have a digital proof made at online print shops – but only as part of the actual order, not in advance. For example, Flyeralarm does not offer proofs in advance. Additionally, these proofs – depending on the format – are also not particularly inexpensive. 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 that 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 the Process Standard Offset Printing standard, proof and print should be very close together.
     

  • In Germany there is a standard that all reputable printing shops follow: The Process Standard Offset Printing - PSO or the Process Standard Rotogravure - PSR for gravure printing. These standards define certain tolerances for a printed product. To demonstrate that your proof, which you have provided to the print shop, complies with these standards, the media wedge is measured in case of doubt - that is, in case of dispute or uncertainty - and the values are analysed. If the media wedge is "OK" and the measured values are within tolerance, then the print shop 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 compile the 8 pages on the printed 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 "" and thus colour and legally binding. Strictly speaking, this then only applies to the last page, but in practice the print shop would have a hard time proving that the proof from page 5 is not "OK".

    Strictly speaking, a media wedge must be on every proof page, although the test report is not required. So if you want to be absolutely sure or have had problems with the print shop in the past, you should create either a media wedge or a media wedge with a test report 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 the report. You will then receive a sheet in A3+ format. Your DIN A4 page format will never be cut, but the test report and media wedge are printed next to it, thus extending the page size by these elements. In addition, a job ticket is printed that contains all important information about the proof system, profiles, rendering intents, proof software, etc.
     

  • To assess the colour of a proof, you need a uniform light environment: Even if the identical proof is on the table in your Hamburg agency and your customer in 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 window overlooking the Isar: the Munich and Hamburg colleague are discussing completely different colours on the phone at the same time.

    For colour matching, only standardised artificial light is suitable. The colour matching must take place under the same light under which the proof is matched to the print run in offset printing: D50 standard light. This is light with 5,000 Kelvin colour temperature and a defined, uniform spectral distribution that displays colours optimally.

    Because the differences between an incandescent lamp, 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 applied: 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 a new feature immediately catches the eye when matching colours: The new standard light contains UV components that respond to the optical brighteners often used in offset papers. This was not the case before.

    With our Proof.de metamerism card you can check whether the light source corresponds to standard light and whether colour assessment is permissible.

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

  • A contract proof according to ISO 12647-7 primarily serves to simulate the colour of the future printing process. To check this binding nature, the UGRA/Fogra media wedge CMYK V3.0 is predominantly used. Additional information such as simulation profile, date and time and much more are printed on the contract proof in a job ticket. To demonstrate colour binding, the media wedge is measured after printing and a test report is printed that demonstrates that the measured values are within the tolerance of the media standard printing 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 combined form for completeness. 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, as it is only used to check the status. For this reason, the same data is usually sent to the proof device that is later sent to the plate imagesetter. Therefore, the form proof shows the same result as the later print; albeit in significantly poorer quality.

    A validation print according to ISO 12647-8 is a colour-accurate print that is usually made on a laser printer digital printing system. In contrast to the real "proof", it has any raster, is significantly noisier in the print image especially with colour areas and gradients, and is measured with visibly higher tolerances. As a result, it is not colour and legally binding like the real contract proof, but may only be used for colour adjustment at the print shop with prior agreement.


  • „We print on a Berberich Allegro 135gr/sqm. Can you make a proof on this paper? Can you proof on our stock paper?“

    The question of a proof on stock paper comes up frequently in our phone support. Unfortunately, we always have to answer the question negatively. A proof on stock paper is still not technically possible today.

    All currently Fogra-certified proof systems are based on an inkjet printer as the proof printer, usually from Epson, Canon or HP. These printers are characterised by a large colour space, good resolution and excellent homogeneity and colour 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-colour pigment inks that can reproduce a significantly larger colour space than, for example, ISOCoatedV2 or PSOCoatedV3. However, the prerequisite for this is the use of special papers optimised for inkjet printing, in which the pigments and inks come into their own. For this, special coatings are required that are optimised for optimal reproduction, quick drying, good rub resistance and high UV stability of the print. On a photo paper without these coatings, the ink would run, hardly dry and would not be smudge-proof. The colour space would also not be achievable. A proof would therefore not be possible from this perspective.
    Detailed information on this 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 when viewing prints. It occurs when two uniform patterns overlap unevenly.
    Moiré cannot generally be checked in the proof.
    All common proof systems focus on reproducing colours in the proof, not on reproducing the typical offset raster and offset rosette. Why?
    Print shops work with different raster frequencies and raster angles. From 54 to 80 line screens in sheet offset to 32 line screen in newspaper printing, many screens are on the market. Sometimes the halftone dot is round, sometimes square, sometimes diamond-shaped. Moreover, the raster angle of CMYK and spot colours also differs from print shop to print shop. And some print shops also print a frequency-modulated screen that is not subject to any raster angle, but is generated quasi-chaotically by the RIP. As a result, proof manufacturers focus almost exclusively on the reproduction of colours, not rasters and offset rosettes. Detailed information on this can be found in our proof blog at www.proof.de
     


  • Since 2010, the final examination Media Designer Digital and Print, specialisation Design and Technology, Print in the task specification of the ZFA (Central Expert Committee Vocational Training Printing and Media) requires a proof. A UGRA/Fogra media wedge 2.0 is provided to the test takers on the task CD and can be placed next to the test task in the proof. 
    For convenience, you can simply order our media wedge with test report, it is equally recognised and may also be used.
    Detailed information on the Media Designer final examination 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 process to ensure the verifiability of our proofed barcodes. We have summarised detailed information about this in an article on our blog: 

    Verifiability of GTIN codes for ALDI / Hofer in the proof 

    For processing into verifiable GTIN codes, we charge a flat rate of 10.- € plus VAT per GTIN code per file. For example, if a barcode is displayed on four pages of a product package, we will charge you an additional 40.- €. If you need multiple proofs of the same design, the fees for exchanging the codes will of course only apply once. 
    With multiple designs and multiple GTIN codes per design, costs can arise that often exceed the proof costs. However, the processing 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:

      Offset printing and newspaper

      • ISO Coated v2 (ECI) / ISOCoated V2 300% (ECI) 
        Standard for glossy and matt coated photo paper
      •  
      • ISOUncoated 
        Standard for uncoated white natural paper
      •  
      • PSOCoatedV3 (Fogra 51)
        The successor to ISOCoatedV2 for glossy and matt coated photo paper with moderate optical brighteners
      •  
      • PSOUncoatedV3 (Fogra52)
        The successor to PSOUncoated for uncoated, wood-free natural 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 natural 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) 
        Newsprint
      •  
      • WAN-IFRAnewspaper 26v5
      • Newsprint
      •  
      • ISONewspaper 26v4 
        Newsprint
      •  
      • PSO Coated NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI) 
        glossy and matt coated photo paper, FM screen
      •  
      • PSO Coated 300% NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI) 
        uncoated white natural paper, FM screen
      •  
      • PSO Uncoated NPscreen ISO12647 (ECI) 
        uncoated white natural paper, FM screen
      •  
      • Improved Newsprint, INP
      • Improved newsprint 
      •  
      • PSO Coated v2 300% Glossy laminate (ECI)
      • Photo paper followed by gloss film lamination
      •  
      • PSO Coated v2 300% Matte laminate (ECI)
      • Photo paper followed by matte film lamination
      •  
      • eciCMYK - CMYK colour exchange space
      • FOGRA53 is a CMYK colour exchange space and serves colour communication for print production.
      •  
      • Heaven 42 (Scheufelen paper)
      • Bright white photo paper
      • Profile: Heaven42_AM_U280_K98_G80_HD.icc (Heidelberg Print)
      •  
      • PaC.Space
        PaC.Space is the first unified colour 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
      • white 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 matt coated photo print
      •  
      • SWOP2006_Coated3v2
      • SWOP interpretation of ISO12647-2 for web offset printing on thin coated paper
      •  
      • SWOP2006_Coated5v2
      • Different SWOP interpretation of ISO12647-2 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

      For more detailed information on offset printing proof standards, ICC profiles and the proof profiles used, please see here or on our proof blog at http://www.proof.de/proof/proof-profile/
       


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


    • The best approach is to ask the print shop what standard they would recommend. In general, it can be said that many print shops orient themselves to the colour of ISO coated v2, although this is really only intended for sheet offset on coated paper. While this would not be colour and legally binding for other printing processes and media, it is at least suitable for communicating expectations to the print shop.


    • Generally, it is safest to use the standard that the print shop requires for its print data. Within Europe, it is often prudent to use ISO coated v2 (FOGRA 39) in case of doubt, as this is frequently used as a reference for printing processes and media for which it was not originally intended. Beyond that, recommendations are difficult to make, as there are unfortunately not unified standards everywhere.


    • Proofs are standardised products that are created and checked according to a specific set of values. That is exactly the point that distinguishes them from any "coloured printouts".

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

      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 unfortunately be produced, as that would be nothing other than "coloured paper from a proof system", but not a colour-binding, ISO-compliant proof. If you nevertheless need to create a proof but don't have exact information about the required profile, then in doubt proof ISOCoated V2. This has become the most frequently used standard in the industry and will therefore always be accepted as a basic proof.

      With the introduction of the new standards, Fogra 51 and Fogra 52 now also offer new proof standards on optical brightener-containing proof papers alongside ISOCoatedV2 and PSOUncoated. Please contact your print shop to ask whether they are already printing according to the new or still the old standards and order your proofs accordingly.

      Our Heaven42 proofs are a special case. Here, not an international standard, but a house standard of the Scheufelen paper mill is proofed, with which the print on the popular and unusually bright white paper is simulated. These proofs are therefore also not colour and legally binding, but simulate the colour cast within the tolerances of the colour profile issued by Scheufelen and Heidelberg Print.
       
     

    Spot colours, PANTONE, HKS


    • We proof with the proof system with the most precise colour reproduction in the entire printer market. With our 11-colour proof system, we can proof spot colours such as Pantone and HKS better than many other service providers. In our proof software, we have stored all common colours so that spot colours can be simulated as well as possible in the digital proof. 

      If our system does not recognise your colour, we can enter the colour manually. We also strive for optimal reproduction in this case. However, it is clear that colours such as Pantone 811 or silver and gold can only be reproduced approximately with us as well.

      The following colour 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

      For more detailed information on the reproducibility of PANTONE and HKS colours, please see here.
       

      Detailed information, image examples and colour deviation tables for all common PANTONE colours can be found on our proof.de blog:

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


    • Pantone and HKS colours should be created as solid colours and correctly named.
      Our RIP recognises the colours by name and assigns the corresponding Lab values to the colours. 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 colour for uncoated paper on a proof for coated paper.
      In production printing, where physically mixed solid colours are used, this cannot easily be replicated. This would result in significant colour deviations between proof and production print.

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


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


    • Currently, two metallic colour fans exist in parallel at PANTONE:

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

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

       

      The main differences between the two fans lie in the composition of their respective base colours: First, there is the different Pantone Silver: PANTONE 877 or PANTONE Silver 10077 C. Second, the PANTONE Metallics Coated complements the silver with further gold base colours, whereas in the PANTONE Premium Metallics Coated the newly defined silver is the only metallic base colour and is tinted with PANTONE Goe base colours.


      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 have clicked "Now order for a fee", 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 inspection for approximately 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 is the simplest way to handle your proof data.
      However, sometimes there are good reasons for a different approach, such as very large files, problematic proxy servers, or simply the fact that you already have a WeTransfer link to the data but don't want to download and then upload it again.

      We also happily 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 your order in the comments field. 

      We also gladly 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 oversized dimensions. The "+" formats are each approximately 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 edge margin and 5mm gap in the middle. 

      If you now add crop marks and bleed, the page size grows accordingly. If your page is 315 mm instead of 297 mm due to bleed and crop marks, then two pages in landscape orientation no longer fit side by side for us. The RIP then places the pages in portrait format on the roll. We then have to cut off and dispose of approximately 170 mm of material. Therefore, we charge you DIN formats with bleed at a small surcharge to account for the higher material consumption.

      Formats
      A6: 105 x148 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 leave anything out. You will receive your proof exactly in the size of the data you provided. If you have created crop marks in the PDF, these will be proofed with it. If you haven't, your proof won't have crop marks either.


    • No. We proof from roll and not from exact DIN sheets. Your proof will usually have a white border of several millimetres, which can sometimes be several centimetres wide due to the roll format. We cut by hand, so cuts are not always 100% exact.


    • The media wedge, test report and job ticket (a few lines of text with information about the 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 require bleed, printer marks or any kind of marks. Basically, we print 1:1 what you have created 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 order A4+ instead of A4.


    • Yes. As long as the number and format of 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 colours and possibly spot colours (Pantone or HKS), it is not relevant for the proof what colour profile is embedded in the file. Our RIP simulates the ordered profile based on the existing CMYK values and Pantone or HKS colours according to Lab values stored in our RIP. However, correctly created PDF/X3 and PDF/X4 also allow print data containing RGB colours to be proofed in a colour-binding manner. For this, however, the corresponding colour profiles must be embedded for all elements and the output profile must also match the ordered profile.
       


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

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

      If we receive exclusively CMYK data from you, we ignore all embedded input and output profiles and only use the CMYK values, which we bring to the ordered output colour 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 colour area in CMYK 100/70/0/0 and order a proof according to ISOCoatedV2. We ignore the ISOCoated profile and proof the pure colour 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 print shops, we have seen that they perform CMYK to CMYK profile conversions in almost 100% of cases, but instead bring a colour value of 100/70/0/0 to the plate without regard to CMYK profiles, insert paper and print according to the standard. We therefore also map this path, even though it would actually be "more correct" to perform a colour space transfer from ISOCoated 100/70/0/0 to ISOCoatedV2. However, this results in a different colour value, for example with relatively colourimetric conversion with depth compensation 100/63/1/6 or perceptually with depth compensation 100/63/3/15!

      Practical case: A customer of ours did not proof with us but with a colleague proofing 30 slightly different dark blue colour areas in ISOCoatedV2, under each of which the CMYK value was printed in black lettering to match a powder-coated surface in terms of colour. Based on the proofed colour areas, the customer defined a very good matching CMYK colour value, inserted it into his brochures and started the print jobs.
      Result: The dark blue was a distinctly different blue each time than on the reference proof, the customer and agency were very dissatisfied and went looking for errors.

      Now the case came to us. We received a file for proofing according to ISOCoatedV2 and compared it with our colleague's proof. The colours with the same black CMYK values printed below them were distinctly different, both proofs with media wedge and correctly measured. After some troubleshooting, we got the idea of requesting the file originally proofed by our colleague, which still existed. We found a Fogra27Coated profile in it, an implementation of the old ISOCoated. A proof according to ISOCoatedV2 had been ordered at the time.
      What had happened? Our colleague had considered the input profiles, which resulted in a significant change in the CMYK values of the colour areas due to a colour space transfer from CMYK to CMYK as described above. Of course, the black printed CMYK values below the colour areas did not change. The matched CMYK value therefore did not correspond 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 because we would ignore the embedded profile in CMYK data. This would also have been the expected behaviour of our customer. After almost two hours, we had identified the "error" (or perhaps rather the "difference"), created an "expected" proof for our customer, using which he could determine the correct CMYK value in ISOCoatedV2, and we had resolved the problem.
       


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

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

      "Dear Customer,
      the data check has shown that your data contains RGB elements. RGB elements can only be reliably interpreted in proofs if they are identified with a colour profile and a rendering intent. This is the case, for example, with correctly created PDF/X-3 and PDF/X-4 data. Furthermore, 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 approach 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 resubmit the file for proofing. For the proof, we can then reliably use 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 should only be a small image that is not relevant to the overall impression of the proof, or if you do not have another file available for proofing, we can of course also use your RGB data for the proof. If available, we will then use your RGB source profiles and rendering intents, otherwise we will use the sRGB standard and the rendering intent "relatively colourimetric with depth compensation", which in the vast majority of cases will result in correct proof results.
      If we should proof your supplied RGB data this way, please just let us know. We are happy to answer any questions. Many greetings, Your Proof Team"

     

    Ordering


    • If we could choose how our customers pay, we would prefer the following payment options:
      1.: Instant transfer (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 handled via PayPal and costs us noticeably higher fees than, for example, instant transfer)

      We send all proofs immediately, even with payment on account, even for new customers, so there is no advance payment in our shop. We trust that our customers appreciate our service and gladly use it and therefore also pay willingly. 

      So please feel free to choose the payment method that works best for you. If you don't mind, we would prefer instant transfer or payment on account... :-)
       


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


    • Whether you have the same page proofed 10 times or 10 different pages proofed once each doesn't matter to us. For example, if you put 10 pages of DIN A4 in ISOCoatedV2 in your shopping basket, you can upload one file to us that we should then proof 10 times. Or a PDF with 10 different pages. Or a JPEG, two TIFFS, a ZIP file with four one-page PDFs and a PDF with three pages in it. As long as it is plausible to us that 10 pages to be proofed are contained, this is absolutely fine. If you want a page proofed 10 times or 5 pages proofed 2 times each, please write us a short note in the comments field when ordering, otherwise we won't know exactly whether you simply forgot or overlooked pages when uploading. 
       


    • For deliveries to EU countries, so-called intra-community supplies, you must provide us with your VAT ID number with your order. We will then issue you an invoice without German VAT. However, it is important to the German tax office that we verify your VAT ID and document the border crossing of the shipment to your country using the tracking protocol. Only under these two conditions can we issue a VAT-free invoice.
      For and other third countries, only the border crossing needs to be proven. We do not need a VAT ID in this case, and the shop automatically generates an invoice without German VAT. 
       


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

      You can also read when we use which papers under "Proof papers".


    • If we receive an order for two pages but only one page is 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 resulting delays, you can - preferably via the comment field - tell us 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 make changes to orders or cancel them afterwards, but production of your proofs can sometimes begin immediately after the order is completed. Speed is therefore of the essence.
       


    • The order status does not change automatically but must be manually updated by an employee. If you only recently uploaded new data, it may be that no one has had a chance to look at the new data yet. 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 efforts, it can unfortunately still happen that the proof software has a bad day and prints incorrectly, or we, who are only human, accidentally use the wrong workflow or miss fine lines on the proof in the rush of shipping. In such a case, we will create new proofs for you immediately and send them to you again.

     

    Shipping


    • We ship up to format DIN A4+ in a 400 gr/sqm sulphate cardboard with tear strip, from format DIN A3 in a corrugated cardboard tube that is also equipped with a tear strip.

      The proofs are additionally placed in polyethylene protective envelopes. This provides optimal protection for the proofs during shipping against rain, moisture and climate influences. The protective envelopes are tear-resistant and water-resistant and are therefore reusable multiple times. After inspection, you can easily send the proofs further in the same protective envelopes. Polyethylene films burn residue-free without toxic fumes, gases and slag and are groundwater neutral.

      The cardboard tube is also reusable, although the tear strip no longer works when shipping further.

      We only receive feedback a few times per year that our packaging was bent or damaged during shipping. In particular, damage to the envelopes was a more frequent problem before the current sulphate cardboard solution. 

      We are also happy to send the proofs with neutral branding; please let us know during ordering in the comments field.



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

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

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


    • For example, if we 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 enclose it with your shipment. Important: Do not pay via PayPal or instant transfer, but select "Invoice" as your payment method, as the amount on the order confirmation will no longer match the final invoice amount, and PayPal would therefore charge you the wrong amount.


    • For packages where we have created the shipping label through our shop software, you will receive a tracking link by email. For proofs up to A4+ we ship standard with Deutsche Post's large letter priority. We can see the tracking from our end, but usually only shows whether it has been delivered or not. Tracking for neutral sent packages, DHL Express before 9 a.m. and Express with Saturday delivery is only visible from our side because we generate the labels outside our shop software. However, if you contact us, we can find the corresponding link for you.


    • Everything that comes to us by 4 p.m. goes out the same day, provided the order is completed in time and the print data is proof-ready. If you select one of our express shipping options, the proof is usually reliably at its destination within Germany on the next working day. With standard shipping it can sometimes take a few days before delivery, which we also cannot accelerate afterwards.

      For more detailed information, please see "Shipping costs and delivery times".


    • Please contact us immediately, preferably via chat or by phone at +49 (0) 7071-7952740. Despite our good packaging, it can sometimes happen that the package and its contents are damaged in transit and the proofs arrive bent with you. Although shipping is no longer in our hands, we will immediately create new proofs for you and send them to you again. For security reasons, please send us a picture of the bent proof and / or the bent packaging and do not throw it away. While a claim with DHL or UPS is usually not successful for us, we can at least try. Thank you very much.