Proofing options


Proofing Options

All orders submitted to Greenerprinter require proof approval. For Standard Business Cards (Self Serve), a free online proof is generated during the ordering process. Your files will not be reviewed by our prepress staff, so please inspect your proof carefully.

For all other products, you can order a "soft" (onscreen) PDF proof, or "hard" (printed) proof. Please read below to determine which proofing option best fits your job.

SOFT PROOFS:

A "soft proof" is a PDF of your file which is generated by our PDF workflow system. Soft proofs are the fastest and least expensive way to proof your job. Unless your project is color critical, we recommend choosing the soft proof option.

Overview of soft proof approval process:

Within one business day (two business days if the order has mailing component) of orders placed before 4:00 pm Pacific Time, you will receive an email with a link (web page address) to your PDF soft proof. Your proof will only display properly if you download the proof to your computer and view in Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat. Your proof will match the positioning in the printed piece and will not show bleed or crop marks. 

Please be aware that we check your files and may place jobs on hold if the file will not produce a high quality product (low resolutions, for instance) or if it is missing bleeds or is not the same size as the product ordered.

After reviewing the proof, you have 3 choices:

Proof approved:

Enter your name in the box on the proof approval web page link that was sent to you.

If you approve the job before 4:00pm PT, the production turnaround time that you selected when placing your order begins the next business day.

You will receive an email confirming the approval of your proof, and showing your target completion date. PLEASE NOTE THAT SHIPPING TIME IS IN ADDITION TO PRODUCTION TIME.

Proof disapproved, new files will be sent:

Check this box if you discover a problem with your proof (such as a typo) and need to send a new file(s). You will then be directed to the file upload page. If you need to take time  to upload new files, log back in to our site, and go to "View Account". Click on the order from the "Account Details" page, and choose "Upload Additional Files" or "Invite a Friend to Upload".

Proof disapproved, changes required:

Check this box if you discover a problem with your proof (such as a typo) and would like us to fix it. Type the instructions for the change(s), and a member of our staff will contact you with any questions. (Please note that you will be charged $60 for file processing.) If you disapprove the job before 4:00pm PT, the production turnaround time that you selected when placing your order begins the next business day.

You may receive up to 2 soft proofs with an order. Each additional proof is $15.

HARD PROOFS:

A "hard proof" is a 600 dpi inkjet proof made from the PDF we create of your file. The price for a hard proof varies according to the nature of your project. When considering a hard proof, please keep the following in mind:

Our proofing devices are calibrated to match our presses, and are very accurate for color.

Hard proofs are printed on a standard semi-gloss inkjet paper, and are single-sided.

Crop marks are left on the proof so you can confirm that your artwork has appropriate bleed settings. Please note: The paper manufacturing industry is undergoing change and we cannot guarantee that the paper used on a previous order will be available now. If color is a priority, a hardproof must be ordered every time.

Hard proofs are intended to confirm content and color ONLY. If you are concerned about the actual paper that will be used for your project, please visit our sample request page.

We cannot proof orders that use metallic or other custom inks. Our inkjet proofing system won't reliably reproduce custom ("spot") colors. For work of this nature, please refer to the relevant ink guide (e.g. Pantone™ Matching System Guide). An ink drawdown on your paper stock can be ordered for $75.

Overview of hard proof approval process:

Within two business day of orders placed before 4:00 pm Pacific Time, we will ship your hard proof via overnight delivery. Attached to the proof will be a "proof approval tag" with 5 choices. You may also approve or disapprove online with the same options.

OK to print with no changes:

Approve your proof on the orders page.

Once we receive the signed-off proof:

You will receive an email confirming the approval of your proof, and showing your completion date. The production turnaround time that you selected when placing your order  begins the next business day. PLEASE NOTE THAT SHIPPING TIME IS IN ADDITION TO PRODUCTION TIME.

If you have changes you may upload new files or request that we make the changes (a $60 charge will be applied). You may indicate the changes on the hard proof approval slip or online choosing one of the following options: 

  • The proof is not approved. I will upload new files. Please send me another hard proof (additional charge will be added).
  • The proof is not approved. I will upload new files. Please send me another soft proof.
  • The proof is not approved. Fix instructions below. Please send me another hard proof (additional charge will be added).
  • The proof is not approved. Fix instructions below. Please send me another soft proof (additional charge will be added).

Uploading Revised Files

When you disapprove a job, you will be directed to the upload page. You may also send new files later; log in and go to "Account Details" on our site. Select the order and click "Upload Additional Files." We will not produce a second hard proof unless you specifically request one (there is an added charge)

Within one business day of revised files uploaded before 4:00 pm Pacific Time, you will receive an email with a link (web page address) to your PDF soft proof.