How are these proofs different than PDF's?
The most important characteristic of soft proofs is that they are ripped files. They are exactly the same files that will be used to burn plates. PDF's are great, but they can sometimes be unstable. Not frequently, but sometimes copy can wrap differently when output and/or viewed on different machines. Not with ripped proofs. They are stable, and therefore, predictable. Why take a chance with anything less?
Unlike PDF's, soft proofs are truly collaborative. Project administrators can set permissions for an unlimited amount of people. Co-workers and clients can view proofs and make notations, if the administrator gives them permission. All users can view prior proofs to make sure changes were done correctly.
Soft proofs are high-resolution. Rampage Remote proofs are 2400 DPI. While it is true that computer monitors are 72 DPI, Rampage Remote uses the extra resolution to allow you to see detail even when you zoom in very closely. When you zoom in, say to review a trap between colors, the full resolution is tapped so you can everything.
What types of jobs is soft proofing suited to?
The main limitation of soft proofing is color. Each computer monitor shows color differently. As an example, go into any big box appliance store and look at the televisions. Each screen shows the images a little differently. Even a calibrated monitor isn't really "true" color. What is it "true" to?
The goal of proofing is to review what the piece will look like after it's off press. How accurate is soft proofing? Fairly accurate is the answer, but what does that mean. It means reds will look like reds on the proof. Blues will look blue and greens will look green. However they may be a shade or two off from the final printed piece. You won't see dramatic shifts in color; say if a red turned purple.
In the real world, color isn't critical on many pieces. Most postcards, direct mail pieces, newsletters or catalogs aren't color critical. If the reds look red, that's just fine. Rampage remote has an eyedropper tool that can be used to read CMYK and PMS color percentages. You can check an area on the soft proof and compare it to a percentage (or mix) that you know. Some color jobs such as food or fashion, which are color critical, are not a good candidate for soft proofing.
A real-world example
I recently ran a job for a large, national retailer. It was a four-color sell sheet. The customer sent us the files via ftp on Tuesday morning. On Tuesday evening we uploaded the soft proofs and the customer was notified via e-mail. He approved the proofs on Wednesday morning and we were on press that afternoon. The job was cut and delivered to the customer on Thursday. He put it on a truck to his convention that afternoon.
A great feature is the ability for more than one person to view proofs, along with any changes noted by others. This is truly collaborative proofing. Let's say your boss is at a conference in California. You receive proofs that she really wants to review as well. She can log onto the server at 10:00 PM in California and make notes on the proofs. You can review her comments when you get into work. There is no need for you to schedule a late-night conference call or be at the office when she looks at the proofs.
The software you need is in many cases free. It may depend on your printer as to whether or not there is a charge. I'm most familiar with Rampage Remote. We don't charge for the software. In fact, you can access soft proofs without even loading software on your computer. There is a java-based applet you can use without installing anything on your system.
Copyright 2005, The Catalog Works, All rights reserved
A screenshot from a typical remote proofing window. Thumbnails show each page. This shows a bookview feature enabling you to see the pages in page sequence, blanks included.
How can I note changes?
You can indicate changes using an annotation tool, similar to leaving a sticky-note. The note is attached to a specific point on the page as a reference. You can be very specific, such as: Capitalize the "F" in Freedom.
A handy history of changes is kept on-line. You can toggle between versions or view them side-by-side. That way you can make sure changes have been made correctly.
This capture shows a page-level view detailing a two-page spread.
This shows an annotation to a proof calling for the capitalization of a letter. Annotations such as this can be viewed by any user. This creates a truly collaborative proofing method, even more so than hard copy proofs.
Cut days from the schedule with soft proofing
"Beam me up Scottie". These famous words by Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise are becoming a reality. Well, not really, but with soft proofing it's as quick as beaming to and from your printer to approve proofs.
Most frequently, proofs are sent to you via messenger or FedEx, or the salesperson hand delivers them. For rush jobs, you might even go to your printer's office.
Kiss that hassle, delay and expense goodbye! Soft proofing allows to review, note changes, and approve proofs from your desk in minutes instead of hours or days.
How does soft proofing work?
Think of soft proofing as turbocharged PDF's. The ripped files that will be used to make plates are saved in a compressed format, usually jpeg. The jpeg's are then uploaded onto a server connected to the Internet.
You then access the proofs using proprietary viewing software over the Internet. Most soft proofing packages allow to you to inspect page elements, proof copy, make notations and approve (or reject) the proofs. More advanced systems allow you to measure color (both CMYK and PMS), view separations and use guidelines.
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