How to Make Corrections to a Printer's Proof

A modern, high-speed commercial printing press

Since the dawn of commercial printing, printer's proofs have been run as a test prior to running a commercial print job. Every printer runs what's known as "make-readys" as the inks and color settings for a particular print job are being set. Just before a print job is ready to be run at the top speed of a printing press, a printer's proof is run as a final check of all of the parameters for that printing job.

Things You'll Need

• Felt-tip marker

Instructions

1. Run the prepress disk. Preview the document in printer spreads to ensure all pages are laid out correctly, and transfer the design layout to the individual printing plates.

2. Run make-readys. Make-readys are throwaway passes through a commercial printing press while the ink stations are being cleaned and set, the pressure of the paper is being adjusted, and the press is being cleaned for the run of your job.

3. Print the printer's proof. The printer's proof is actually for the client's benefit, to ensure any final details that need adjustment are corrected before the job runs.

4. Note any needed corrections by circling them with a felt-tip marker, and supervise the press operator making the color corrections.

5. 

   Going over the printer's proof ensures the print job runs correctly.

   Sign off on the printer's proof, and run the entire printing job.

Tips & Warnings

• During the make-ready phase, 100 to 1,000 sheets of paper may be used, which is the main reason that commercial print jobs are usually in the thousands of copies.

References

• Microsoft Office: Proof your publication by printing a PDF file, composite, or separations
• Commercial Printing Company: Scheduling a Press Check
• Express Proof: Frequently Asked Questions