Proofing for artwork proof is an important step in the CD/DVD replication process. It gives you one last chance to see the artwork before it goes off to be printed thousands of times. Here is a checklist that might help you organize what needs to be verified:

• PDF is not color accurate: color varies from monitor to monitor, the purpose of the PDF is to check for layout and position only. For color proofing see our other proof options.
• Crop marks / Trim/Bleed:  Important images and text should be at least 1/8″ inside the trim. Artwork should extend at least 1/8″ beyond the trim for bleed.

• Dimension: As an example, mini disc and regular disc may appear the same size on the PDF proof. Print and cut out the proof to ensure the right size
• Font type/Copy: Check if fonts have changed on the proof, and there is no typos.
• Images/Layout: make sure the right images have been used and they have not shifted in the proof
• Special effects: look for any drop shadow and transparency effects, make sure they show up correctly
• Spot colors: if any spot colors is used, it should be noted on the proof
• PDF artifacts: sometimes you might notice that the vertical strokes of certain letters such as ‘L’, ‘H’, ‘I’ might look thicker than the other letters. Usually this is a problem on the acrobat reader, and the way to verify it is the print the pdf proof out, it should be a concern if the problem does not show up on the actual print out.
• Inside spine of digipaks: note that the inside spine of a digipak will be white, since it is the unprinted side of the paper. There is an option to print a solid color or CMYK colors at an extra cost.
• Uncoated / matte / glossy coating: our standard booklet and cardboard coating is  aqueous (AQ), if using special uncoated, matte or glossy coating,color hues, contrast, and intensity will change. It is recommended that clients get hard copy proof to avoid unexpected results.
• Tray position (digipak only): Whether the job requires a single tray, or double tray, twin tray please double check it is the correct tray and the position of the tray is correct.
• Page order (booklets only): Verify pages of booklets are in the right order. If you have many pages, the best way is to print the pages out and put together a mock-up so you have a good idea how the booklet flows.
• Hard copy proof vs pdf proof: It is important to know that PDF proofs are not color accurate; there are digital and press proofs available for additional proof options.

These are our suggested minimum steps to verify we have received all the graphic elements correctly for print; if there are special requirements for your specific project, please check for that as well.

Remember, when you sign off on a proof, you indicate that everything on the proof is correct. If a problem is discovered afterwards it is likely that you will incur additional costs to fix it.

Image courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/horiavarlan/4268864706/