The artwork for your CD/DVD project, like headlines in a newspaper, is the first thing that attracts customers to buy.  In order to make sure the image and color is everything that you want it to be, the following types of proofs are available in the printing process:

1. Soft proof / PDF proof

This is the one that is viewable on the screen in the form of PDF. The purpose is to confirm layout, i.e., type, copy, position and image. Images generally will appear pixelated because they have been scaled down for email. This type of proof is standard and generally provided free of charge. Due to the different setup of each person’s monitor screen, PDF proof cannot be used for proofing color. Here’s our checklist for approving a PDF.

2. Digital proof / Kodak proof

Digital proof is a step up from PDF proof. An actual print is made from a print machine that is calibrated like the press. It’s a good approximation of what the final printed piece will look like. It is also much less expensive than a press proof because the lack of setup required.

3. Press proof / Contract proof

Example of press proof

The press proof is an actual printed piece from the printing press with plates and inks specified for the job. A press proof is the ultimate check for image and color values. It involves setting up the job and running a proof on the actual stock to be used. It has the highest cost of all, but it is the most accurate form. For CD/DVD disc, this is the only form of printed proof available.

You may be asking now, there are replication companies that offer free printed proofs, why should you pay for any of these proofs mentioned here? These so-called ‘printed proofs’ that are advertised are actually nothing but print outs from a color laser/inkjet machine, without any calibration. It can be used to verify layout and position, but should not be used to proof color.

Are you creating a film poster or DVD packaging and wondering what font is usually used for production credits? There are a couple common fonts that are used.
- Univers: This font family comes with many different varieties. Use an ultra or light condensed in all caps to mimic the most professional look of film credits.
- Steel Tongs: One of the best thing about this font is that it’s free. It contains letters, common symbols and phrases like ‘Produced by’ already formatted ready to be used, saving you a lot of time.

Univers

Steel Tongs

Common design software that are used today include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign therefore our CD DVD graphic templates are designed to work with them. However if you do not own these software you could still create your own design.

Many media software such as Nero, Memorex, Neato, Avery come with a label/cover design program with preloaded templates and will let you create simple CD DVD label and package without much technical knowledge on graphic design. When you are finished, the key is to export the final files to a non-proprietary format such as jpg, pdf or tiff so we can place it on our CD DVD design templates