Soft proofing (reviewing proofs onscreen) is one way for printing companies and their clients to reduce production costs and turnaround times. But how accurate is soft proofing? And what systems are best for the type of printing you do?
Insight into these types of questions can be found in the “GATF 2003 Soft Proofing Study,” a new publication from the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation that discusses the state of current soft proofing systems for content (position, spelling, etc.) and for contract color.
Authored by Greg Bassinger and Joseph Marin, the study reports on eight different systems including Creo Synapse InSite, Group Logic's Imagexpo, Lucid Dream's OnTime Proof, Proof-It-Online, RealTime Image's RealTimeProof, ICS Remote Director and Kodak Polychrome Graphics' Virtual Matchprint. GATF also used Sony Artisan displays as part of a “do-it-yourself” system comprised of unrelated software and hardware.
The study examines the mark-up applications of each soft proofing system, delivery method, and the features and limitations of each. The study looked at the ability to manage multiple displays and ensure color accuracy between devices. Results of a test comparison between a press sheet and visual assessment are also included.
The 56-page soft-cover booklet is available for $99 ($49 for GATF/PIA members), plus shipping. Order a copy by calling 800-662-3916. (Graphic Arts Technical Foundation: www.gain.net)