How to Confirm the Printing File Before Printing the Mass Product

When companies choose to print books, catalogs, brochures, and other materials in different countries, confirming the printing file before mass production is crucial. Here are some suggestions to ensure the quality and accuracy of your printed products.

Confirm the Printing File

Request a Sample Before Mass Production

Before committing to mass production, many customers prefer to see a physical sample of the product. Requesting a sample is a wise choice as it allows you to see the actual appearance of your design in print. Designs that look good on screen may not always translate well to print.

However, be aware that some books or catalogs have special finishing processes, such as UV coating, gold foil stamping, debossing, etc. These special processes can be included in the sample, but they may be costly. This is because the printing company needs to create specific plates for these processes. If you need to see these effects in the sample, you may need to pay an additional sample fee.

Request a Hard Proof

A hard proof is a printed sample created by a high-end printer that uses a color system to ensure the colors are almost identical to the final product. Although the paper used in the hard proof may not be the same as the final product, the colors will be very close to what you will see in the mass production.

This option is particularly useful if you need to verify the colors and details of a few pages or the entire document. High-end printing companies usually offer hard proofs to ensure color accuracy.

Request a PDF Proof

A PDF proof allows you to review the printing file on your computer. The printing company will provide a PDF proof before proceeding with mass production. This proof enables you to check the page order, bleed lines, and overall layout. It's the easiest and often the most cost-effective way to review your artwork. Most of the time, PDF proofs are provided for free.

By following these three methods, you can ensure that your printed materials meet your expectations and avoid costly errors in mass production. We hope these suggestions help you achieve the best possible results for your printed products.