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Checking the Proof

We understand the excitement of seeing your design come to life! Before hitting the print button, we provide an essential step: the approval proof. Whether you uploaded your own artwork or received one from our Design Team, it's your chance to double-check everything and ensure a flawless final product.

Imagine holding your printed masterpiece, knowing there are no typos, blurry images, or misplaced elements. This guide empowers you to achieve that by guiding you through the proofreading process.

Why is proofreading so important? While our dedicated artworkers and designers perform thorough checks, your final approval is crucial. Unfortunately, once approved, Kall Kwik WGC cannot be held responsible for any errors present in the proof.

What should I be looking for?

Don't worry, we won't leave you to fend for yourself! This guide will walk you through essential checks like:

• Spelling and grammar: Double-check every word, name, and date for accuracy. Even the smallest typo can create a big impact.
• Resolution: Just because your artwork looks sharp on screen doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be the same in print.
• Images: Check for resolution, clarity, and proper placement. Are they high-quality and visually impactful?
• Colours: Compare the colours on your screen to the proof, considering slight variations between digital and physical printing.
• Bleed and margins: If your design extends to the edge of the page, ensure the bleed area is set correctly to avoid unwanted white borders.

Remember: This is your final chance to make changes! Don't hesitate to ask questions or request adjustments if anything isn't quite right.

Don't let tiny typos become BIG problems

Before your masterpiece hits the press, make sure to avoid typos and mistakes that turn your printing project into a nightmare. This guide equips you with the power to proofread like a pro, ensuring your final product shines.

Textual Tweaks:

• Double-check, then double-check again: A stray typo can scream unprofessionalism and cost dearly. Avoid embarrassment and wasted resources by diligently reviewing your text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Even the simplest errors can slip through the cracks, so consider having a fresh pair of eyes give it a once-over. Tools like Grammarly or a simple Word spell-check can also be your allies in this battle.
• Proofread twice, submit once: Remember, our designers sometimes need to retype text within your design. To prevent accidental errors, proofread ALL text before submitting your artwork and then again after receiving the proof. This double-duty diligence helps ensure your message stays flawless.

Details, Details:Fact-check your design: Meticulously scan your artwork to verify all intended information is present and accurate. This includes:

• Contact details: Are phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses correct and up-to-date?
• Events: Are event times, dates, and locations accurately displayed?
• Product packaging: Is the barcode present and error-free?
• Business stationery: Does your VAT number and registered address appear correctly?
• Election materials: Does your imprint adhere to Electoral Commission guidelines?

Size Matters:

• See it to believe it: Ensure all text appears in the expected size on your final printed piece. Beware of the trap of zooming in on proofs; they might not reflect the actual size. View the proof at the intended printed size to verify clarity and legibility.

Font Frenzy:

•  Fonts sometimes get lost in translation during format conversions or transfers between users. They might change to a default font or even disappear! To avoid this font faux pas, check our guide to fonts and meticulously review your proof to ensure fonts match your original artwork.

Ensuring Crisp Prints: Resolution

Looking sharp on your screen doesn't guarantee the same magic in print. That's because screens display at 72dpi (dots per inch), while high-quality printing uses 300dpi, a big difference! 

So, how do you check if your design is print-ready? Simple! Zoom in on your proof to 400%. If it looks sharp and clear, you're good to go. But if you see any graininess or pixelation, it's time to adjust the resolution.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our Resolution Guide for everything you need to know about ensuring your designs transition flawlessly from screen to stunning print!

A Closer Look at Images in Your Design

When creating your design, pay special attention to logos, graphic elements, and photographs. Inspect each of these components individually to ensure they appear as intended.

Even if the rest of your design is high-resolution, imported elements can impact the final print quality. Therefore, verify that logos and photos match the resolution of the overall design.

Additionally, when using stock photography, take a moment to check for any hidden watermarks in the background. And, of course, always ensure you have proper permission to use any imagery you include!

Print Perfect Colours: Mastering CMYK & Proofs

Ensuring your printed colours match your vision is crucial for a professional look. That's why we recommend preparing your artwork in CMYK mode, the standard language printers use. This guarantees accurate colour translation from your design to the final product.

However, if you upload an RGB image, we'll need to convert it to CMYK for printing. While this conversion is seamless, it can sometimes cause slight colour shifts. To avoid any surprises, be sure to carefully review our print-ready proof before finalizing your order. This allows you to confirm you're happy with the final colours and request any minor adjustments if needed.

For a deeper understanding of colour modes and their impact on print, dive into our comprehensive Colour Guide. It's packed with information to help you achieve vibrant, accurate colours that bring your design to life!

Don't Get Cut Off! Mastering Bleed & Margins for Flawless Prints

Sending your artwork to print? Hold on! Before you hit the "submit" button, take a moment to double-check how your masterpiece will look after the final trimming process.

Here's the key:

• Bleed: Extend your design by 3mm beyond the trim line. Think of it as a buffer zone to prevent unwanted white edges if the cutter goes slightly astray.
• Margins: Keep important text and graphics at least 3mm inside the trim line. This ensures they won't accidentally get chopped off during trimming.
• Special Finishes: Planning to use fancy Spot UV or Foil effects? Remember, they need to stay within the 3mm safe zone and absolutely cannot cross any folds or perforations. Trust us, they won't stick well and will likely flake off if you do.

Want to dive deeper? We've got dedicated guides for each:

• Bleed Guide
• Spot UV Artwork Guide
• Foil Artwork Guide

By following these simple steps and referring to our detailed guides, you'll guarantee a printed masterpiece that looks exactly as you envisioned, right down to the perfectly finished edges. Now, go forth and print with confidence!

Ready to Print? Greenlight It With Your Approval

Ready to bring your vision to life? Once you've carefully checked your artwork and everything looks perfect, approving your proof is crucial.

Here's why online or email approval is essential:

• Accuracy Guarantee: It ensures you're 100% satisfied with the final colours, layout, and any other details before printing begins.
• No Phone Approvals: For clarity and confirmation, we can't accept phone approvals.
• No Delays: Without your digital thumbs-up, your project can't move forward.

So, avoid any printing delays and ensure your masterpiece looks exactly how you imagined! Approve your proof online or via email before it's too late.

P.S. We can't wait to see your amazing printed creation come to life!

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