By taking the time to really check every detail of a proof, you can save the cost of reprinting an entire job! We will spell check the file before sending your proof, but this will not catch some typos. Even one error can ruin the message of your printed design, and once a job is printed, reprinting is often the only option. So check your proofs thoroughly and save yourself money, time and stress.

Here are some tips on how to check your proof meticulously:

• Check all text is exactly the way you want it.
• Make sure all elements of the design are present – every line, shape, picture etc.
• Check the spacing between elements, like how close a paragraph of text is to a picture.
• On documents with many pages make sure you check all of the pages with the same care, it may seem arduous but the cost of reprinting is going to be far greater.
• Get multiple people to check the proof, what you miss someone else will spot.
• If it’s just you checking the proof, take a break and come back to check a second time before you approve it.
• If you can, print out your proof. Some mistakes become evident by reading the piece aloud. Editors swear by this technique.

Having to resend images or fonts for a document can cost time and money. How can you make sure that what you send us contains all necessary images and fonts, saved correctly?

Burn onto a CD, or transfer onto a Zip Disk, the folder containing your document, fonts and images, that you are planning to send your printer. Then reopen your document from the CD or Zip Disk, and print a copy if you can. This will show if any images are missing.

To check if you are sending all the correct fonts is more difficult. Do you have access to second computer that does not have all the fonts that you do on your design computer? You can try loading the fonts from your CD or Zip Disk onto this computer. Then open the design document from the CD and print it if you can. Look closely to see that all fonts appear as they should.

If you can, always print out your proof. Things look different on paper than they do on screen. Suffice to say, printing copies of your design as you design it will also save you time and let you know what your printed piece is going to really look like.

When you get your proof, it is your last chance to make any changes to the design and content of your print job. You may be surprised at how many people, previously uninterested will want to make changes to the design when looking at a final proof. However annoying this is, it is definitely better than hearing about problems after the job is printed! Make sure all necessary parties sign off on the proof before you approve it and you may save a lot of money and stress.

Getting a job printed as a rush job and shipped by Next Day Air, not only costs more, but it usually means that you don’t have as much time to identify and make changes should some problem or need for changes arise. If you plan ahead and schedule a print job to be printed before you absolutely need it, you will save money in more ways than one.