What is Proofing Paper?
Today, with high quality color laser and inkjet printers widely available in the home and small business environment, together with easy to use graphic design programs, anyone can produce professional quality printed products. Business cards, letterhead, brochures, printed advertisements and posters are all items that a small business person (or a savvy PTA member) will require sooner or later and they should show off the business or activity to maximum advantage.
The most effective way to ensure that the image is just right is to print it out on proofing paper. Typically a printing store will create a proof for the customer to approve before sending the image to print. Proofing paper simulates the glossy commercial printing process by providing a high resolution image with high color saturation and instant drying for easy handling. It does not matter whether it is a magazine layout, brochure, poster, or business card the same process applies. At what is known as the prepress stage, before the final image is sent to print, it is imperative that the composition is balanced and pleasing to the eye. This is especially important when dealing with a mix of many visual variables such as: text, photographs, picture, or graphic overlays each with their accompanying color combinations which may or may not work together.
Historically proofing paper has been a tool used primarily in the printing industry and is most commonly available for commercial usage on 100 foot rolls in 13", 17", 24", 36", and 44" widths. However, for use with high quality output color laser, inkjet, and photo printers, proofing paper manufacturers have now entered the home and small business market by introducing sheet proofing paper packaged in smaller quantity reams available at many office supply stores. The typical sheet size is 13" x 19" and depending on the manufacturer a ream contains 50 to 100 sheets.
The professional appearance of self created printed products is attainable by anyone willing to take the extra step of creating a proof of their image. Proofing paper is a little known product available to anyone who wishes to dabble, either professionally or recreationally, in the field of graphic design.
Index of Proofing Paper articles