Proofing

There are two types of proofs you need to know about when you order prints online with Mixam. Both templates simplify the ordering process - so you can perfect and personalise your designs.

Proof Type 1: The Automated proof

The Automated proof is the initial proof you receive once you upload your files.
This proof type is ideal for checking elements of your work such as:

• Your images in a low resolution
• The positioning of your work
• Your page sequences
• The content of your files

But this proof type is not effective when verifying colour. Viewing your work on a monitor does not ensure colour accuracy.

How do I access this proof?

When you have uploaded your files to the Artwork Dashboard, there are three ways you can view this proof:

Option 1:

Click the Preview button at the top of your screen. We will generate a 3D version of your work or an online flipbook for multipage documents. This proof is helpful so you can see how pages fold and turn.

Option 2:

You can create an Electronic proof and download it as a portable document format (PDF). While you cannot change a PDF file, it’s a great way to check your work before you print. You can also press the Share button at the top of the preview to distribute and share your work with others.

Option 3:

Once you have uploaded your work, you can click on individual thumbnails to view your work in detail. Each thumbnail will include:

Trim Marks: also known as trim lines or crop marks. You can see these lines on the corners of your file to show where we will trim the paper.

Bleed Marks: these guides ensure your design goes beyond the edge of the paper to prevent white lines from appearing once trimmed.

Gutter Margin: this space makes room to bind perfect bound books, like Hardcovers

Proof Type 2 – The Professional proof

Consider the Professional proof as printer-ready – what you see is what you’ll get. Like the Automated and Electronic proofs, this proof type is not colour accurate. Text and image errors on processed files will become clear. As a result, you can adjust any errors beforehand until you are happy with your files.

We charges £15 for professional proofs. If your order exceeds £2,000, it will be free.

There’s no limit to the number of edits you can make to your electronic proof. Keep making changes until you’re satisfied. If you’re new to printing, we recommend giving yourself some extra time to review your files carefully.

Make sure you check:

• Spelling
• Grammar
• Graphic design and style choices

You can choose to send your project to print without resolving the issues flagged by our system, but if you do, we can’t fix any problems that might arise as a result.

You are responsible for your project’s words and images, and how they’re organized and prepared for production.

Our team of experts can help you resolve certain graphical and layout issues before going to print.
However, we work from the understanding that the content and design you submit is what you wish to use for the final project.

This means we do not check for typos or problems with the content.

To avoid any common issues, please follow our helpful checklist.

Print file set up checklist

Proofing recommendations

We recommend taking the time to do the following when proofing your designs:

Manual check – Review all issues flagged by our system. Manually check every single page. Our system will catch the vast majority of technical printing issues, but it still isn’t as sharp as the human eye.

Please check that the sequence of your pages is correct and that all required pages are displayed in the previews.

Images – Our website will warn you if images are under 100dpi, or if fonts aren’t embedded within your file. We can print your file with low resolution images. We can’t print your file if fonts aren’t embedded, and would require you to embed the font and resupply the artwork. This can delay the print job, so please double check.

Bleed – Click on each individual thumbnail to check the content is within the trim boundary.
You can also check that important information is not within the quiet areas (safety margin) or within gutter margin (if the item is to be perfect bound).

Text – Make sure all fonts are embedded correctly and that there are no strange text characters appearing in your proof. Also keep an eye out for missing text, and check that everything is in the right place. Always proofread and spell check your prints before uploading.

Proper proofing prevents disappointment.