Your physical bound proof
The details
Once your files are press ready, we create a bound proof from your artwork. It generally takes about two weeks from the time we receive print-ready files. The proof matches the materials, size, colour, binding, finishing and assembly specifications on your signed quote as closely as possible.
Because the proof is printed on a digital press rather than an offset press, there are a few differences from your final product. The bound proof is ideal for reviewing grammar, formatting and layout, and it's a great tool for your pre-launch marketing. Review your proof carefully and point out anything you notice. In most cases concerns will be resolved in final production, but let us know.
Colour: the proof uses toner, the final print uses ink
The proof is digitally printed (thermal transfer or inkjet); the final product is offset printed with safe, high quality soy ink.
- The colour of your digital proof may be brighter than the final print.
- Colour accuracy between the proof and the final product is 85 to 95% (toner vs ink).
- Ink on press is absorbed more by uncoated paper than toner is on the digital proof, which can affect show-through (colour saturation) in final production.
- Toner can sometimes rub or flake off the proof. This will not happen with offset printing.
- Occasionally there is colour banding (streaks or bands) on large areas of solid colour on your proof. This won't occur on your final product.
Lamination: cold on the proof, hot with high pressure on the final print
Due to differences in the proofing and mass-production processes, lamination adhesion on physical proofs may not fully reflect the quality and durability of the final product: minor bubbling is possible. Final production in offset printing uses standardized hot lamination processes to achieve more consistent adhesion and finishing quality.
Trimming: by hand on the proof, by machine on the final print
Only two copies of every proof are printed and trimmed by hand, so depending on the specifications, trimming at the proofing stage can be spot-on or off by more than 2mm. In final production many copies are printed and trimmed by machine, so the shift is limited to 2mm in any direction.
Binding: by hand on the proof, by machine on the final print
Smyth sewn, perfect-sewn and saddle stitch binding are done by hand for physical proofs; Wire-O and spiral binding are done by machine. In your final product all sewing, folding and binding is done by machine, so it is more accurate and consistent than the bound proof.
- The spine width is sometimes not accurate on the proof, because it was made before the pages were blocked. We correct it to the page block thickness in production.
- Because of the size limits of the digital proofer, hardcover covers wrapped around board are printed in 2 sheets and lined up along the spine, so you may see a seam on your proof. The final cover is printed as 1 sheet on a large offset press, with no seam.
Paper: as close as possible on the proof, exact on the final print
We try to match your specified paper stock on the proof, but there are limits: digitally approved paper can differ from press approved paper, so there can be a slight variance. The final product uses paper matching your quoted specs, as close as possible to the bound proof.
- For journals and planners we recommend 100gsm (65lb) uncoated offset paper. For books with coated paper, the typical weight is 128gsm (80lb).
- Toner can rub off some proofing papers, and it absorbs into uncoated paper differently than ink, so show-through can be slightly higher on the final print.
Tabs: hand-cut on the proof, die-cut on the final print
Tabs are hand-cut at the proofing stage, so you may see the red or blue dielines that guide the cut, and the edges are sometimes not perfectly smooth. In final production a metal die cuts the tabs to size: no dielines, no marks, and smoother edges.
Features and finishes
On a proof the binding is sometimes glued instead of sewn, or sewn by hand, so there can be loose threads. A mechanical process ensures more accuracy in production: if the proof looks great, you will see the same or better quality in the final print.
Have revisions to your proof?
Send only the revised pages, unless more than 1/3 of the pages need revisions; then send the entire file so pages match up without errors. Revised pages are printed and swapped into the copy we keep for production, so each change can be compared against the previous proof and checked in the final files. Send revisions or questions to Carol@mcrlprinting.com.
More on mcrlprinting.com: Bound proofs vs final print → Bound proof vs final print (PDF) →
Common questions
Is the bound proof included in my quote, and how long does it take?
Yes, one physical bound proof is included in every quote. You will receive your physical bound proof about two weeks after your print-ready files have been approved (complex orders may take more time).
Can I send revisions to my proof?
Absolutely. Send only the revised pages, unless more than a third of the pages need changes. If many changes are needed throughout the book, send the entire file.
If my proof has a seam, uneven trim or peeling laminate, will the final book have it too?
No. Proofs are printed on a digital press and finished by hand, while your final product is offset printed and finished by machine. On the final product, trim shift is limited to 2mm, hardcover covers print as one sheet with no seam, and lamination will not peel.
Keep exploring
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