For most custom orders, your proof is the last review step before we print. It lets you confirm the artwork, text, layout, sizing, and any cut or trim guidance tied to your order. If something needs to change, request revisions before approving. Production starts after final approval, not when the order is first placed.
What Your Proof Shows
Your proof is a digital preview of the design we plan to produce. Depending on the product, it may show front and back layouts, text, image placement, sizing, orientation, personalization, and trim or cut information.
For stickers and shaped products, the proof may also show the cut path. For cards and invitations, it may show front and back panels, fold direction, and placement of important text. The goal is simple: help you catch mistakes before anything goes to print.
What a Proof Cannot Show Exactly
A digital proof is not a physical sample. Screens vary, and so do viewing conditions. Because of that, your proof is best used to review content, layout, sizing, and setup, not to judge an exact color match.
Some things may look different in person than they do on screen, including:
- paper feel or vinyl texture
- laminate sheen
- metallic, foil, or holographic effects
- brightness and saturation
- the way light reflects off the printed surface
Minor trim and alignment variation is also normal in print production.
How Revisions Work
If you see something that needs to change, request revisions before you approve the proof. The clearer your notes, the faster the process usually goes. It helps to list each requested change in one message so nothing gets missed.
Common revision requests include spelling corrections, date or address changes, layout adjustments, image crop updates, cut line changes, and front or back fixes. Once revisions are requested, your order stays on hold until the updated proof is reviewed and approved.
In some cases, a larger change may require updated artwork from you. If that happens, we will use the revised file for the next proof.
What Approval Means
When you approve a proof, you are confirming that the order is ready to print as shown. That includes the text, spelling, dates, names, addresses, image placement, orientation, and any trim or cut guidance shown on the proof.
Approval also means you understand that the proof is a digital preview, not an exact physical simulation of color, paper, vinyl, laminate, or specialty finishes.
Once a proof is approved, we move the order into production. Changes after approval are not guaranteed, and they can delay the order if production has already started.
What Can Still Vary After Approval
Approval locks in the design and content. It does not remove normal print variation.
In most cases, the final printed piece may still show small differences such as:
- slight color variation from screen to print
- slight trim or cut movement within normal production tolerance
- differences in sheen, texture, or reflection
- specialty finish effects that appear stronger or softer depending on light
This is especially true for products with laminate, foil, metallic, holographic, or other surface effects that do not display fully on screen.
When Production Starts
Our production turnaround begins after final proof approval. It does not begin while a proof is still under review, while revisions are pending, or while we are waiting on updated artwork.
Shipping time is separate from production time. If approval is delayed, the ship timeline moves with it. For time-sensitive orders, review your proof carefully and reply as soon as you are ready.
Review This Before You Approve
Before you approve a proof, take one careful pass through the details that are hardest to fix later:
- names, dates, times, and addresses
- spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
- front and back artwork
- image crop and placement
- size, orientation, and fold direction
- cut line or trim area, if shown
- QR codes, URLs, and contact details
- personalization details, if your order includes them
This is one of those small steps that saves a lot of avoidable frustration later.
FAQ
Do I Need To Approve My Proof Before Printing?
Yes. Production starts after final approval on proofed orders.
Is My Proof An Exact Color Match?
No. A digital proof is for reviewing content, layout, sizing, and setup. Screen color, material, finish, and lighting can all affect how the final piece looks in person.
Can I Request Changes After I Approve The Proof?
Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. Once approval is given, the order may already be moving into production, and changes can delay the order.
What Happens If I Miss A Typo On My Proof?
Please check the proof carefully before approving. If an error appears on an approved proof, it is considered approved as shown.
When Does The Turnaround Clock Start?
The production clock starts after final proof approval, not at the moment the order is first placed.
What Should I Do If I Am Not Sure About Something On The Proof?
Do not guess. Ask before approving. You can contact us at hello@printiverse.com and we will help clarify what you are seeing.
