• Print proof request: The print proof request typically consists of product attributes which include for which product, brand and variant, the vendor proof is being requested.
• Artwork source files and specifications: Its essential that comprehensive inputs are provided to the print vendor for creating the print proof. Here is a list of inputs that might be required:

• Approved artwork – The approved artwork in both Adobe Illustrator and PDF format will be required. All associated files for the artwork like the embedded images and their corresponding PSD files and font files if any for special fonts used in the artwork.
• Dieline - The exact dieline file for the packaging, which includes the cut lines, folds, perforations, and glue areas.
• Print specification - Detailed print specifications including the type of printing process (e.g., offset, digital, flexography), information on ink colors (Pantone or CMYK values), varnishes, or special coatings and requirements for print finishing techniques like embossing, foil stamping, or UV coating.
• Packaging specification - Detailed information on the type and grade of material to be used (e.g., paperboard, plastic, foil) including specifications for material thickness, texture, and any special treatments (like waterproofing or grease resistance).

• Prepress Activities: With the inputs provided, the printer will use pre-press related software to do the following tasks

• Preflight checks: Ensure all files are correctly formatted and ready for printing. Check for correct file types, resolution, dimensions, and inclusion of necessary fonts and graphics.
• Bleeds and Trapping: Verify that the artwork includes proper bleed, which is extra space around the design to account for movement of the paper during printing. Check trapping, which is the technique used to adjust the printing of two adjacent colors to prevent gaps or overlaps.
• Color separation: Separate the artwork into individual color components, typically CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key/Black) for printing. Ensure each color plate is correctly aligned and set up for the printing process.
• Creating drawdowns:  Produce color swatches or drawdowns on the actual material to be used for printing. Verify that the colors match the Pantone or specified color standards.

Once the pre-press activities are complete, the printer uploads the Digital Print Proof for approval.

• Print proof approval: The uploaded print proof file is routed within ManageArtworks to multiple stakeholders for approval. Users can use the proof comparison tool which compares the approved artwork with the printer’s digital proof file to show any deviations in text, layout and color. The Proof Approval process is a collaborative process within ManageArtworks and users can annotate on the artwork and use a checklist to check the different aspects of the proof.
• Press check: Typically done for new product packaging or packaging redesigns, an optional press check at the printing facility is done for a final review of the printed proof. A physical print proof, which is an actual sample of the printed material is taken and checked for color accuracy, clarity of images, and text readability. Real-time adjustments to ink levels, colors, registration, and other print quality aspects are done before a final ‘go’ decision is made for mass production.