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Frequently Asked Questions

How do your SWOP proofs compare to the proofs I might receive from my print vendor?

Most commercial printers offer digital SWOP proofs with their prepress workflow. If the SWOP proofs they offer are coming from an Epson or an HP then they will most likely be similar to the Epson / GMG SWOP proofs that we provide. Although typically more costly when coming from a print vendor, many print vendors use the exact same proofing system as us. Also, make sure you check with your print vendor on the cost of their SWOP proofs and also ask if they provide halftone proofs. If they do not offer halftone proofs, then you won’t be able to check for moire patterns in your files.

How does having a “Halftone SWOP” proof benefit me?

First, having a SWOP proof means that color conforms to an approved standard which commercial printers can accurately reproduce. In other words, without a SWOP proof, you would have no idea what the color would actually look like once your piece is printed. Second, having a Halftone SWOP proof offers even greater color accuracy as it displays the actual dot pattern your final printed piece will have. It also allows you to accurately find moire patterns.

Why should I proof with ExpressProof instead of my print vendor?

Better, faster, cheaper! Those reasons alone have brought many publishers, ad agencies and designers to ExpressProof for their proofing solutions. In fact, many commercial printers use the exact same proofing system as us.

Can ExpressProof bill me instead of using online checkout?

No, not at this time. In order to offer you the best price possible on digital halftone SWOP proofs, we have created an automated workflow which currently only allows for point-of-sale credit card payment to complete your order.

Why are your Halftone SWOP proofs so much cheaper?

By separating the proofing stage from the prepress workflow, cost can be greatly reduced without sacrificing quality. Most commercial printers use larger prepress workflow software which control everything from file input and impositioning to platemaking and even press control. These solutions, however necessary for the commercial printer, only add to the cost of using their complete system. In fact, many commercial printers use the exact same proofing solution attached to their existing prepress workflow.

What are the paper options offered by ExpressProof?

ExpressProof offers “Publication Grade” and “Commercial Grade” paper color options. Publication Grade offers a better representation of grade 4 or 5 paper stocks (this is the most common option). Commercial Grade offers a better representation of grade 3 paper stocks.

What kind of printers, papers, and inks do you use for proofing?

We use the GMG ColorProof and and GMG DotProof system along with Epson 7900s. We only use genuine Epson proofing paper and Epson inks.

Do you print Iris / Kodak / Fiji / Matchprint Approvals?

Iris, Rainbow, Kodak digital and Matchprint are all various SWOP proofing systems. Some people refer to all SWOP proofs as Kodak approvals (Kind of like saying Q-Tip to refer to any type of cotton swab). Our system produces the same dot pattern as a Kodak approval except we use the GMG ColorProof and GMG DotProof system along with high quality Epson printers, inks and paper. If your vendor is looking for Approvals, then our GMG SWOP proofs along with the optional verification will be an ideal substitute at a significant cost savings to you.

Do you print Hexachrome?

Sorry, not at this time. Our SWOP proofing system targets four color offset printers.