Can you add Color Bars to my proof?

Yes. If you select the Verification option color bars will be automatically added to your proof. The Verification option adds the industry standard IDEAlliance color bars, as well as a report generated about your proofs color accuracy.

What PDF formats can you process?

We accept most PDFs (as long as our RIP can detect them) but we do have some recommended settings. We highly recommend PDFX-1a standard PDFs because of their almost universal compatibility and PDFX-4 if you are using transperancy effects with spot colors.

How much will it cost to ship proofs to my location?

Shipping costs depend on your location, order size, and shipping method. You will receive an exact price during the order process, before you finalize your order.

What shipping options are available through ExpressProof?

First Overnight- Delivery the next business day by 8, 8:30, 9 or 10AM

Priority Overnight- Delivery the next business day by 10:30AM to most areas

Standard Overnight- Delivery the next business day by 3PM to most areas

Express 2-Day-Delivery in 2 business days by 4:30PM to most areas (by 7PM to residences)

Express Saver-Delivery in 3 business days by 4:30PM to most areas (by 7PM to residences)

Ground-Delivery in 1–5 business days (3–7 business days to and from Alaska and Hawaii) based on distance to your destination

Where do you ship from?

Expressproof.com is located in and ships from Roswell, Georgia.

How quickly can I expect my proofs back?

Orders received before 4PM eastern standard time typically ship within 48 hours after receiving PDF files. Rush orders received before 4PM eastern standard time are processed and shipped the following business day. Saturday shipping is also available. Many of our users have found orders to ship quicker, even same day, for orders uploaded early in the morning.

Can I use my own FedEx account number?

Currently, we have no way to verify the owner of Fedex accounts and therefore can only ship from our Fedex account. Keep in mind, that since we ship hundreds of packages each month, our bulk rate is highly discounted over standard FedEx rates.

Can I ship orders to more than one location? Can I ship one set of proofs to me and one set to my client or printer?

We are working to allow two locations within one order but at this time the easiest way is to place separate orders with different shipping addresses. There is no additional cost for separate orders and this allows for a unique Fedex tracking numbers with each order.

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.

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.

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.