A proof is a quality control tool that is used as a means of communicating the overall concept of a project between the production staff and the customer. The type of proof and the quantity of proofs that are made may vary with each job. If the proofing process is completed accurately, any problems or errors can be caught before a job is printed.

There are a wide variety of proofing systems and different technologies to choose from. It is important to understand the different processes and the advantages and disadvantages of each. When choosing a proofing method, consider the following factors: cost, repeatability, accuracy, and the workflow used to produce the final image.