Choose How You'd Like to Proof Your Print Order
A print proof is a preview of your project that you review before we print the full run — catching typos, layout shifts, color surprises, and trim issues while changes are still quick and inexpensive. Printkeg offers three proofing methods: a digital PDF proof, a video proof of a finished sample, and a physical proof shipped to your door.
Most of our products let you add a proofing option directly from the product page. Booklets are the exception — that's what this product is for. If you're ordering booklets, we strongly recommend adding a video proof. For everything else, the PDF proof is the most popular choice.
PDF Proof — Best for Proofreading and Layout Review
Great for proofreading. Before we print, we'll email you a digital proof in PDF format, generally within 8 business hours. A PDF proof typically adds about one day to your turnaround time.
Use a PDF proof to:
- Spot typos, missing text, or swapped images
- Confirm bleed, trim, and safe zones look correct
- Verify page order and pagination on multi-page projects
- Get sign-off from a client, designer, or team before production
Keep in mind that a PDF proof is viewed on a screen, so it won't perfectly represent how ink will look on paper. For color-critical work or tactile finishes, pair it with a video or physical proof.
Video Proof — Best for Booklets and Color Confidence
Time-efficient and an accurate representation of the finished booklet. A video proof is a short .MOV clip we record of one printed sample, then email you before production runs. Because you're seeing real paper, ink, and binding by video, it's a far more honest preview than a PDF can offer.
We highly recommend a video proof for:
- Booklet orders — saddle-stitch alignment, paper feel implied by the way pages turn, and cover-to-interior color relationships are all visible on video
- Projects where color accuracy matters more than a screen can show
- Reorders where you want to confirm the look before scaling up the quantity
Video proofs are a great middle ground: faster than shipping a physical sample, more accurate than a PDF.
Physical Proof — Best for Tactile and Color-Critical Projects
Hold a tangible proof in your hand. A physical proof is a real, printed sample of your project, shipped for your in-hand review before we run the full quantity. It's the closest possible preview of the finished product, because it is the finished product — just one copy.
Shipping options for physical proofs:
- Standard physical proof: UPS Ground or USPS
- Next Day physical proof: UPS Next Day Air
A physical proof typically adds one to two days to your turnaround time. Booklet and newsletter physical proofs may take one to three business days to set up because we need to print and bind a real sample first. We work to ship physical proofs quickly, and shipping itself is three days or less.
Your estimated ship date will shift based on when we receive your approval to move forward.
Please note: physical proofs are non-refundable.
Which Proof Should I Choose?
| Proof Type | Best For | Format | Added Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDF Proof | Proofreading, layout, copy review | Digital PDF (email) | ~1 day |
| Video Proof | Booklets, color and finish preview | .MOV video (email or text) | Varies by project |
| Physical Proof | Tactile review, color-critical jobs | Printed sample (UPS or USPS) | 1–2 days + shipping |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a print proof?
A print proof is a preview of your project — digital, video, or physical — that you review and approve before we print the full order. It's your last chance to catch errors and confirm the result will match your expectations.
How long does a print proof take?
PDF proofs are typically emailed within 8 business hours and add about one day to turnaround. Physical proofs add one to two days, plus shipping (three days or less). Booklet and newsletter physical proofs may need one to three business days to set up before shipping.
Do I need a proof for every print order?
No. Reorders of files we've already printed and orders with simple, well-prepped artwork often don't need one. New designs, multi-page projects, color-critical work, and booklets are where proofs pay for themselves.
How do I add a proof to a booklet order?
Booklets don't include a proofing option on their own product page, which is exactly why this Proof Options product exists. Add it to your cart alongside your booklet order and select your proof type.
What's the difference between a PDF proof and a physical proof?
A PDF proof is a digital file you view on screen — fastest and best for catching text or layout errors. A physical proof is a real printed sample mailed to you — slower and non-refundable, but the most accurate way to evaluate paper, color, and finish before committing to the full run.
Are print proofs refundable?
PDF and video proofs are part of the order workflow. Physical proofs are non-refundable, because producing one requires actually printing and shipping a real copy.
What file format is the video proof?
A .MOV video file, sent by email or text. If your device has trouble playing .MOV, let us know and we'll re-encode it.