Guide / Artwork & design / Chapter 5.4
Proofs and artwork approval.
The proof is your last chance to catch a mistake before it's printed on every box. Here's what a digital proof shows, what to check, and how to approve it with confidence.
The short answer
A digital proof is a picture of your artwork placed on your box's dieline, showing the layout: where and how it will print. It checks layout and specification, not final physical colour or board performance. Our team emails a digital proof, typically within 1 business day of receiving your artwork. Check every word, the placement, the colours you've specified and the orientation of each panel. Once you approve the proof, your order goes into production, and the lead time starts.
What a digital proof shows
The proof shows your artwork on the flat dieline of your box, at the correct size, with the cut and fold lines marked. It's how you confirm the layout and details match what you expect.
- Placement: where your logo and text sit on each panel.
- Orientation: which way each panel faces when the box is closed.
- Size: how large your logo and text will be on the real box.
- Colours and print method: the colours and method we'll use for your order.
A screen can't show exactly how colour will look on board. Kraft board, for example, makes colours look warmer and darker than on a white screen. If colour is critical, ask about colour swatches or a printed reference before you approve.
Proof checklist
Check each line before you approve.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Spelling | Every word, including your website, email, phone number and social handles |
| Logo | The right version, sharp, the right way up |
| Placement | Logos and text where you want them, inside the safe zone or printable area for your print method |
| Orientation | Lid and front panels read correctly when the box is closed |
| Box | The right box style, size and board colour |
| Quantity and print | The quantity and print colours you ordered |
After you approve
Approval is the point of no return. Once you approve, your order is scheduled and printed as shown. Lead times are counted from artwork approval: digital printing takes 5–10 business days (7–10 for made-to-order boxes), and screen, flexo and offset printing take 10–15 business days. Lead times are longer in peak periods, so check our current lead times.
If you need a change after approving, contact us straight away. The sooner we know, the more likely a change is possible.
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
Print the proof or view it at full size, and ask someone else to read it too. A fresh pair of eyes catches what you've stopped seeing.
Read phone numbers and web addresses out loud, one character at a time.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
Keep every approved proof with the order, so reorders print exactly the same. If you're changing artwork, ask for a new proof rather than editing an old one.
Try this: ask whether a printed sample is available for your product before a large run. Custom printed samples are available on request for some products.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Set an approval process: who checks, who signs off and where approved proofs are stored. Match each proof to a version in your packaging specification.
Never approve a proof that doesn't match the specification. Ask for a corrected proof.
Common mistakes
- 1Approving in a hurry. A typo on a proof becomes a typo on every box. Take the time to check.
- 2Only checking the logo. Small text such as web addresses and social handles is where mistakes hide.
- 3Expecting screen colour on kraft. Colours print warmer and darker on kraft board than on screen. Ask if colour is critical.
- 4Changing artwork after approval. Late changes can delay your order. Get the proof right first.
Proof questions
What is a digital proof?
How long does a proof take?
When does my lead time start?
Will the colours look the same as on my screen?
Can I see a sample before a large order?
Keep reading
Printed packaging
Ready for your proof?
Send us your artwork and the box you'd like to print. Our team emails a digital proof, typically within 1 business day.