What to Do With Your Artwork Proof

Will I see a proof before you print my stickers?

Always! We want to make sure your sticker turns out as awesome as you expect it to. We will have the folks in our art team layout your stickers, and your customer service person will send it to you in your email. Our art team is fast, so expect a proof very quickly.

What kind of proof is it?

We asked our resident sticker experts and their definition was: "A digital proof is the simulation of the print result on a monitor." We send our proofs in the form of a .pdf file that can be viewed on any computer and most mobile devices.

What should I do with the proof?

A proof is your chance to review what we are going to print, take a look at the proof and review the details. Here is a short checklist we came up with that will help you read your sticker proof:

1. Did you do a spelling check?
2. Phone number and website correct or included?
3. Is the layout correct?
4. Is the size exactly what I want?
5. Are the colors basically correct? (read more about color matching below)

What will be on a .pdf proof?

We want the process to be easy, so we keep our proofs simple. We will put your sticker artwork on a .pdf document, make a notation of the size, and indicate the cutline with a red line, thats it!

See an example of a .pdf Artwork Proof. [download an example proof PDF file]

What is a .pdf file?

Tons of people ask us this, and we'd love to explain. A .pdf file is a file format that stands for portable document format. There are lots of neat things about .pdf files but to keep it simple, it means it's an easy type of file to send you that can be easily viewed on a wide range of devices, yet still represent what will be printed. Wikipedia has all the details. You can download a copy of a free Adobe .pdf reader here.

What about color, how accurate is a .pdf proof?

These digital proofs are not accurate for color. I know wrong answer, but every printer is faced with this reality. Real-life is never like it is on TV, or on a computer monitor, real-life color is different and renders to your eyeball and brain differently. The problem lies in the technology, (isn't this always the problem?) TVs and computer monitors are RGB color and our stickers are CMYK color, as with all printed materials.

What if I need color matching?

No Problem. We can send you an actual press proof printed on our actual printing presses. We want you to be super happy with your project, so taking the time to do this is our pleasure. There may be an extra charge for a physical proof to be sent to you, and of course the sending of the proof takes time, but we'll make it as fast as possible!

Do you match Pantone or PMS Colors?

For all our sticker and label products, we will do our best for your colors to align with what you’ve sent us. These products are printed in full color process and we will convert Pantone colors to CMYK, as well as RGB colors to CMYK for printing. You can let us know the specific CMYK build in your order notes. As always, we offer a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee - we want you to be exceptionally happy with your stickers or labels!

Checkout our page on spot colors vs full color printing to learn more about these types of printing processes for your custom stickers and labels.

What Happens After I Approve My Proof?

Once your proof is approved the turnaround clock for your order will start, and your order will be sent to our press team to be printed. After this time, any changes you need to make to your artwork, order, or shipping options will reset the turnaround clock and may cause delays in your delivery time. 

Do you have a different proofing process question?

Ask us anything, we are here to make the stickers you are dreaming of and get them to you quickly. Or call, we love talking on the phone, just give us a buzz at 866-774-7900 from 7am to  5pm, Mountain Time.