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What is the difference between remote viewing and remote proofing?

Question:
What is the difference between remote viewing and remote proofing?

Answer:
Both remote viewing and remote proofing have very viable uses in the package development process, but need to be used with care.

The words viewing and proofing are the key words in understanding the use of each. Like the words imply, viewing is simply that---looking at the job. Remote viewing is a great tool for speeding up the collaboration process among the many groups involved a particular project. Remote viewing should include individuals in various disciplines who need input into a project such as design, purchasing, marketing, and legal, as well as the printer and trade shop. Communication between these groups can be greatly enhanced by the appropriate use of remote viewing processes.

Further up the collaboration scale is remote proofing. The key difference between viewing and proofing is that the approval of a proof is a "final go-ahead" rather than "I like the way this appears so far-- continue working." Remote proofing requires that all parties involved have a thorough knowledge of what they're looking at, and how each step of production is carried out. It can require color calibration of viewing monitors, proofing devices (color proofers rather than color printers), and light booths.

The use of special colors in package printing (as opposed to strictly CMYK) brings some potential advantages and disadvantages in considering the use of Remote viewing and remote proofing. Any company looking to improve the cycle time of projects may find that their implementation of these two technologies can bring them closer to their goals.



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