In this article, you'll find information on how to access and understand the PDF print proof for your project before you place your order. You can also review the troubleshooting steps if you are having trouble accessing your PDF proof.
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What is a PDF Print Proof?
The PDF proof is the most accurate proof in our system and represents how your project will print. This is essentially the file we will send to our production facility to be produced into a physical product (without the watermarks of course).
What you see in the PDF proof is essentially what will print, with a few exceptions (see below for foil and trim zone information). This is also a great way to get an idea of the print quality for lower-resolution images.
We recommend always checking your PDF proof before placing your order. Once an order is placed changes cannot be made.
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How to access the PDF Proof
The PDF proof for your project can be sent straight to your inbox from the editor.
You can email yourself a PDF preview of your project by clicking the three horizontal lines at the top center of the editor. This will open a menu on the right-hand side of the editor screen. Click "Email Print Proof", enter the email address, and click "Send". You will see the message: "Your proof is being generated and will be sent to the email address below. This may take a few minutes."
Please note: If you are using images with large file sizes it can take several minutes for the PDF to generate and send. Once you open the PDF link sent to the email address provided, it can also take a while to load depending on your internet speeds and how large your project is.
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Understanding the PDF Proof
PDF proofs are essentially what we sent to the production facility to print (without the watermarks).
You may receive multiple PDFs in one email, which will feature separate portions of your project. For example, the cover image and any foil text may be sent as two separate emails/proofs if your project is a photo book. Keep in mind that the proof won't show trim zones, so there still may be some variation in how the product prints (especially with hardcover/softcover books that have a center crease). This will be the most accurate representation of how your project will print!
If your project has foil added, the foil stamping will be shown in a separate PDF link. The foil stamping is done at a different stage in the printing process and requires a separate PDF proof. The cover and foil colors are not shown in the proofs, the cover color will be shown as white and the foil will be shown in a black font. Not to worry, the colors of the linen and foil will be produced as you've chosen in the editor.
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Trim Zone
Our PDF print proofs do not show trim zones, so there still may be some variation in how the product prints (especially with hardcover/softcover books that have a center crease). We recommend keeping important details away from the very edge or very center of the page design. Please account for about .125" trim zone on each side of your project design, along with the gutter of the pages if the project is not a Layflat album. Some information will be lost to the gutter or crease of the Hardcover/Softcover options during the binding process.
Layflat albums do have a center crease, and although ink will mostly stick to it, it's best to avoid having important details falling in the very center of the spreads as some of the white paper may show through when the album is opened/closed over time. This center crease will not be shown in the PDF proof, but will fall directly in the center of the project.
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Having trouble accessing your PDF proof?
If you are using images with large file sizes it can take several minutes for the PDF to generate and send. Once you open the PDF link sent to the email address provided, it can also take a while to load depending on your internet speeds and how large your project is.
If you are not seeing your PDF proof, please be sure to check your spam/promotions folders just in case. If you do not see the email within 1 hour, try to send it to a different email address.
If you are still not able to access your PDF proof, please contact us and we will do what we can to help.
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Can I get a PDF proof without a watermark?
At this time we are unable to provide print proofs without a watermark before the order is placed. If you would like one after your order is placed, please reach out to us at help@artifactuprising.com.
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When should I check my PDF proof?
We recommend reviewing the PDF proof for each project you order! The PDF proof is the most accurate representation of what will be printed. We recommend always checking your PDF proof before placing your order. Once an order is placed changes cannot be made.
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Can you check my project for me?
Because we are a small team, we cannot review every project before they print. Please review your project before you order. This means you can still make edits to the project after the review. Once you have placed your order, no changes can be made to the project.
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Can I make changes to the PDF proof of my project?
To make changes to the PDF proof, return to the editor and make changes to your project, then resend the PDF proof to your email. Once you have placed your order, no changes can be made to the project.