Digital Color Proofing -- Proof or Consequences

Depending on how far one takes it, trying to match a proofer to a specific press can raise its own concerns. Such tightly integrated production processes may only be practical if the printer is the sole supplier for its customers. This approach, in effect, creates a proprietary printing process.

Matching analog proofing systems can be an alternative target for digital proofing systems. Despite CTP's rapid growth, the majority of commercial printing still is produced in film-based workflows. Therefore, analog proofers have retained their standing as de facto standards, and digital proofer users typically still also have analog capabilities. Several manufacturers have taken the step of using the same colorants in their digital and analog products to maximize this match.