DIGITAL PROOFING -- Taking Measure of a Proof

Soft proofer certification then is based on an examination of the same numbers considered for any other proof, he continues. The key (for vendors) is to achieve an acceptable visual rendition and have the objective data agree, according to Leyda.

Another mechanism for evaluating proofers is on the horizon. Following the lead of SWOP, the organization behind GRACoL (General Requirements for Application in Commercial Offset Lithography) plans to develop a proofing certification program based on that standard, reports David Hultin, director of print initiatives at IDEAlliance in Alexandria, VA. "We are awaiting the official release from CGATS of TR004," Hultin says.