SOFT PROOFING -- Is Printing Going Soft?

FirstPROOF Plus is Hamillroad Software's solution for post-RIP soft proofing in workflows based on Harlequin RIPs and TIFF files. Running on Mac or PC platforms, the latest upgrade adds an Inverse Dot Gain tool said to emulate the dot gain of an output device. (www.hamillroad.com)

A final option is adding soft proofing capabilities to proofing software designed to drive hard copy devices, particularly ink-jet printers. CGS Publishing Technologies (www.cgsusa.com) is now offering ORIS Soft Proof as a one-time chargeable option for its existing proofing application, enabling users to create and view a color-correct PDF file via a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat. Serendipity Software (www.serendipity-software.com.au) similarly included high-resolution soft proofing as one of the upgrades to Version 3.0 of its Blackmagic product.