What is the difference between a soft proof and a hard proof?

What is the difference between a soft proof and a hard proof?

• A. A soft proof is a digital display preview; a hard proof is a printed sample used for verification.
• B. A soft proof is a printed sample; a hard proof is a digital display.
• C. Both are digital; no physical proof is used.
• D. A soft proof is used for color calibration; a hard proof is used for typography.

Answer: (A)

Soft proofs are digital previews of how the artwork will appear on a screen, while hard proofs are physical printed samples used to verify color, layout, and typography before the final production. The digital proof lets you review and adjust quickly and cheaply, and it’s handy for remote approvals, but colors can vary because monitors aren’t perfectly color-accurate unless they’re calibrated with ICC profiles. The printed proof, on the other hand, uses the actual printer, inks, and paper planned for the job, giving a reliable representation of how the final piece will look and feel, which is essential for final color judgment and client sign-off. This practical distinction—digital preview versus physical, inspectable sample—makes the statement in this choice the best description of the difference.

Soft proofs are digital previews of how the artwork will appear on a screen, while hard proofs are physical printed samples used to verify color, layout, and typography before the final production. The digital proof lets you review and adjust quickly and cheaply, and it’s handy for remote approvals, but colors can vary because monitors aren’t perfectly color-accurate unless they’re calibrated with ICC profiles. The printed proof, on the other hand, uses the actual printer, inks, and paper planned for the job, giving a reliable representation of how the final piece will look and feel, which is essential for final color judgment and client sign-off. This practical distinction—digital preview versus physical, inspectable sample—makes the statement in this choice the best description of the difference.