Trends in soft proofing utilized as contract proofs in commercial lithographic printing

The proofing market has changed dramatically in recent decades. The introduction of Soft Proofing Systems--with the ability to quickly produce proofs at each step in the color reproduction process for a lower cost than conventional proofs--has been cited as a factor in changing the economies of this market. According to a research project conducted by Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (PRIMIR, 2005) titled Dynamics and Trends in Color Proofing 2005-2010, only 1% of the final contract proofs made by respondents were color-managed monitor proofs. This percentage was expected to increase 8% by 2010. A pertinent question as to the future of proofing is the extent to which soft proofs have replaced other proofing technologies. The purpose of this quantitative research project is to determine the current adoption level of soft proofing systems for producing final contract proofs in general commercial color lithographic printing organizations, as well as the perception of both technical and job- related factors that influence judgments and decision of soft proofs as compare to hard proofs among printing companies in the US