Digital color proofing comes in four flavors: press proofs, halftone proofs (once known as off-press proofs), contone (dotless) proofs (predominantly inkjet but also toner-based) and virtual proofing, viewed on the monitor. Although each type is ideally suited for different stages in the production cycle, the lines have been blurred by improvements in imaging mechanisms, substrates, ink and color management.

What halftone proofs still do best is to render a greater range of printing conditions and characteristics. DuPont, Fuji, Kodak and Latran manufacture dot-based solutions that handle spot colors, metallics, overprints, multiple substrates and even extended color-gamut printing solutions such as Hexachrome, Opaltone and others.

Contone proofs are less expensive and faster to produce. Also, when part of a comprehensive, closed-loop solution, they can often simulate a broader range of printing conditions because they have a wider color gamut and rely on consumers' acknowledgment that they are rendering a simulation.

Most contone devices can simulate dot patterns and some can demonstrate moiré or other potential printing artifacts. Furthermore, according to the International Prepress Assoc., solutions from companies like GMG and AbsoluteProof have demonstrated the ability to match more than 90 percent of the Pantone library to a DeltaE of 3 or less, which is commonly considered a matched color by the industry.

A closed-loop system combining the imaging device with a RIP, color management, ink and substrate, and a measurement device can use an inkjet system's broad range to reliably and repeatably simulate everything from spot colors to traps and board color. This can be a huge advantage in demonstrating to designers and product managers what different board options will look like, for a fraction of the cost and time of conventional mock-ups.

Virtual Proofing takes advantage of color-matched displays to present computer-generated images that can be viewed and reviewed, discussed and annotated with all the speed and power of the internet. Clearly, the advantage here is time and accessibility. The compromise is that not everyone participating may see the same color characteristics. The variability between monitors, if not managed, can have a considerable impact on decisions being made. Numeric values, as well as the display of individual separations and builds, can be used to verify color accuracy.

The degree to which any of these options match their target is more a matter of an entire system than the individual imaging mechanism itself. Selecting the right proof, or proofs, means investing in a closed-loop system.

Determining the system that's right for you involves four steps:

1. Define your needs. This goes for both your needs and those of your clients. What do you need to communicate and with whom? Is it more critical that all contributors see exactly the same color? Or are your lines of responsibility clear enough that everyone is focused on their specific link in the chain?
2. Consider the pieces. Essential components to an integrated solution include the imager, paper, ink, a color-measurement device, color-management software and the RIP. If you already have an output device, you should consider working with a vendor who supplies color management solutions (such as X-Rite and GretagMacbeth) as well as integration and profiling services to link the pieces.
3. Ask questions. Organizations like the FTA, TLMI and IPA, as well as packaging institutions such as Clemson, CalPoly, RIT and Fox Valley, offer information and tools for evaluating your needs and matching them to appropriate systems.
4. Make choices. When a single type of proof won't due, consider working with a proofing vendor that offers halftone, contone and virtual proofing solutions. These companies give you the advantage of a common front-end and supporting tools. They have already done the work to provide a match between their devices.

"Dot's all folks!" Jobs, workflows and expectations are more complex today than ever before. Until we live in a world where all packaging is created On Demand and every proof is a press proof, off-press proofing in general, and contract proofs in particular, will be necessary. In the meantime, when considering the debate of dots versus no dots, it's important to remember that it's all about the result.

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