Blueline and Laser Proof Guide

A blueline or laser proof is as close to an exact replica of
your print or copy project as can be provided before actual production.
Proofs are made from the same negative or file used to produce your job.
It is important that you check your proofs carefully to ensure that
the job is completed as you planned. 
Laser proofs are more economical than bluelines and the most
commonly used proof method. Laser proofs is simply a computer
print out of the file that will be used to produce your job. 
Bluelines are blue in color because the light-sensitive paper
used in this process contains chemicals that reproduce only in blue.
If your job prints in more than one color, each ink color will
be represented on the blueline by a different shade of blue.
The printer should mark the different ink colors ("color breaks")
for you on the blueline so that there won't be any confusion about
the assignment of colors.
Marking Your Proofs  
Use a permanent marker or pen to indicate changes to your proof in
a color that has not already been used by the printer.
Do not use "sticky notes" that can fall off when making changes or
notations on the proof. Mark directly on the proof (preferably outside
the image area) or on notes taped securely in areas that do not
obscure copy. Do not write specific changes on the proof approval
sheet since it may become separated from the proofs.
Rather, write changes on the proof itself. Provide hardcopy of
all replacement pages (along with appropriate electronic media).
Indicate pages or blocks of type being replaced by "X-ing" out
the copy on the proof itself with a note to insert new copy provided. 
The following checklist will help you in effectively review your
laser of blueline proof: 

Size 
Are the flat and folded sizes of your piece correct? 
Folding 
Is the proof folded correctly? 
Does all copy read correctly as folded? 
Are all scores, perforations and diecuts indicated? 
Binding 
If saddle stitched, are the stitches (staple) in the correct position?
Are cards or envelopes that will be bound into the publication
included in the proof? If not, are their positions indicated? 
Are binding holes (either drilled or indicated) the correct size
and position? 
Are perforation marks indicated correctly? 
Design 
Do all design elements work as planned (rule length,
thickness, type placement, etc.?) 
Copy
Are there any typos or grammatical errors? 
Are there any missing characters or broken type? 
Are company name, address, phone and fax numbers,
annual report year, or other easily missed items correct? 
Pages 
Are the pages, including blanks, in the correct order? 
Is all the copy in the proper position on the page or panel? 
Is the correct page number in the correct position on each page? 
Are all margins straight and consistent? 
Dust Spots/Crop Marks
Are there any dust spots, crop marks, registration marks,
editor's marks, or dirt marks showing? 
Photos/Illustrations/Strip-Ins 
Have all photos, illustrations, or other strip-ins been shot
at the proper size and placed in the correct position? 
Has all FPO (For Position Only) art been replaced? 
Are there any upside-down or flopped images? 
Does each image have the proper caption? 
Has all background been removed from silhouettes? 
Are the edges of silhouettes smooth? 
If outline rules are being used, do photographs fully touch them? 
Do any photos or illustrations require any additional kind of
proof to show image quality? 
Solids/Screens/Bleeds/Reverses 
Are there any dust spots, holes, or uneven light/dark areas in
solids or screens? 
Are all screens in place? 
Do all bleeds extend to the edge? 
Have all reverses been made? 
Color Breaks and Registration 
Are the correct colors of ink indicated properly?
Do areas of different ink colors align ("register") properly? 
Note: Bluelines cannot adequately display color traps. Other types
of proofs must be used to determine proper color trapping. 
Finishing (Foil Stamping/Embossing/Diecutting)
Are all special finishing images properly indicated? 
Is this positioning correct? 
Is any image that is not supposed to print marked
FPO (For Position Only - Does Not Print)? 
Paper/Ink Color/Quantity 
Does the approval slip correctly specify paper, ink, and quantity?
If not, these should be written in.