Soft proof and separations

A soft proof estimates how a print file will look under the chosen output profile. It helps catch surprises, but the screen still cannot reproduce paper, ink, and lighting exactly. Choose the printer's output profile before judging colors.

In the print export controls, expand Proof preview. Composite shows the combined result. Turn on the Ink coverage overlay to see dense areas and read the maximum total ink value against the profile limit. If the value exceeds the limit, inspect those objects and the print checks before exporting.

Switch to Separations to see the process CMYK plates and any named spot plates. Turn plates on or off to isolate an ink. This is the quickest way to confirm that a die line or finishing ink remains a separate plate instead of becoming ordinary CMYK artwork. Check its exact name with your printer; the preview color is only an on-screen stand-in.

The proof is based on the current print options and selected canvas. If you change the output profile, effects, or spot inks, review it again. Read spot colors and separations for plate setup and print-ready PDF for the final export.