Downloadable Proof

The Downloadable Proof is the closest representation of how your files will appear in print. Downloading this proof will highlight issues that may not be apparent in the Virtual Preview or Artwork Thumbnails. It’s available when you’ve uploaded all your print files (i.e., every thumbnail in your Artwork tab contains a print file), indicated by the document symbol next to the Preview button.

Viewing your artwork with a professional PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat will help ensure optimum print results. PDF files aren’t editable but demonstrate how colours and text could look in print. On-screen colours can vary between devices and depend on your settings, so contact us if you see differences.

You can download the proof by:

• Clicking the Proof button > Wait for the checkmark to appear > Click again to open the Proof > Click the Download button (arrow pointing down above a straight line). 

Or...

• Right-clicking the Proof button and use the ‘Save As’ option to save your PDF file > Open and check your file on your device with the Overprint Preview instructions (see ‘How To View Proofs with Overprint Preview’ section below).

Artwork Thumbnails

Artwork Thumbnails are small, low-res depictions of your files and how they could look in print. 

The Thumbnails will show:

• Trim boxes: the green lines show where we’ll aim to trim your prints.
• Bleed box guidelines: the blue guides ensure your artwork extends past the trim lines to minimise unprinted lines from appearing once cut to size. Please supply your artwork files with bleed before upload.
• Gutter boxes: the pink/purple shaded spaces indicate what may be lost or partially obscured by the binding.

Thumbnails appear in your Artwork tab and help you check page sequence, layout, and orientation. One thumbnail is equivalent to one page on Bound items like Books, and one thumbnail corresponds to one side on Flat items like Posters. 

Removing the guidelines will also ensure your files have sufficient bleed. Click ‘Show guidelines and legend’ in your Artwork tab, and the box will reappear when you click it again. Warning and error messages may appear throughout file-checking, but you can resupply your files with bleed or contact our team for advice. If you approve files without resolving the issues flagged, we cannot amend them during production.

• Manual Check: Review all issues our system flags and manually check every page. Our system will highlight most technical printing issues, but we combine our technology with experienced print experts who will quality-check your work before and after print.
• Images: We will warn you if your artwork is under 100dpi. Missing this step can delay your print work going into production, so please double-check your files before proceeding.
• Bleed: Ensure your artwork extends beyond trim lines. Position important content outside quiet areas and gutter margins on Bound items except for Staple-Bound items.
• Text: You must embed every font on your original file and reupload. Also, keep an eye out for missing text and odd text characters. And always proofread and spell-check your print files. 

Friendly reminder: Please ensure your content is legal, copyright-free and doesn’t breach our Terms of Use.

If you, or a Mixam print expert, make any changes to your artwork files or print specifications, be sure to review the Thumbnails, Preview and Downloadable Proof again. You can edit your files as much as you like - so give yourself plenty of time to make changes until you are satisfied with the outcome.

You are responsible for preparing every element of your print files. We work from the understanding that when you confirm your order, you’ve checked your files, and you are happy for us to print them as they are. But our print experts can always help you resolve issues before sending your work to print. To avoid common print issues, follow our print checklist.