Offset Printing Sample
An offset printing sample, also known as a physical printing sample or machine proof, is produced using an offset litho press on the same paper stock as the final print run. This method provides the most accurate representation of how the final printed product will look, making it an invaluable tool for ensuring quality, particularly in high-value or long-run projects.
Why Choose an Offset Printing Sample?
The primary advantage of an offset printing sample is that it allows you to verify the exact colors and paper quality of your project. This is especially important when using unusual paper stocks, as the color may vary significantly on uncoated or tinted paper. If your project involves special Pantone colors, an offset sample ensures you see precisely how they will appear.
For high-value or long-run printing jobs, performing as many checks as possible is essential to ensure accurate reproduction and prevent costly errors.
How Offset Printing Samples Compare to Other Proofing Methods
At Ally Sourcing, we offer several proofing methods to meet your specific needs:
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PDF Proofs:
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Ideal for urgent or repeat jobs, such as regularly printed magazines with consistent colors and paper stocks.
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Suitable for checking page order, layout, and text but not for assessing color accuracy or image resolution.
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Hard Proofs and Digital Samples:
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Useful for reviewing text, graphics, and layout.
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Less accurate for assessing color on specific paper stocks, especially uncoated or specialty papers.
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Offset Printing Samples:
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The most accurate method for checking colors and paper quality.
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Requires the production of printing plates, making it more time-consuming and expensive.
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Recommended for high-value projects or when using unique materials.
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Offset Printing Samples at Ally Sourcing
We can produce A4-sized 8 or 16-page offset samples that demonstrate how colors and designs will appear on the exact paper stock chosen. Typically, only a sample selection of pages is proofed this way to save time and cost.
When you request an offset printing sample, we also provide:
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Hard Proofs: To review the full content, including text, color consistency, and resolution.
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Dummies: Physical mock-ups made from the same paper stock to demonstrate folding, binding, and overall feel.
Achieving Your Desired Results
By combining proofing methods, such as offset samples, hard proofs, and dummies, you can ensure your print project meets your expectations in every detail. This comprehensive approach provides confidence that the final product will look and feel exactly as envisioned. At Ally Sourcing, we’re dedicated to delivering the precision and quality you need for your print projects.

An offset printing sample is produced using the same printing plates, paper, and inks that will print the final job. This will be an exact proof of what the customer will receive, with total color accuracy. A digital printing sample is produced by an inkjet machine such as an HP Indigo. There will probably be some color variation from the final result. The digital sample will show the overall look of the job, page elements and can be checked for text accuracy and layout. It will be on a standard inkjet paper so it will not portray the final stock used. The digital sample is much cheaper to make any alterations to the printing files at this stage before proceeding to an offset printing sample. It is also much quicker to produce as the job can be printed directly from the original print PDFs.
Offset Printing Sample vs Hard Proof
Hard proof is normally produced for most offset printing jobs, even if an offset printing sample is produced as well. This proof is produced on a calibrated professional inkjet print machine such as an Epson, using GMG profiles. A hard proof will use the files that have been processed by the RIP and will be used to produce the printing plates. This ensures the integrity of the proof. Hard proofs show the page layout, with accurate reproduction of images and graphics. The system is color calibrated to international standards for a coated paper stock. It is very accurate for general CMYK work. It won't accurately reproduce special Pantone colors or show how the job may look on uncoated or tinted paper stocks. For this reason, an offset printing sample may be required.
Which Proofing Method Should I Choose
There are various options and the choice will depend on budget, expectations, time available and value of the job. The cheapest proof option is a PDF proof followed by a digital printing sample, hard proof, then an offset printing sample. A dummy is also often produced to show the folding and binding. If the job is of high value and needs to be produced to a high standard, then all of these proofing methods may be employed. This could be for an important book project, for example.
However, if the job is urgent, and the requirement for color accuracy and image reproduction is lower, a PDF may be sufficient. Cheap flyers are an example of this, where the text is important but the graphics and images are of less relevance. Repeat and regular jobs are also often produced just using PDF or hard proofs.