the ultimate guide to

Online Proofing Software

Online proofing software streamlines the creative review and approval process, allowing teams to collaborate in real-time on documents, images, videos, PDFs, or web content.

Instead of juggling endless email threads, spreadsheets, or printed proofs, teams can centralize feedback, track revisions, and accelerate approvals, all from one central online hub.

This guide is for creative and marketing teams agencies, publishers and anyone involved in producing and producing creative content.

Why online proofing software is essential

Centralize Feedback

Online proofing software provides a centralized location for all creative feedback, to ensure that designers, reviewers, managers or stakeholders all get access to the same information in real-time.

Version Management

Robust version control guarantees that all team members and reviewers are working, and commenting on, the most up-to-date content and proof.

Faster Sign-offs

Content is reviewed faster and with fewer hiccups or delays when the review and approval is streamlined with automations and notifications.

The proofing process helps teams manage creative projects efficiently

A typical online proofing workflow

1. Upload or receive files

The approval process begins when content is uploaded. By using online proofing software, they are able to share a wide range of file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and web content, all in one centralized workspace.

Files can be added directly from a computer or synced from connected tools, ensuring assets are immediately ready for review.

Sharing files this way eliminates the need for email attachments and reduces the risk of teams working on outdated files.

2. Share proofs with collaborators

Once files are uploaded, proofs can be shared with internal teams, clients, or external stakeholders, or a mix of all dependant on the workflow, using secure links.

Access levels can be customized so reviewers only see what’s relevant to them, helping maintain control and confidentiality.

This guarantees that the right people are always involved at the right stage of the review process.

3. Assign roles & comments

Reviewers can be assigned specific roles, such as commenter or approver, to keep feedback structured and actionable.

Comments and annotations are added directly on the file, providing clear context for requested changes.

This removes all ambiguity and vague feedback, and prevents conflicting or duplicate comments.

4. Review & annotate

During the review stage, all feedback is consolidated in a single location and visible to every stakeholder involved.

Annotations, threaded comments, and mentions make it easy to discuss changes without switching tools.

This transparency helps teams resolve issues faster and keeps everyone aligned.

5. Update versions

As revisions are made, updated versions can be uploaded directly to the same proof, maintaining a clear version history.

Teams can compare versions to see exactly what has changed and ensure feedback has been addressed correctly.

This avoids version confusion and keeps projects moving forward efficiently.

6. Final approval

Once all comments are resolved, designated approvers can formally sign-off assets within the platform.

Approval is clearly recorded, creating a reliable audit trail for compliance and accountability. This ensures work is fully approved before it moves into production or publication.

Upload or receive files

The approval process begins when content is uploaded. By using online proofing software, they are able to share a wide range of file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and web content, all in one centralized workspace.

Files can be added directly from a computer or synced from connected tools, ensuring assets are immediately ready for review.

Sharing files this way eliminates the need for email attachments and reduces the risk of teams working on outdated files.

Share proofs with collaborators

Once files are uploaded, proofs can be shared with internal teams, clients, or external stakeholders, or a mix of all dependant on the workflow, using secure links.

Access levels can be customized so reviewers only see what’s relevant to them, helping maintain control and confidentiality.

This guarantees that the right people are always involved at the right stage of the review process.

Assign roles & comments

Reviewers can be assigned specific roles, such as commenter or approver, to keep feedback structured and actionable.

Comments and annotations are added directly on the file, providing clear context for requested changes.

This removes all ambiguity and vague feedback, and prevents conflicting or duplicate comments.

Review & annotate

During the review stage, all feedback is consolidated in a single location and visible to every stakeholder involved.

Annotations, threaded comments, and mentions make it easy to discuss changes without switching tools.

This transparency helps teams resolve issues faster and keeps everyone aligned.

Update versions

As revisions are made, updated versions can be uploaded directly to the same proof, maintaining a clear version history.

Teams can compare versions to see exactly what has changed and ensure feedback has been addressed correctly.

This avoids version confusion and keeps projects moving forward efficiently.

Final approval

Once all comments are resolved, designated approvers can formally sign-off assets within the platform.

Approval is clearly recorded, creating a reliable audit trail for compliance and accountability. This ensures work is fully approved before it moves into production or publication.

Core features of online proofing tools

Centralized Feedback & Annotation
Reviewers can leave comments and annotations directly on creative files, keeping all feedback clear, contextual, and in one place.

Real-Time Collaboration
Multiple stakeholders can review and comment on proofs simultaneously, reducing delays and speeding up decision-making.

Role-Based Permissions & Access Control
Assign specific roles to reviewers and approvers to manage visibility, protect confidential content, and prevent unauthorized changes.

Multi-Format Proofing Support
Proof a wide range of file types, including images, PDFs, videos, and web content, within a single proofing environment.

Version Control & Revision History
Every update is tracked automatically, ensuring teams always review the latest version while maintaining a full audit trail of changes.

Automated Workflows & Approval Routing
Custom workflows move proofs through structured review stages, ensuring the right people approve content at the right time.

Approval Tracking & Audit Trails
Formal approvals are logged within the platform, creating a clear record of decisions for accountability and compliance.

Integration with Workflow Tools
Connect proofing directly with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, monday.com, and Asana to eliminate manual handoffs and streamline workflows.

Teams that benefit from online proofing software

Use cases by creative team type

Marketing Teams

Online proofing helps marketing teams to quickly gather centralized feedback and track approvals across high-volume campaigns, enabling faster time-to-market for digital and print assets.

Proofing for Marketing Teams

In-House Creatives

Maintain brand consistency and control by managing all creative reviews within one platform, directly integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud environment.

In-House Creative Approvals

Print & Packaging Design

Ensure flawless accuracy on regulatory text, disclaimers, and technical specifications, minimizing the risk of costly printing errors and compliance issues.

Reviewing Print & Packaging Content

Smarter text amends directly in Adobe Creative Cloud

With Adobe Creative Cloud extensions, reviewers can suggest text changes directly in proofs, and those amends flow automatically into InDesign or Illustrator.

Clarity and control over every version

Stay confident you’re reviewing the latest creative files. With built-in version tracking, visual comparisons, and detailed activity logs, you can instantly identify what was updated, who made the change, and when it happened.

FAQs

What is online proofing?

Online proofing software is a cloud-based tool that allows teams to review, annotate, and approve creative assets in one centralized platform. It replaces manual proofing methods such as email feedback, PDFs, and printed proofs by enabling real-time collaboration. This helps teams reduce errors, speed up approvals, and maintain version control.

Who uses online proofing software?

Online proofing software is used by creative agencies, marketing teams, in-house design departments, publishers, and print and packaging teams. Any organization that needs structured feedback and formal approvals for creative work can benefit. It is especially valuable for teams working with multiple stakeholders or tight deadlines.

What types of files can be reviewed using online proofing software?

Most online proofing tools support a wide range of file formats, including images, PDFs, videos, HTML, and web pages. Some platforms also offer specialized proofing features for print, packaging, and web content. This flexibility allows teams to manage all creative reviews within a single system.

How does online proofing improve collaboration and reduce revisions?

By centralizing feedback directly on the asset, online proofing software ensures comments are clear, contextual, and visible to everyone involved. Version tracking prevents reviewers from commenting on outdated files, while threaded discussions reduce conflicting feedback. This leads to fewer revision cycles and faster project completion.

Is online proofing software secure for client and confidential work?

Reputable online proofing platforms include security features such as access controls, permission settings, and secure sharing links. Many also provide audit trails that record who reviewed and approved each version. These safeguards make online proofing suitable for confidential, regulated, or client-sensitive projects.

Key benefits of online proofing software

Efficient online proofing
Collaborate internally and externally

Complete projects on time
Collect comments in one place, not email threads

Transform creative collaboration
View activity, workload, and version history

Seamless integrations
Proof from InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator or Premiere Pro

More organised and in control
Add stakeholders with flexible permissions

Never miss a deadline again
Multi-stage reviews with triggers and routing

Choosing the right online proofing tool

Making the right choice

Selecting the right platform depends on your team’s needs:
Team size
– Small vs. enterprise-level teams.
File types – Images, videos, PDFs, or web assets.
Integration needs – Adobe CC, PM tools, or other workflow systems.
Workflow complexity – Simple approvals vs. multi-stage processes.
Budget – Free, mid-range, or enterprise-level solutions.
Discover the best solutions: The Best Online Proofing Software Solutions

Conclusion

Online proofing software is no longer optional—it's a necessity for teams that want to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and accelerate creative approvals. By centralizing feedback, automating workflows, and providing real-time collaboration, it allows teams to focus on what they do best: creating amazing content.

Start exploring your options today and take your creative workflow to the next level with online proofing.
Smarter Proofing. Faster Approvals. GoProof.
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