Koetinta

Koetinta is a term used in Finnish printing and publishing to describe a test print created during prepress to evaluate the design, layout, typography and color before the final print run. The purpose of a koetinta is to verify that the printed result matches the intended appearance and to identify errors such as misalignment, font substitutions, or color deviations. It serves as a quality-control tool for printers, designers and clients.

There are physical and digital forms. A physical koetinta is produced on the production press or a proofing device using the planned paper stock and inks and may be printed in color at a full or reduced size. A soft or digital koetinta is a proof shown on screen, using color management to simulate the final output, often used in early stages or for remote approvals.

Process-wise, after layout, typesetting, color data and image preparation, a koetinta is generated. The proof is reviewed against the original design and brief; any necessary changes are made before final approval. Once approved, the final printing proceeds with the agreed specifications. In practice, koetinta is a standard step in coordinating design intent with production realities.

Koetinta plays a key role in book publishing, magazines, packaging and other print products, bridging creative design and technical reproduction. It is closely tied to color management and prepress proofing practices to ensure consistency across equipment and print runs.