Vedostus

Vedostus is a term used in the printing industry to describe the production of a proof copy of a publication before the full production run. The purpose of vedostus is to verify content accuracy, layout, color reproduction, and overall quality, allowing corrections to be made before committing to the final press work. The word is Finnish, derived from vedos meaning print and the suffix -ustus indicating a process or action.

Vedostus can be carried out in several ways. Soft proofing uses a calibrated monitor and color-management workflows to preview how the final print should look. Hard proofs are physical proofs produced on the same or similar stock as the final product, or on a separate proofing press, and include contract proofs or match proofs. Digital proofs have become common, offering faster turnaround, while contract or match proofs aim to closely replicate the final output under defined viewing conditions.

The typical vedostus process includes: receiving the artwork and specifications, applying color management with ICC profiles, generating the proof, client review and approval, making necessary revisions, and producing a final proof before the run. Industry standards and best practices often guide proofing, with references such as color-reference systems and standards like GRACoL, SWOP, or ISO 12646 to define viewing conditions and tolerances.

Vedostus remains a key quality-control step in publishing, packaging, and advertising, helping to minimize costly errors and align expectations between designers, printers, and clients. It is recognized as a preparatory stage rather than the final product.