What is softproofing?
Softproofing is the simulation of the final print result on your screen. Photoshop essentially predicts how your photo will look when it is printed on a specific type of paper, using a particular printer and the corresponding color profile (ICC profile). This allows you to see in advance whether certain colors fall outside the printable color range of the chosen medium, or whether your photo may lose contrast or saturation on matte paper.
This method only works properly when you use a calibrated monitor, because only then are the displayed colors reliable. Without calibration, you may still encounter unexpected results, even if you use softproofing correctly.
Why use softproofing for photo prints?
Every type of paper has its own color characteristics. Glossy paper displays colors differently than matte or velvet paper. What appears as a vibrant blue on your screen may look more muted in print. By softproofing in advance, you can spot these differences early and make corrections where needed. This saves time, money, and frustration.
Softproofing helps you set realistic expectations for your print, especially when working with subtle color gradients or deep shadows. And while it’s particularly popular among professional photographers and designers, it’s a valuable step for anyone creating high-quality prints.
How do you use softproofing in Photoshop?
To use softproofing in Photoshop, you first need the correct ICC profile of the paper you’re going to print on. The ICC profiles for all our paper types can be easily downloaded from our website. After downloading, install the profile on your computer. On Windows, right-click the file and choose “Install Profile.” On a Mac, move the profile to the folder Library > ColorSync > Profiles. Then restart Photoshop so the profile becomes available in the softproof settings.
Next, open your photo in Photoshop. In the top menu, go to View > Proof Setup > Custom. In the window that appears, select the ICC profile that matches your chosen paper under “Device to Simulate.” Set the rendering intent to Relative Colorimetric and enable Black Point Compensation. For an extra realistic simulation especially with matte or velvet paper you can also check Simulate Paper Color and Simulate Black Ink. This gives a more accurate preview of how subtle details such as contrast and deep blacks will appear in the final print.
Once everything is set up, you can toggle between the original image and the softproof view using Ctrl + Y (Windows) or Cmd + Y (Mac). This clearly shows differences in color, brightness, and contrast exactly as they will appear on paper.
You do not need to convert your image to the paper’s ICC profile. Simply supply your file in sRGB or Adobe RGB. The ICC profile is only used to simulate the final result on your screen, so your original file remains unchanged in both color and format.
Improve your print results: practice softproofing and use test prints
Softproofing isn’t a magic fix, but a skill you develop through experience. The more often you use it, the better you’ll learn how your photos translate to different types of paper. Over time, you’ll recognize color shifts more quickly and know which paper best suits your style or a specific image. Especially if you regularly have photos printed whether for an exhibition, portfolio, or client softproofing is an essential step in your editing workflow.
Still unsure about the result, for example with delicate skin tones or challenging shadow areas? In that case, it’s smart to order a test print first. Through our ordering platform, you can choose a single photo print on the paper you have in mind. A test print gives you a tangible reference for colors, contrast, and detail in your image. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments before ordering the final print.
Do keep in mind that test prints should be evaluated under neutral lighting preferably daylight or a dedicated daylight lamp so you get a realistic impression of how your photo will look when displayed on the wall
Want to learn more about color management and printing?
Also read these blog:
Histogram in Photography: How to Use This Graph for Better Photos