What online proofing means
Instead of sending drafts by email and collecting feedback from various channels, you upload the file to a proofing tool. Reviewers open it in the browser, mark up spots directly on the artwork, write comments and decide. Everything sits in one place, with versions, names and timestamps.
What a proofing tool typically does
- Review files: display images, PDFs, videos and Office documents in the browser.
- Feedback on the artwork: markups and comments exactly where they belong.
- Versions: upload new versions and compare them with the previous one.
- Approval: approve, request a revision or reject per file.
- Deadlines and reminders: follow up on open approvals automatically.
- Record: document who decided on which version and when.
Who online proofing pays off for
For anyone who regularly has drafts approved by third parties: agencies, studios, freelancers in design, photography, video and copywriting, as well as marketing departments with several reviewers. The more people and versions involved, the greater the benefit. For one draft per quarter and a single contact, an email is often enough.
What to look for when choosing
- Do reviewers need an account? The fewer hurdles, the faster the approval. See Client approval by link.
- Which file formats does the tool really support, especially video and Office?
- How is the record handled, for example as a PDF summary?
- Where is the data stored, and is there a data processing agreement?
- What does it cost for your team, and which features are included in which plan? You will find factual comparisons in CLAPPO vs. Filestage and CLAPPO vs. Ziflow.
How it differs from related tools
A proofing tool does not replace project management or a digital asset library. It handles the part in between: reviewing, commenting, approving. Many teams use it alongside their existing task and file management systems.
Online proofing with CLAPPO
CLAPPO is a proofing tool for agencies and freelancers: approval via personal link without an account, markups on the artwork, version comparison, deadlines with reminders and a PDF project summary. Hosted in Germany. Read more for agencies and freelancers.