ProofHQ a Web-based Design Collaboration and Proofing Tool

 As a writer who collaborates on several different marketing and advertising projects at a single time, I oftentimes dread the back and forth collaboration required for a project. Attaching documents to email, hoping the client is able to open the attachment, and tracking needed changes are a few of the issues I face while working on projects that require client approval. What that being said, I was more than ecstatic to put ProofHQ to the test.

ProofHQ is a web-based application used to manage the collaboration, review, and approval of designs, documents and files. The application is intended for designers, advertising and public relations agencies, print and production companies and anyone who needs to collaborate on a project.

According to ProofHQ's website, the application, “streamlines the process of managing document reviews, proofing and approvals. Sending proofs with ProofHQ is as easy as using email, but with much better tracking and follow-up. ProofHQ reduces the time and cost of managing proofing and approvals for everyone involved. ProofHQ can be used by graphic designers, web designers, ad agencies, marketing departments, industrial designers, printers, pre-press companies, public relations, photographers and more.”

That's a big claim from an unknown company trying to enter the web-based, application market - I had my doubts.

The first step in the sign up process is to choose a subscription plan. Once you choose a plan, you are ready to create your account. There are several subscription packages available that are priced from $29 up to $99 (See the chart below for a breakdown of the subscription packages). Creating your account is very simple and easy, and if you choose the trial version, a credit card is not required.

After your account is finalized - the process took all of ten minutes - you are then directed to the dashboard. ProofHQ utilizes a dashboard somewhat like a homepage. From the dashboard users can:

• Create workspaces
• Add proofs
• See the status of existing proofs
• Manage Users
• Get a summary of the recent account activity
• Manage all of the workspaces on the account

I created two workspaces: one for a major client and another for my miscellaneous projects. The process took roughly one minute to complete. The simple tabular structure of the application makes it easy to complete a task; simply click on the tab and insert the required information. After creating each workspace and adding reviewers, I was set to upload proofs.

Uploading a proof look and feels somewhat like sending an email. You simply:

1. Type in the email address of the users Set a deadline for reviewers to finish the proofing (optional) Choose the file you want to get reviewed and proofed When you add a proof, your reviewers get an email with a link to the proof workspace. After clicking the link, the reviewer is taken to the proof workspace where they can markup, add comments, and even collaborate in real time. Files up to 75 MB are supported by ProofHG, which is ideal for large, visual files.