Soft Proofing: Leave your mark with Dalim ES

Posted by Scott Tully on Thu, Feb 25, 2016 @ 12:37 PM

Tags: approve, brand, Softproofing, ES, Dalim ES, Dalim Software


Shake it up

Okay gang, here's your opportunity to shake things up and leave your mark.

Your proofreading mark, that is. 

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Don't settle

Why settle for pedestrian annotations when you can make and use your own?

That's right.

You can use the custom proofreading marks capability in ES to set the tone, get personal or make a point.

Own It !

Flathead icons? It MUST be an NAPC job !

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I know those colors !

Get Personal

How about this rogues gallery of proof approvers?

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No doubting who's who, here...or when reviewing proofs in ES !

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Don't Clash

And it's no coincidence that the color surrounding each custom proofreading mark exactly matches the color of each approvers Notes...[defined in each ES User's preferences]

Point It Out

Consistency. The key to being a professional.

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Try It

Here's how to do it in ES v4.5:

  1. Make a folder, name it with your custom theme. No Spaces in the folder name !
  2. Create your custom, proofreading mark artwork. Save your work as: .jpg, .png or .gif 
  3. Copy all your artwork into your custom theme folder.
  4. On your ES server, locate the default set of proofreading marks at:
    /symlnks/io/Dialogue/DialogueDataServer/queryData/ProofReadingMarks/default
   

Copy the file "metadata.xml" from the default folder to your custom theme folder. Carefully edit it by substituting the existing values of name, img and comment with your own. There should be one line for each of your artwork files. Save. Do NOT rename.

  5. Copy your custom theme folder to the ProofReadingMarks folder on the ES server.

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ProofHQ: When you see it, you’ll believe it (and get it, on the spot)

Posted by NAPC Marketing on Tue, Mar 10, 2015 @ 08:46 AM

Tags: approve, creative, efficient, digital, paper, proofing, organize, ProofHQ, workflow, marketing, productivity, collaboration, operations, technology, review, design, GCG, Ken Madsen, print, layout

                           describe the image

You’ve heard people say “seeing is believing.” It’s one of those catch phrases that’s been done to death, yet it’s exactly the right phrase to describe ProofHQ. So we’ll say it again, and this time with gusto; SEEING PROOFHQ IS BELIEVING.

So why are we on the mountain tops shouting our love for this solution? Because it’s just so obvious, so effective, and so simple.

It’s keeping online what was created there in the first place. Why do we still print and pass around paper layouts? Why do we still use ink and sticky notes? If you haven’t asked these “whys,” it’s probably because you’re too preoccupied with the deadline you missed when someone didn’t notice your stack of “to be approved” papers on their desk, and went on vacation.

ProofHQ is the answer; a smart, simple way to organize your proofing process by putting everything in one place, where everyone can access it, at anytime, from anywhere. It’s eliminating all that old-school printing-out-layouts/stuck-in-a-paper-jam stuff, and greasing the gears with digital lightning.

BUT EVEN BETTER; it’s a cinch to get up and running, and everyone onboard. Just hear what Ken Madsen, President, GSG has to say about ProofHQ.

           

You’re smart. You’ll see and you’ll believe. And when you do, we’ll help you go from “must get” to “got it” as quickly as you can say ProofHQ.

 

                                                            

4 steps toward a better work process

Posted by NAPC Marketing on Wed, Feb 04, 2015 @ 06:59 PM

Tags: marketing agile, project management, designers, share, approve, resolutions, creative, online collaboration, risk, challenge, stagnate, procrastinate, comfort zone, identify, research, choose, achieve, thought leader, 4 steps, eliminate rounds, confusing comments, compensating, expense, paper proofing process, digital proofing, eliminate rounds of confusing comments, cut your costs, save time, focus on end product, process change, end results, marketing department productive, online proofing tool, online proofing software, revisions, teams, manage, creative workflow, online proofing, Google, assets, marketing, process, change, productivity, streamlined, transition, Shawn Herring, Proof HQ

                       Dollarphotoclub 71673318

Why do we get complacent? Why do we let things, like bad work processes, continue on “as is,” even if our “as is” stinks (and we know it)? Why do we enable our problems by compensating in other ways, at our own expense? Because climbing out of our comfort zone takes work, is uncertain and potentially risky. Yes, yes and yes. (Sorry, it is.)

So for those of you brave enough to say “what the hey, I’m going for it anyway,” here are four steps that can help you get the right information and confidence to build a platform for change, or at least a good argument for the consideration of change, within your team:

Step 1: Identify your problem spots...the roadblocks, the inconsistencies, the unorganized processes...all those things that keep you from producing the end product that you want, in the timeframe and budget that you need to work within. Once you know where your problems lie, you can begin the process of putting a name to the solution(s) that will fix them.  

Step 2: Google your problems using “normal people” words like, eliminate rounds of confusing comments. It’s actually better NOT to try to use fancy technical terms because, chances are, many other people have Googled the same way you are for the same sorts of problems and, chances are, they also didn’t know what they were looking for at the time. You might even notice that Google finishes your query for you as you type it into the search area. That means you are hot on the trail!!

Step 3: Research what comes up. Stay neutral...resist the urge to pick a solution at this point. Instead, do your homework and compare a few ebooks, white papers, slideshares, whatever you need to educate yourself so you can make a good comparison between a few viable contenders.

Step 4: Choose two or three solutions and do a deep dive...ask for free demos...why not, they’re FREE! Soon enough, the right choice will become very apparent and you will be ready to venture forth out of your comfort zone knowledgeable and prepared.

And for all your hard work, you’ll undoubtedly Achieve recognition as a thought leader and positive change maker in your company!