Soft proofing in Lightroom simulates how a photo will look on a specific printer and paper while you are still on screen. Turn it on in the Develop module, pick a profile, and adjust the image so the proof looks right before you print.
Why Soft Proof
Screens glow and use a wide range of colors, while paper reflects light and has a smaller range. Without a proof, prints often look darker or flatter than expected. A soft proof gives a close guide to those differences, so you adjust the file before you spend ink and paper.
Step by Step: Setting Up a Proof
- Open a photo in the Develop module and tick Soft Proofing below the image. The background turns white to mimic paper.
- In the Soft Proofing panel, open the profile menu and choose the profile for your paper and printer. Use Other if your profile is not listed, then tick it.
- Set the intent to perceptual or relative colorimetric. Compare both on photos with vivid colors.
- Turn on Simulate Paper and Ink if available. This shows how the paper white and darkest ink limit contrast.
- Click the gamut warning icons in the histogram corners to see which areas fall outside the printer range.
- Click Create Proof Copy so edits are saved on a separate version and your original edit stays untouched.
- Adjust exposure, contrast, shadows and saturation on the proof copy until the screen looks close to your intent.
- Print a small test strip or a reduced size print, then compare it with the screen under good, consistent light.
Settings to Keep an Eye On
- Monitor brightness: a very bright screen makes prints seem dark. Many printing workflows use a moderate level.
- Profile choice: use the profile made for the exact paper you will use.
- Black point compensation: usually helpful with relative colorimetric.
- Viewing light: judge the print in neutral light.
Typical Adjustments
| What you see | Common fix |
|---|---|
| Proof looks flatter | Add contrast, lift whites slightly |
| Colors look dull | Raise vibrance in problem areas |
| Shadows lose detail | Lift shadows a little |
Keep notes on what works. Once a paper and profile combination gives good results, write down the monitor brightness and edit adjustments you used, and reuse them for the next print job to save time.
FAQ
Is a soft proof exact?
No. It is a close guide, and screen calibration, paper and lighting all change the outcome.
Do I need soft proofing for lab prints?
Many labs supply profiles you can download. If they do not, ask the lab about their color settings or use their recommended color space.
The Short Version
Switch on soft proofing, choose the correct paper profile, and edit a proof copy until the screen looks right. Check a small print before ordering a large one.
