Which of the following is a best practice to validate color accuracy before placing images in InDesign?

• A. Edit all colors exclusively in CMYK mode.
• B. Use the Proof Colors command to view a soft proof for accurate printing.
• C. Ignore soft-proofing and rely on screen previews.
• D. Sharpen images before color corrections.

Answer: (B)

Color management for print hinges on predicting how colors will reproduce on paper, not how they look on a monitor. Using the Proof Colors command in InDesign creates a soft proof that simulates your chosen printer, paper, and color profile on screen. This lets you see which colors will actually print and adjust accordingly before you place images, helping you catch and correct shifts in hue, saturation, or brightness that can occur between devices. Relying on on-screen previews without a proof can be misleading, and working exclusively in CMYK or sharpening first won’t address real-world print accuracy. So, the best practice is to view a soft proof with a specific printer profile to validate color accuracy before placing images.