Which Photoshop feature lets you view a soft proof to predict printed output?

• A. Levels
• B. Gradient Map
• C. Proof Colors
• D. Color Balance

Answer: (C)

Soft proofing to predict printed output is done with Proof Colors. When you enable Proof Colors (View > Proof Colors) you see your image through a printer/paper color profile that you set up in Proof Setup. This simulates how colors will look when printed, showing gamut limitations, ink behavior, and rendering intent so you can anticipate and adjust before printing. It’s especially helpful for spotting out-of-gamut colors and planning edits to get closer to the final print result. The other tools adjust tones or colors for editing on screen—Levels changes brightness/contrast, Gradient Map remaps colors with a gradient, and Color Balance shifts overall color cast—not the printer‑reproduction simulation.