Digital proofing process explained: step-by-step guide
In packaging and marketing, approvals can often feel like a bottleneck. Endless email chains, version confusion, and last-minute edits slow down even...
3 min read
Ekaterina Skalatskaia
:
May 12, 2025 7:30:00 AM
Online artwork approval software transforms how teams manage feedback and collaboration during the packaging design process. In this article, we’ll explore how it works, why it's essential for modern brands, and how Cway® software makes the process seamless.
If you’ve ever been stuck in endless email chains, juggling PDF versions, or waiting on feedback that never arrives—then you know how frustrating artwork approval can be.
Thankfully, there's a smarter way to handle it.
Enter online artwork approval software—a powerful, digital solution that brings structure, clarity, and speed to the entire packaging artwork approval process.
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Online proofing is the modern way to manage creative feedback. Whether you're approving a label, reviewing marketing materials, or finalizing packaging designs, online proofing tools help everyone stay aligned.
Instead of printing proofs or marking up static PDFs, reviewers use an online design proofing tool to leave comments, compare versions (hello, text compare!), and give approvals in real time.
No missed edits. No outdated files. Just smoother workflows.
Traditional artwork approval systems are clunky, fragmented, and hard to track. You end up asking:
Which version are we on?
Did legal sign off yet?
Where’s that last-minute change from the product team?
With an online proofing tool, everything lives in one place.
Cway® software, for example, is a centralized platform where your team can:
✔ Upload packaging designs
✔ Annotate and review collaboratively
✔ Automate approval flows
✔ Store final files securely
✔ Track who approved what, and when
It’s the best online proofing software for brands that are serious about consistency and speed.
Not all tools are created equal. If you’re evaluating your options, look for these must-have features of online proofing software:
Version control – Keep everyone on the latest file
Commenting & visual markups – Pin feedback directly on designs
Artwork compare – See side-by-side differences in updated content
Automated workflows – Route files to the right approvers
Access control – Share with printers, agencies, or legal teams
Approval tracking – See what’s approved and what’s pending
Online proofing and content management systems – Combine collaboration with secure storage
Tools like Cway® platform combine all these into a single experience, making it the ultimate online artwork approval software.
Yes, there are free online proofing software tools out there. They're fine for basic tasks, like reviewing a single image or getting feedback from a friend. But for serious business use—especially in packaging—you need something more robust.
You need automated approvals. Audit trails. Secure sharing. Fast versioning. That’s where a professional platform like Cway® makes all the difference.
Whether you're a global brand or a growing startup, if your product goes in a package, you need a solid artwork approval system.
It’s especially helpful for:
Brand managers juggling multiple SKUs
Packaging designers working with multiple printers
Compliance teams needing full traceability
Marketing teams launching seasonal campaigns
Agencies and printers needing centralized feedback
Imagine cutting your approval times in half. Imagine launching on schedule. That’s the power of digital proofing.
Looking to eliminate version chaos and speed up your artwork approvals?
Dive into our complete Artwork Approval Workflows Guide for Creative and Packaging Teams to master every step—from briefing to final sign-off.
Designing packaging is creative and exciting—but without the right tools, artwork creation can turn into a logistical headache.
That’s why more teams are embracing online proofing tools. You stay creative while the system takes care of the approvals, feedback, versioning, and compliance.
With Cway® software, you get an all-in-one online proofing and content management system built for how packaging really works—collaborative, fast-paced, and always deadline-driven.
Curious to see how real brands are using Cway® to speed up their packaging workflows? Check out our case studies to get inspired.
Want to see the platform in action? You can request a free trial to experience how Cway® software streamlines artwork approvals from start to finish.
Ready to get started with your team? Request an account today and take control of your packaging and proofing process like never before.
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