In contrast to the proof, a press proof is created using films or CTP printing plates on special press proofing machines with the same colours and parameters as the subsequent production run.

A press proof is very precise in terms of colour and, due to the edition paper used, is almost identical to the later print. Compared to the classic proof, however, a press proof is usually tens of times more expensive and quickly costs several hundred euros. Moreover, a press proof needs much more time for the production.  Therefore, it is hardly relevant today for economic reasons and is only used for very delicate prints with high print runs.