As a brand team, you need an online proofing tool that allows you to easily upload, annotate, and approve designs, videos, and other creative content. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is the best for your needs? In this blog, we've done the research and testing for you, so you don't have to. We've rounded up the best online proofing software options on the market, based on their features, pricing, and overall user experience.

From easy-to-use interfaces to powerful collaboration tools, these proofing software have it all. So, let's dive into the top picks for the best proofing tools for brand teams!

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Why do brand teams need online proofing tools?

Online proofing tools are essential for brand teams as they help to streamline the creative review and approval process. They enable teams to collaborate and share feedback on visual content in real time, no matter where they are located, saving time and reducing errors. 

With online proofing tools, brand teams can ensure that all aspects of their visual content, such as graphics, images, videos, and designs, meet their brand standards and are error-free. This can help to maintain the brand's consistency and integrity, which is crucial in building brand recognition and trust.

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Top 5 online proofing tools for brand teams

1. Artwork Flow

Artwork Flow is a brand asset management tool that features strong online proofing capabilities and collaboration features to reduce costs and maximize productivity. 

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Notable features 

• Has features such as annotations, free proofing tools, and feedback management. 
• Offers project management features such as task assignments, version control, progress tracking, and more. 
• Users can create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks to save time and increase efficiency. 
• Checklists help users ensure that their creatives comply with industry standards and brand guidelines. 

Pricing 

Artwork Flow offers a range of pricing plans based on the number of users and features. 

The plans include: 

• Pro: $39/user/month 
• Enterprise: Custom pricing 

The platform also offers a free plan for users to try out the software. 

Customer reviews 

Customer reviews praise Artwork Flow's ease of use, compliance management features, and excellent customer support. Users appreciate the tool's ability to streamline the collaboration process and ensure compliance with industry standards. 

Final verdict 

Artwork Flow is an excellent online proofing tool for brand teams in any industry. The tool's project management features, customization options, and robust online proofing capabilities make it worth the investment.

2. Approval Studio

Approval Studio is an online proofing tool that provides a platform for brand teams to collaborate and streamline the review and approval process.

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‍Notable features 

• Users can bulk upload files in various formats, including images, videos, and PDFs. 
• Can annotate files with comments and different annotation shapes to speed up reviews. 
• Offers features such as slack integrations, task assignments, Zapier integrations, and progress tracking for projects.

Pricing 

The plans include: 

• Lite: $45 per month 
• Pro: $135 per month
• Pro XL: $255 per month
• Enterprise: from $5999 per year 

Approval Studio also offers a 14-day free trial for users to try out the tool.

Customer reviews 

Users appreciate the tool's automation features that help to reduce review and approval time. However, some users mention that the pricing can be a bit high for smaller teams. 

Final verdict 

Approval Studio is an excellent online proofing tool for brand teams looking for a comprehensive solution with powerful workflow automation features. While the pricing may be a bit high, the tool's easy-to-use interface and robust features more than make up for it.

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3. Ziflow

Ziflow is an online proofing tool that helps brand teams streamline the review and approval process.

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Notable features 

• Users can collaborate on files with features such as annotations, version control, and feedback management. 
• Offers project management features such as task assignments, deadlines, and progress tracking. 
• Users can set up automated workflows to streamline the review and approval process. 
• Allows users to view and compare different versions of files and see changes made by collaborators. 

Pricing 

Ziflow offers a range of pricing plans based on both personal and business needs.

The plans include: 

• Personal: $0/month
• Business: $40/user/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing 

Customer reviews 

Users appreciate the tool's ability to handle a wide range of file formats and its workflow automation capabilities. However, some users mention that the interface can be overwhelming at times. 

Final verdict 

Ziflow is a great option for brand teams that need a powerful online proofing tool with advanced workflow automation and version control capabilities. The pricing is reasonable, and the tool's flexibility and robust features make it a solid choice for various teams.

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4. Wrike

Wrike is a project management and collaboration tool with features such as online proofing, task management, and project tracking. 

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Notable features

• Teams can view tasks in the context of both their specific projects and larger company goals, thanks to cross-tagging.
• The workflow management software enables real-time collaboration to swiftly approve creative assets and share instant input within creative tools.
• Can keep track of documents, identify responsible parties, address pending approvals, and gain full insight into approval decisions.

Pricing

Wrike offers five pricing plans. 

• Free: Up to 5 users 
• Team: $9.80 user/ month
• Business: $24.80/user/month 
• Enterprise: Custom pricing 
• Pinnacle: Custom pricing 

‍Customer reviews

Customer reviews praise Wrike's ease of use, customization options, and powerful project management features. Users appreciate the tool's ability to streamline the review and approval process and improve team productivity. 

Final verdict 

Wrike is a powerful project management and collaboration tool with excellent online proofing capabilities. The tool's customization options, powerful collaboration features, and robust online proofing capabilities make it a great option for brand teams looking for a comprehensive solution.

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5. ProofHub

ProofHub is a project management and team collaboration tool made to meet the demands of every creative person. The software offers a central location for your team, client, and stakeholder to evaluate and approve files.

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Notable features

• With custom roles and IP restrictions, you can exert complete control over who can see what and make sure that every team member has access to the right information.
• Different view options make it simple for your team to keep track of both individual and group activity to increase your understanding of your task.
• Markup tools enable teams to review, proofread, and annotate files. 

Pricing

ProofHub offers plan pricing regardless of the number of users. 

The plans include: 

• Essential: $45/month
• Ultimate Control: $89/month 

The platform also offers a 14-day free trial for users to try out the tool. 

Customer reviews 

Users appreciate the tool's ability to streamline collaborative efforts and speed up approvals. However, some users find the user interface a bit challenging at times. 

Final verdict 

ProofHub is an excellent online proofing tool for brand teams looking for a comprehensive solution that combines project management and collaboration features.

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Final thoughts

Choosing the best online proofing software for your brand team can be a game-changer. It can save you time, streamline your workflow, and ultimately, help you create better content that resonates with your audience.

Remember, when selecting a proofing tool, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Look for a platform like Artwork Flow that offers the features you need to streamline your approval process, reduce costs, and maximize productivity. You can opt for a free trial before making any commitments.