Approving Your Proof

What is a proof?

A proof is a digital mockup of your design. Before we move forward with production, you’ll receive a preview showing:

• Placement and alignment of your design
• Final dimensions
• Any areas that need attention (highlighted in yellow)

A professional production artist creates this mockup based on your uploaded artwork, product selection, and order notes.

How to Approve Your Proof

When your proof is ready, we’ll send you an email with a link to view it. Approving your proof is the last step before we move your order into production.

Step-by-step approval

1. Open your proof email – Look for the subject line “Your Bolt Printing Proof is Ready.”
2. Click the proof link – This takes you to your order’s proof page in our Customer Center.
   • Guest checkout: Enter your Order Number and Ship-To ZIP Code when prompted.
   • Registered account: Log in with your email and password if you aren’t already signed in.
3. Review your proof carefully – Check garment color, print placement, ink colors, spelling, and sizing.
4. Approve or request changes:
   • Click Approve if everything looks correct.
   • Click Not Approved to leave notes about changes or to upload updated artwork.
5. Submit your decision – We’ll email you a confirmation once your approval (or change request) is received.

Need help? Watch this quick walkthrough:
📹 Video: How to Review and Approve Your Proof

Common Questions About Proofs

⏱ How long does it take to get my proof?

Turnaround time depends on the shipping level and product type:

• Paid shipping (non-embroidered orders):
  If your order is placed before 3PM EST on a business day, you’ll receive your proof the same day.
  Orders placed after 3PM or on a weekend (e.g., Saturday) will receive a proof on the next business day (e.g., Monday).
• Free shipping:
  You’ll receive your proof within 1 to 4 business days, depending on volume.
• Paid shipping (embroidered orders):
  Proofs are ready on the next business day.
  For example, an order placed on Saturday would have its proof ready by Tuesday.

⚠️ Reminder: Our same-day cutoff time is 3PM EST.

💬 Can I talk to someone before I approve?

Yes. You can call us at 888-909-2658 or use Live Chat (M–F, 9:30am–6:30pm EST) to speak with a real person.

🖼 Why does my proof look fuzzy?

Some browsers or email clients compress images. Try opening your proof in a different browser. If it still looks off, reach out to our team.

🔁 What happens after I approve my proof?

Once approved, your order is locked in and sent to production. Changes cannot be made after this step, so be sure to review carefully.