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Compare the best online proofing software for packaging teams

Picture of William Janeway William Janeway : November 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Artwork management
Compare the best online proofing software for packaging teams
Top 5 best online proofing software for packaging visuals
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Choosing the best online proofing software for packaging visuals is key to faster approvals and fewer mistakes. In this article, we’ll explore top tools that help brands and designers streamline their visual packaging workflows—and how Cway software leads the way.

Why Packaging Visual Proofing Matters

Packaging is more than just a box—it’s your brand’s first impression. But before it reaches shelves, every visual element needs to be reviewed, approved, and compliant. Without an efficient proofing process, brands risk:

  • Inconsistent branding

  • Compliance issues

  • Delays in go-to-market timelines

  • Costly reprints and waste

Online proofing software solves this by centralizing collaboration, feedback, and approvals in one seamless workflow.

Key Features of the Best Online Proofing Software

Not all proofing tools are created equal. The best platforms offer features that specifically support the needs of packaging and branding teams:

  • Real-Time Collaboration: Review designs with internal and external stakeholders without version confusion.

  • High-Resolution Previews: Zoom into fine print, dielines, and color specs for pixel-perfect accuracy.

  • Annotation Tools: Pinpoint errors, suggest changes, and tag teammates directly on the artwork.

  • Version Control: Keep track of revisions and revert if necessary.

  • Approval Tracking: Know exactly who approved what, and when—with full audit trails.

 

What to Look for in Proofing Software

If you’re evaluating proofing platforms for packaging visuals, here’s your checklist:

  • ✅ Built for packaging (not just generic design files)

  • ✅ High-resolution proofing support

  • ✅ Real-time annotations and comments

  • ✅ Version and approval history

  • ✅ Easy onboarding for non-design users

  • ✅ Integration with your asset library

Cway® checks every box—and adds more on top.

Book a Demo

 

Top 5 best online proofing software for packaging visuals

Choosing the right proofing software can drastically improve packaging accuracy, speed up approvals, and reduce costly errors. In this comparison, we evaluate the top 5 platforms—Cway Software, Global Vision, Loftware, Esko, and Artwork Flow—across critical features like artwork review, asset libraries, proofing tools, version control, approval tracking, and real-time collaboration.

 

Feature

Cway® Software

Global Vision

Loftware

Esko

Artwork Flow
ARTWORK
REVIEW

Fully integrated, real-time artwork review system with smart workflows and user permissions — purpose-built for packaging teams.

No dedicated artwork review system.

Integrated real-time artwork review system.

Integrated real-time artwork review system.

Integrated real-time artwork review system.

ASSET
LIBRARY

Centralized asset library with folder hierarchies and versioned file storage for all packaging and marketing assets.

Lacks integrated asset repository.

Offer asset library, but with limitations—no full version control or project integration.

Integrated asset management system

Offer asset library, but with limitations—no full version control or project integration.

PROOFING
TOOLS

Includes proofing features.

Includes proofing features.

Includes proofing features.

Includes proofing features.

Includes proofing features.

COMPARISON
TOOLS

Automated visual comparison for side-by-side artwork checks, highlighting even pixel-level differences and maintaining version accuracy.

Includes comparison features.

Includes comparison features.

Includes comparison features.

Includes comparison features.

VERSION
CONTROL

Full version history and rollback options with timestamps, reviewer logs, and automated change tracking for compliance and transparency.

Basic version management.

Limited version history.

Basic version management.

Limited version control.

APPROVAL
TRACKING

End-to-end approval tracking with status visibility, automated reminders, and audit trails — ensuring every artwork moves smoothly through each stakeholder’s review.

No built-in approval tracking.

Partial approval workflow support.

Approval workflows available.

Approval workflows available.

REAL-TIME
COLLABORATION

Real-time commenting and feedback sharing across teams, agencies, and suppliers — all in one centralized workspace for instant collaboration.

Limited collaboration tools.

Supports basic collaboration.

Supports real-time collaboration.

Supports real-time collaboration.

 

Why Cway® is the Best Online Proofing Software for Packaging Visuals

Cway® software was built with one goal: to simplify the way brands manage and review packaging visuals. Unlike general-purpose tools, Cway® is purpose-built for packaging.

What sets Cway® apart?

  • Tailored for packaging workflows: Cway® is purpose-built for packaging teams, offering visual collaboration, structured approvals, version control, and compliance-ready workflows.

  • All-in-one platform: Proof, store, manage, and collaborate in one centralized system.

  • Visual annotation tools: Easily mark up packaging artwork with comments and change requests.

  • Automated approval workflows: Set review stages, assign roles, and get notified when it’s your turn to review.

  • Compliance-ready: Full version history and audit trails to meet regulatory needs.

With Cway®, brand and packaging teams can cut approval times, reduce rework, and launch faster with confidence.

 

 
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