Don’t Overlook This Powerful Feature in Darkroom Core: Proof Sheets
If you’ve been using Darkroom Core for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the Proof feature—but maybe haven’t fully explored it.
In a recent video, Eugene (Darkroom’s Learning Program Manager) revisits this often-overlooked tool. He shows why it’s still incredibly useful today—especially for photographers who want a fast, organized way to help customers choose their favorite images.
Let’s take a closer look.
A Modern Take on a Classic Photography Workflow
For many photographers, proof sheets bring back memories of the darkroom—printing contact sheets or reviewing slides on a light table.
The goal was simple:
👉 Quickly review a large number of images
👉 Select the best ones for printing or enlargement
The Proof feature in Darkroom Core brings that same workflow into a modern, digital environment—while keeping it just as intuitive.
What Is the Proof Feature?
The Proof feature allows you to:
- Lay out multiple images on a single print
- Create clean, organized proof sheets
- Let customers easily review and select their favorites
Instead of scrolling through images on a screen, you can hand someone a printed sheet where they can circle exactly what they want.
This is especially useful for:
- School and volume photography
- Family sessions
- Events and on-site sales
- Any shoot with multiple similar images
How to Set Up a Proof Sheet
Eugene walks through a simple example using 36 images. Here’s a streamlined version of the setup:
1. Open the Proof Tool
From your image library, click the Proof icon and go into Advanced Options.
2. Choose Your Layout
- Set page orientation (e.g., horizontal)
- Choose your page size (example: 8×18)
3. Define Rows and Columns
To fit 36 images:
- 4 rows
- 9 columns
This creates a clean grid that fills the entire page.
4. Enable Image Labels
Turn on “Show Labels” and display filenames.
This step is critical—especially for:
- Portrait photographers
- Wedding photographers
When multiple images look similar, filenames ensure you select the exact shot your customer wants.
Save Time with Custom Templates
One of the best parts of this feature?
👉 You can save your layout as a template
If you regularly create proof sheets:
- Save your settings once
- Reuse them anytime
- Skip repetitive setup steps
It’s a small workflow improvement that adds up quickly—especially in high-volume environments.
Flexible Printing Options
Not every printer supports the same sizes—and that’s okay.
For example:
- If your printer supports 8×18, you can print everything on one sheet
- If your printer only supports 8×10, Darkroom will automatically split the job into multiple pages
This flexibility ensures the proof feature works seamlessly with your existing hardware.
Real-World Use Case: Faster Customer Selections
In Eugene’s example, he prints a proof sheet for his son using photos from a trip to the Zoo.
Instead of reviewing images on a screen:
- His son simply circles the photos he wants
- Selections are clear and easy
- No confusion about which image is which
This same workflow scales perfectly for professional use—saving time and reducing errors when fulfilling orders.
Why This Feature Still Matters
In a world of digital galleries and online proofs, printed proof sheets might seem old-school—but they’re still incredibly effective. (Besides, like record albums, analog is making a comeback 🙂)
Here’s why:
✅ Faster decision-making – Customers can quickly compare images side-by-side
✅ Clear communication – No guessing which photo they meant
✅ Great for in-person sales – Perfect for events and live sessions
✅ Reliable workflow – No internet or device required
It’s a simple tool—but when used right, it can significantly streamline your workflow.
Final Thoughts
The Proof feature in Darkroom Core is a perfect example of a “hidden gem”—something that’s easy to overlook but incredibly valuable once you start using it.
Whether you’re handling high-volume shoots or just want a cleaner way to present images, proof sheets offer a fast, reliable solution that blends classic photography techniques with modern software.
If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s a great time to bring this feature back into your workflow.
You can learn more about the powerful print features in Darkroom Core in our Help Center.
Watch the Full Tutorial
Eugene walks through the entire setup and demonstrates both single-image and multi-image workflows in this short tutorial.