10 Best Approval Software for Creatives

A designer’s work comes down to implementing the client’s craziest ideas to life. However, not all clients have a specific vision of what they want.

What a designer really needs is structured feedback. And, luckily, there is a way to get it.

What is Proofing Software?

Proofing or approval software is any native, hybrid, or web app whose main functionality is to upload a file to annotate or discuss it. Additionally, proofing software can have wider functionality and project management tools.

Depending on the team, approval tools now offer task assignment, DAL, workflows for bigger companies, and a simple dashboard or Kanban with reference files for freelancers or small businesses.

Proofing tools eliminate all the unnecessary chaos of collecting feedback from many sources.

The art director of the NV magazine once said they took this chaos for granted. Then, an online tool solved a problem they didn’t know they even had.

But what approval software to choose? Well, it all depends on your needs and budget, so let’s discuss some online proofing tools and how they can be useful for you.

Approval Studio

Approval Studio is an online review tool that eliminates the chaos of scattered emails and lost versions by centralizing feedback, annotations, and external reviews.

Project management part allows you to incorporate task assignments, customized workflows, and comprehensive reporting. Its integrations with Shopify, Zapier, Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, and a work-of-art API allow teams to connect seamlessly with their existing processes.

• Feature-rich Review tool that supports 23+ file formats.
• Asset-centered customizable workflows
• API to seamlessly integrate with any tool

Pricing starts at $55/month

Ziflow

Ziflow is a comprehensive online proofing and review platform that provides a centralized hub where feedback, annotations, and version tracking help streamline the approval process.

It also offers reliable enterprise-grade security to make sure any confidential information is safe.

Among other features, Ziflow provides integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud, Monday.com, Asana, and Jira.

• Customizable workflows and automation
• Includes an AI-helper
• Easy video proofing

Pricing starts at $199/month, + a free plan.

You can read how it compares with Approval Studio here.

Review Studio

Review Studio is an online review tool that caters to almost all industries.

Review Studio supports a wide array of file formats, from graphic designs and marketing materials to videos and interactive media. Additionally, it has task assignments, custom workflows, and progress tracking.

It allows integration with API, Zapier, Integromat, Wrike, Asana, Monday, and a few more.

• Sticky notes, highlighter, freehand pen, and shapes for annotation
• Comments can be turned into tasks
• Custom workflow and automation templates

Pricing starts at $12/user/month, + a free plan.

You can read how it compares with Approval Studio here.

Quickreviewer

Quickreviewer is a cloud-based collaborative proofing and review tool. It hugely focuses on its review tool. Users can drag and drop assets for review, which makes it super comfortable for the team.

It allows integrations with Adobe Suite, Dropbox, Zapier, and Box.

• Plugin for live WordPress website proofing
• YouTube integration for video proofing
• Team workspace tool

Pricing starts at $35/month, + a free plan.

You can read how it compares with Approval Studio here.

GoVisually

GoVisually has a set of intuitive annotation tools that enable precise comments and markup directly on files.

It provides full control of the assets with a clear distinction between private and public sections of all the company’s content. GoVisually allows integrations like Adobe Creative Cloud, Zapier, Trello, ClickUp, Asana, and AirTable.

• A bird’s-eye dashboard for tracking
• Password protection for proofs
• Custom checklists for asset approval

Pricing starts at $16/user/month.

You can read how it compares with Approval Studio here.

Ashore

Ashore takes pride in its automated approval workflows, which allow teams to set up multi-stage approvals. It has built-in reminders and auto-tracking.

Ashore allows a wide range of files to be proofed. It also allows you to fully customize the app according to the company’s standards.

As for the integrations, Ashore provides API and Zapier, creating a bridge between the proofing tool and any other software needed for the company.

• Multiple proofing types for any team
• Pre-made workflow templates
• Customizable reviewer permissions

Pricing starts at $14/user/month, + a free plan

Pageproof

PageProof ensures that feedback is collected using automated workflows, smart annotation tools, version comparison features, and a comprehensive audit trail. One of its standout features is its enterprise-grade security and triple-layer encryption.

The app integrates with more than 25 different apps, like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, Asana, Monday, and others. There is everything you need to customize the review process.

• Proof templates
• Multiple proofing tools for a “pixel-perfect” design
• Smart compare tool

Pricing starts at $249/month.

Aproove

Aproove is a more advanced online proofing software centered around larger companies and enterprises.

The platform’s proofing capabilities support multi-stage reviews with built-in audit trails. Aproove offers a range of automation features, including triggers and action-driven workflows.

Its integrations include: API for enterprise-level, and in-house iPaaS called “Aproove Concoord”. It allows integration of any app that has API capabilities.

• Digital Asset Management
• Extensive reporting tools
• E-signature support

Pricing starts at $750/month.

GoProof

GoProof introduces automation features like workflow tracking, audit trails, and version control. It’s suitable for both small design teams and large enterprises alike.

The extensive toolkit offered by GoProof includes a text editor and more than 10 different annotation tools.

GoProof integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, Monday, Asana, Teams, and Slack.

• Different user roles
• Website and video proofing
• Mobile app for Android and iOS

Pricing starts at $129/month.

You can read how it compares with Approval Studio here.

zipBoard

zipBoard is a cloud-based design and document review platform that helps review digital assets, websites, PDFs, videos, and even eLearning courses.

Teams can streamline their design review process using markup and annotation tools, task management, and automated reporting. The platform also supports different user roles.

zipBoard integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, and Asana.

• Visual annotation tools for websites, images, PDFs, ZIP files, and videos
• Guest reviews with no sign-up required
• Scalable pricing based on documents, not users

Pricing starts at $99/month.

Krock.io

Krock.io is a review tool specializing in video production. It provides a centralized workspace with automated tracking, extensive storage, and secure access.

Krock.io’s integrations include Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, Google Calendar, Jitsi, and Link Step.

• AI storyboard generation
• Storyboard management and editing
• Built-in moodboards

Pricing starts at $24/month.

Final Thoughts

Whatever proofing tool you end up using, I want you to remember that this is a step forward for you and your team. You will finally get free of the email approval monster that was creeping around the corner. But, if you ask me, I would recommend Approval Studio for all of these purposes!