# Approval Studio — Full LLM Reference > Approval Studio is cloud-based online proofing software for real-time design review and artwork approval. It centralises the design review-and-approval loop into a single auditable platform combining annotation, version comparison, project management, AI assistance, and client collaboration. All actions are logged. Headquarters: 900 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA Website: https://approval.studio App: https://app.approval.studio --- ## Product Overview Approval Studio is an online proofing platform used by creative agencies, in-house marketing teams, packaging designers, graphic designers, pharmaceutical companies, retailers, architects, and other industries that need a structured design review and approval process. The platform allows internal teams to collaborate on design reviews, assign tasks, track project progress, and automate workflows. External clients and stakeholders can review and annotate designs without creating an account. Every action is logged to provide a complete audit trail. Key differentiators: - Full review tool with specialized proofing tools (barcode, color separation, spellcheck, ruler) built in - Four version comparison modes including AI-powered difference detection - External client review without account registration - Event-based workflow automation - AI-Based Compliance Reports (ABC Reports) for automated requirement checking - AI Reporter Tool for workspace performance insights - Asset Categories for routing files through independent approval paths - MCP server for AI agent integration (no coding, ~5 min setup) - REST API (v1.35) and GraphQL API (v0.40) for full programmatic access --- ## Pricing All plans include a free trial. Annual billing provides a 10% discount. ### Lite - Annual: $60/month | Monthly: $65/month - 5 users, 5 GB storage - Unlimited projects and reviews - Email support - 14-day free trial ### Pro - Annual: $160/month | Monthly: $179/month - 5 users, 5 GB storage - All Lite features plus advanced tools - API access (REST and GraphQL) - MCP server access - Email support - 14-day free trial after demo ### Pro XL (Most Popular) - Annual: $300/month | Monthly: $330/month - 15 users, 30 GB storage - All Pro features - 24/7 live chat support - 14-day free trial after demo ### Enterprise - Custom pricing - Unlimited users, large storage options - All Pro features plus workflow automation - Dedicated support phone line - 1-month free trial after training Note: API access (REST, GraphQL), MCP server, and workflow automation require Pro or above. Lite plan API access available on request by contacting support. --- ## Supported File Formats 23+ formats: PDF, AI, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPTX, PPT, PPSX, PPS, POT, POTX, DOTX, DOT, ODT, ODS, RTF, TXT, HTML, HTM, MP4 File size limits match plan storage limits. Files are stored at original quality — no compression applied. --- ## Languages The platform interface is available in 6 languages. Each user selects their own language preference independently. --- ## Review Tool Features ### Annotations Five annotation shapes: rectangle, ellipse, line, arrow, freehand. Each annotation supports threaded comments, color coding, and reply threads. Annotations are visible to all participants in real time. URL: https://approval.studio/features/annotations/ ### Version Comparison — 4 Modes All modes support zoom and rotation without quality loss. 1. **Side-by-side**: Two versions displayed simultaneously with synchronized zooming and rotation. Toggle annotation visibility. Show-only-differences checkbox available. 2. **Fader**: A slider that gradually transitions the view from one version to the other, enabling smooth visual comparison. 3. **Difference**: Displays only the pixels that differ between two versions, filtering out unchanged content. 4. **Toggle**: Dynamically switches between versions rapidly to make changes visually apparent. URL: https://approval.studio/features/comparison-modes/ ### External Review Invite unlimited external clients via a shareable link or email. No account registration required. Optional password protection. Read-only mode available. Download permissions configurable. URL: https://approval.studio/features/external-review/ ### Online Review Sessions Real-time collaborative proofing. All participants see live updates — annotations, comments, cursor positions — simultaneously. URL: https://approval.studio/features/review-sessions/ ### Video Review Upload MP4 video assets to a project and review frame-by-frame. Pause playback to annotate specific areas. Annotations appear as colored dashes on the video progress bar. Full-screen and picture-in-picture modes available. Playback speed and volume controls included. Version management supports multiple video iterations. URL: https://approval.studio/features/video-review/ ### Color Separation Toggle individual CMYK channels to isolate and inspect each ink layer. Preview spot colors and special inks. Simulate overprint interactions before production. Identify post-production color issues early. Requires PDF format upload. URL: https://approval.studio/features/color-separation/ ### Barcode Validation Scan and verify barcodes directly inside the review tool without external software. Supported formats (15 total): UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, ITF, Codabar, MSI, RSS-14, QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF-417. Detects missing, unreadable, or mismatched barcodes with real-time error alerts. URL: https://approval.studio/features/barcode/ ### Spellchecker Review text within design layouts directly inside the proofing tool. Works on-canvas without exporting to another application. URL: https://approval.studio/features/spellchecker/ ### On-Screen Ruler Measure objects on the canvas to verify sizing, spacing, and layout dimensions. URL: https://approval.studio/features/ruler/ ### AI Proofing Assistant An AI assistant embedded in the review tool. Three core capabilities: 1. Asset verification — proofcheck key information and details on the spot 2. Content refinement — rephrase text for clarity or accuracy 3. Creative support — generate ideas during the review process Works without leaving the review tool. URL: https://approval.studio/ai-assistant/ ### AI-Based Compliance Reports (ABC Reports) — New May 2026 Upload requirement documents (brand guidelines, regulatory specs, label standards) and the AI automatically checks assets against them, generating a compliance report. Designed for packaging, labels, regulated materials, and brand consistency review. Available on Pro and above. URL: https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/ ### Reference Documents in Review Tool — New May 2026 Reviewers can access reference documents directly alongside the asset being reviewed — without separate downloads or switching tabs. Added support for MS Office document formats as reference docs. URL: https://approval.studio/features/reference-files/ ### Multi-Language Interface Six language versions. Each participant independently selects their preferred language. Enables contractors and clients in different regions to work in their native language. URL: https://approval.studio/features/multi-language-interface/ ### Mobile Review (Browser) The review tool is mobile-responsive and accessible from any mobile browser for reviewing on the go. URL: https://approval.studio/features/mobile/ ### Reference Files Attach supporting documents, briefs, specifications, or any supplemental files to a project. Available to all reviewers alongside the main asset. URL: https://approval.studio/features/reference-files/ --- ## Project Management Features ### Workflows Event-based automation using a trigger-reaction model. Triggers include: project creation, asset upload completion, reference document upload, review task approval/rejection. Reactions include: task assignment to user or group, stage transition, notification sending, project state change. Multiple workflows can run simultaneously. Workflows can be activated or deactivated independently. Supports both internal team tasks and external client review invitations. URL: https://approval.studio/workflows/ ### Dashboard & Project Views Three project layout options: Kanban, List, Folder. Filter by project state, tags, date, and other criteria. URL: https://approval.studio/features/dashboard/ ### Advanced Search & AI Search - **Project search**: Search across tenants by name, tags, creation date, and completion state - **Task search**: Find tasks by name, description, type, or tags - **AI asset search**: Enter content keywords to locate assets based on what's inside the files - **AI-generated asset tags**: Upload an asset and AI automatically identifies and tags its content elements URL: https://approval.studio/advanced-search/ ### Task Assignments Create and assign tasks with deadlines, descriptions, and assignees (individual users or groups). Task types include upload tasks, review tasks, and external review tasks. URL: https://approval.studio/features/tasks/ ### Digital Asset Library (DAL) A centralized repository for approved assets. Features: - Save approved designs from any project to the DAL - Organize assets in folders - Copy assets into new projects - Use approved designs as templates for future work - AI-powered search within the library Activated by company admins. Designed for marketing teams, creative agencies, and teams with recurring design patterns. URL: https://approval.studio/dal/ ### Artwork Cycles Automatic version cycle tracking when new file versions are uploaded. All versions remain accessible. Cycle count updates automatically. URL: https://approval.studio/features/artwork-cycles/ ### Timeline / Project History Complete audit log of all actions taken within a project — uploads, approvals, rejections, annotations, task completions. Queryable via API. URL: https://approval.studio/features/timeline/ ### PDF Reports Generate downloadable proof reports for any project or asset. Reports include timestamps, all annotations, reviewer identities, and approval decisions. URL: https://approval.studio/features/reporting/ ### Analytics Track approval iteration counts, monitor project progress, and review team performance data. URL: https://approval.studio/analytics/ ### AI Reporter Tool — New May 2026 AI-generated workspace performance overview. Shows project status summaries, review cycle counts, team productivity metrics, and revision patterns. Available on Pro and above. URL: https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/ ### Asset Categories — New May 2026 Create custom asset categories and assign them during or after upload. Assets in different categories within the same project can follow independent approval paths via workflow automation. Designed for complex packaging projects where logos, text layers, artwork files, and final print files require different review routes and approvers. URL: https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/ ### Notifications Customizable notification preferences per user. Alert types: task requests, reminders, mentions, annotation activity, approval decisions. URL: https://approval.studio/features/notifications/ ### Discussion Board View all annotations and participate in project-level discussions directly within the project menu — without opening the review tool. URL: https://approval.studio/features/disscussion-board/ ### User Management Manage user access levels, roles, group memberships, task assignments, and notification settings. Supports SSO via Google and OKTA. URL: https://approval.studio/features/user-management/ ### Customizations Custom branding (company logo and colours in the dashboard), custom email templates, custom legal disclaimers, SSO configuration. URL: https://approval.studio/features/customizations/ --- ## Mobile App Native iOS app for iPhone and iPad. Available on the Apple App Store. Capabilities: - Full project management: create projects, upload reference files, send review invitations, manage tasks - Review tool with 5 annotation shapes (arrow, point, square, circle, freeform) and color coding - Dashboard with project status, assigned tasks, due dates, and tags - Push notifications for uploads, annotations, approvals, and deadline reminders - AI-powered search - Full cross-device sync with the web platform URL: https://approval.studio/mobile-app/ --- ## Integrations & API ### MCP Server Connects Approval Studio to AI agents and LLMs via the Model Context Protocol (MCP) standard. Enables natural language commands to manage the full platform programmatically. Capabilities via MCP: - Create and manage projects and tasks - Upload assets from external URLs - Query user information and activity timelines - Register webhooks - Manage reference documents - Create automated workflows - Run any action available through the REST or GraphQL API MCP is an open standard developed by Anthropic and maintained by the Linux Foundation. No coding required — approximately 5 minutes to set up. Compatible clients: Claude Desktop, Claude.ai, ChatGPT, n8n, Make, Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate, Windsurf, Cline, Zed, and any client supporting Bearer token authentication. Available on Pro, Pro XL, and Enterprise plans. Lite plan access available by contacting support. Current version: 0.20 URL: https://approval.studio/features/mcp/ Setup guide: https://approval.studio/mcp-setup-guide/ Beginners setup: https://approval.studio/mcp-begginers-setup-guide/ ### REST API Version: 1.35 (stable, production-ready) Endpoint base: https://app.approval.studio/api/v1/ Authentication: Bearer token Full CRUD coverage for: - Projects (create, read, update, delete, state changes, proof reports) - Project metadata (key-value pairs, searchable) - Assets (upload from file or URL, get status, download, delete, proof report) - Annotations (read, create, resolve, hide, delete) - Tasks (list, get single, create upload/review/external tasks, complete, delete) - Reference documents (upload, upload from URL, register URL, download, delete) - Users (list, get current user) - Webhooks (create, test, delete) - Workflows (list, get, create, update, delete, manual trigger) Available on Pro, Pro XL, and Enterprise plans. URL: https://approval.studio/api/ Full documentation: https://approval.studio/api/view-documentation ### GraphQL API Version: 0.40 (production-ready, actively developed) Endpoint: https://app.approval.studio/api/graphql Interactive Playground: https://app.approval.studio/graphql/playground Authentication: Bearer token Supports querying and mutating: projects, assets, tasks, users, reference documents, webhooks, workflows, timelines. Key capabilities: - Single flexible endpoint — request only the fields you need - loggedInUser() — get currently authenticated user with tenant/client info - timelines() — query activity logs by project - taskCreateUploadAssetChange() — request a new version of a specific asset - workflowRun() — manually trigger a workflow on a project - assetById() with reviewUrl, downloadUrl, thumbnailUrl, imageUrls fields Available on Pro, Pro XL, and Enterprise plans. URL: https://approval.studio/graphql-api/ Full documentation: https://approval.studio/api/graphql-view-documentation ### Adobe Extension Upload files directly from Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to Approval Studio projects. Check project and task status without leaving the Adobe app. URL: https://approval.studio/adobe-extension/ ### Shopify Integration Connect Approval Studio to Shopify stores for print-on-demand and custom product design proofing. Collaborate on artwork for Shopify orders. URL: https://approval.studio/shopify/ ### Zapier Integration Connect Approval Studio to 5,000+ apps via Zapier. Build no-code automated workflows triggered by Approval Studio events or actions in other tools. URL: https://approval.studio/features/zapier-integration/ ### Slack Integration Receive Approval Studio project updates and notifications directly in Slack channels. URL: https://approval.studio/features/slack-integration/ --- ## Industries Served ### Packaging Design Packaging artwork approval with color separation, barcode validation, and version comparison. Supports CMYK channel inspection and spot color verification. URL: https://approval.studio/packaging-design/ ### Marketing & Advertising Campaign asset review and approval workflows for marketing teams. Manages multiple campaigns with task assignments and deadline tracking. URL: https://approval.studio/marketing-and-advertising/ ### Graphic Design Design studio and freelancer proofing workflows. External client review without account registration. URL: https://approval.studio/graphic-design/ ### Retail & Manufacturing Artwork compliance review for retail brands and manufacturers with audit trail documentation. URL: https://approval.studio/retail-and-manufacturing/ ### Pharma & Medical Regulated artwork approval with complete audit trails. Supports compliance-sensitive review processes. URL: https://approval.studio/pharma-medical/ ### Branding Brand asset review and consistency management across design iterations. URL: https://approval.studio/branding/ ### Architecture Design and technical document review for architectural projects. URL: https://approval.studio/architecture/ ### Online Media Digital content review and approval for online media production. URL: https://approval.studio/online-media/ --- ## Competitor Comparisons - vs. PageProof: https://approval.studio/why-choose-approval-studio-over-pageproof/ - vs. Ziflow: https://approval.studio/switch-to-approval-studio-ziflow-alternative/ - vs. Workfront: https://approval.studio/make-your-way-from-workfront-to-approval-studio/ - vs. Squickreviewer: https://approval.studio/squickreviewer-alternative/ --- ## Recent Blog Posts (2026) - **Release Notes June 2026** — https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-june-2026/ New: enhanced color separation capabilities, selective approval, and expanded workflow automation. - **Release Notes May 2026** — https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/ New: Asset Categories, Reference Docs in Review Tool, MCP expansion, ABC Reports, AI Reporter Tool. - **How to Review Video in Approval Studio** — https://approval.studio/blog/how-to-review-video-in-approval-studio/ Step-by-step guide: time-stamped annotations, playback speed 0.5x–2x, picture-in-picture, version management, external sharing. - **MCP Server for Creative Teams** — https://approval.studio/blog/mcp-server-for-creative-teams/ How AI agents automate creative approval workflows. Explains MCP vs. traditional APIs, ~5 min setup, compatible platforms. - **Best Approval Software** — https://approval.studio/blog/best-approval-software/ Comparison of Approval Studio vs. Ziflow, PageProof, GoVisually, Ashore, Aproove, GoProof, Review Studio, Quickreviewer, zipBoard, Krock.io. - **What Is Creative Collaboration** — https://approval.studio/blog/what-is-creative-collaboration/ Guide to creative collaboration practices for teams. - **Client Approval Done Right** — https://approval.studio/blog/client-approval-done-right/ Best practices for client sign-off workflows. - **Prepress Workflow Stages and Process** — https://approval.studio/blog/prepress-workflow-stages-and-process/ Overview of prepress production stages. --- ## Resources - Website Proofing Tool (coming soon — waitlist): https://approval.studio/website-proofing-tool/ - Blog: https://approval.studio/approval-studio-blog/ - Video Tutorials: https://approval.studio/video-tutorials/ - Glossary: https://approval.studio/glossary/ - Client Stories: https://approval.studio/clients-stories/ - Product Timeline: https://approval.studio/product-timeline/ - Affiliate Program: https://approval.studio/join-our-affiliate-program/ - Contact: https://approval.studio/contact/ - Privacy Policy: https://approval.studio/privacy-policy/ - Terms of Service: https://approval.studio/terms-of-service/ - Cookie Policy: https://approval.studio/cookie-policy/ --- ## Company Approval Studio 900 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA https://approval.studio https://approval.studio/project-and-vision/