# Approval Studio

> Approval Studio is cloud-based online proofing software for real-time design review and artwork approval. It combines annotation, version comparison, project management, AI assistance, and client collaboration in one auditable platform. Serving creative agencies, in-house marketing teams, packaging designers, and regulated industries worldwide.

Approval Studio centralises the design review-and-approval loop so teams catch errors early, reduce revision cycles, and get designs to market faster. External clients can review and comment without creating an account. All actions are logged for audit trails.

## Core Platform

- [Overview](https://approval.studio/): Online proofing platform combining annotation, version comparison, project management, AI assistance, and external client review. Supports 23+ file formats. Available in 6 languages.
- [Pricing](https://approval.studio/pricing/): Lite ($60/mo), Pro ($160/mo), Pro XL ($300/mo), Enterprise (custom). Annual billing saves 10%. All plans include a free trial.
- [Features Overview](https://approval.studio/features/): Complete list of all review tool, project management, and integration features.
- [Security](https://approval.studio/security/): Industry-standard security practices and data handling.
- [System Status](https://approval.studio/system-status/): Live uptime and incident information.

## Review Tool Features

- [Annotations](https://approval.studio/features/annotations/): 5 annotation shapes (rectangle, ellipse, line, arrow, freehand) with threaded comments and color coding.
- [Comparison Modes](https://approval.studio/features/comparison-modes/): 4 modes — Side-by-side (synchronized zoom), Fader (slider between versions), Difference (shows only changes), Toggle (dynamic switch). All support zoom and rotation.
- [External Review](https://approval.studio/features/external-review/): Invite unlimited clients via link or email. No account registration required. Optional password protection.
- [Online Review Sessions](https://approval.studio/features/review-sessions/): Real-time collaborative proofing with live updates visible to all participants.
- [Video Review](https://approval.studio/features/video-review/): Time-stamped annotations on video assets. Pause to annotate specific frames. Annotations appear as colored dashes on progress bar.
- [Color Separation](https://approval.studio/features/color-separation/): Toggle CMYK channels individually, preview spot colors and special inks, simulate overprint. PDF format required.
- [Barcode Validation](https://approval.studio/features/barcode/): Instantly scan and verify 15 barcode formats (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). No external tools needed.
- [Spellchecker](https://approval.studio/features/spellchecker/): Review text in design layouts directly within the proofing tool.
- [Ruler](https://approval.studio/features/ruler/): On-screen ruler to measure objects and verify sizing.
- [AI Proofing Assistant](https://approval.studio/ai-assistant/): In-tool AI assistant for asset verification, content rephrasing, and idea generation. Works without leaving the review tool.
- [AI-Based Compliance Reports (ABC Reports)](https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/): AI checks assets against uploaded requirement documents and generates compliance reports. Smart compliance assistant for packaging, labels, regulated materials, and brand guidelines. Pro and above.
- [Reference Documents in Review Tool](https://approval.studio/features/reference-files/): Reviewers access reference docs directly alongside the reviewed asset inside the review tool. Supports MS Office documents.
- [Multi-Language Interface](https://approval.studio/features/multi-language-interface/): 6 language versions — each participant selects their own preference.
- [Mobile Review](https://approval.studio/features/mobile/): Mobile-friendly review tool accessible from any browser on any device.
- [File Formats](https://approval.studio/features/various-file-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.

## Project Management Features

- [Workflows](https://approval.studio/workflows/): Event-based automation using trigger-reaction pairs. Automate task assignments, stage transitions, and notifications. Multiple workflows can run simultaneously.
- [Dashboard & Search](https://approval.studio/features/dashboard/): Kanban, List, and Folder project views with filtering by state, tags, and date.
- [Advanced Search](https://approval.studio/advanced-search/): Search projects, assets, and tasks by name, tags, content, or type. AI-powered asset search using content keywords. AI-generated asset tags on upload.
- [Task Assignments](https://approval.studio/features/tasks/): Create and delegate tasks with deadlines, descriptions, and assignees (individual or group).
- [Digital Asset Library (DAL)](https://approval.studio/dal/): Centralized hub for approved assets. Organize in folders, reuse across projects, copy approved files as templates.
- [Artwork Cycles](https://approval.studio/features/artwork-cycles/): Automatic cycle tracking when new versions are uploaded. All versions remain accessible.
- [Timeline / Project History](https://approval.studio/features/timeline/): Full audit log of all actions within a project.
- [PDF Reports](https://approval.studio/features/reporting/): Downloadable proof reports with timestamps and all annotations.
- [Analytics](https://approval.studio/analytics/): Track approval iterations and monitor project progress.
- [AI Reporter Tool](https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/): AI-generated workspace performance overview — project status, review cycles, team productivity metrics, and revision patterns. Pro and above.
- [Asset Categories](https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/): Create custom categories assignable to assets during or after upload. Assets in different categories can follow independent approval paths via workflow automation within a single project.
- [Notifications](https://approval.studio/features/notifications/): Customizable alerts for task requests, reminders, mentions, and annotations.
- [Discussion Board](https://approval.studio/features/disscussion-board/): View and reply to annotations and project chat within the project menu.
- [User Management](https://approval.studio/features/user-management/): Manage access levels, roles, task assignments, and notification settings.
- [Customizations](https://approval.studio/features/customizations/): Custom branding, emails, disclaimers, and SSO (Google, OKTA).

## Mobile App

- [Mobile App](https://approval.studio/mobile-app/): Native iOS app (iPhone and iPad) on the App Store. Full project management, review tool with 5 annotation shapes, push notifications, and cross-device sync.

## Integrations & API

- [MCP Server](https://approval.studio/features/mcp/): Model Context Protocol server enabling AI agents and LLMs to manage Approval Studio via natural language. Open standard by Anthropic, maintained by Linux Foundation. Compatible with Claude Desktop, Claude.ai, ChatGPT, n8n, Make, Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate, Windsurf, Cline, Zed. No coding required — ~5 min setup. Available on Pro and above.
- [MCP Setup Guide](https://approval.studio/mcp-setup-guide/): Step-by-step MCP server configuration guide.
- [MCP Beginners Setup Guide](https://approval.studio/mcp-begginers-setup-guide/): Simplified MCP onboarding for non-technical users.
- [REST API](https://approval.studio/api/): v1.35 — stable production API. Full CRUD for projects, assets, annotations, tasks, users, webhooks, workflows, and reference documents. Available on Pro and above.
- [GraphQL API](https://approval.studio/graphql-api/): v0.40 — production-ready flexible query interface. Single endpoint. Interactive Playground at app.approval.studio/graphql/playground. Available on Pro and above.
- [Adobe Extension](https://approval.studio/adobe-extension/): Upload files and manage projects from Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- [Shopify Integration](https://approval.studio/shopify/): Proof print-on-demand and custom product designs within Shopify orders.
- [Zapier Integration](https://approval.studio/features/zapier-integration/): Connect to 5,000+ apps with no-code automation templates.
- [Slack Integration](https://approval.studio/features/slack-integration/): Receive project updates and notifications in Slack channels.

## Solutions by Use Case

- [Online Proofing Tool](https://approval.studio/online-proofing-tool/): Core online proofing platform overview.
- [Team Collaboration](https://approval.studio/team-collaboration/): Internal team review workflows and task management.
- [Client Collaboration](https://approval.studio/client-collaboration/): External client proofing without account registration.
- [Review Process Solution](https://approval.studio/review-process-solution/): End-to-end design review and approval process.
- [Project Management](https://approval.studio/project-management/): Project organisation, task assignment, and progress tracking.
- [Workflow Solutions](https://approval.studio/workflow-solutions/): Automated workflow design and management.
- [Marketing Approval Software](https://approval.studio/marketing-approval-software/): Marketing asset review and sign-off workflows.
- [Packaging Artwork Management](https://approval.studio/packaging-artwork-management/): Artwork approval for packaging with compliance and colour tools.
- [Design Approval Decision-Making](https://approval.studio/design-approval-decision-making/): Structured approval controls and sign-off methods.
- [Website Proofing Tool](https://approval.studio/website-proofing-tool/): Online proofing for live websites — coming soon; join the waitlist.

## Industries

- [Packaging Design](https://approval.studio/packaging-design/): Artwork approval for consumer goods and packaging projects.
- [Marketing & Advertising](https://approval.studio/marketing-and-advertising/): Campaign asset review and approval for marketing teams.
- [Graphic Design](https://approval.studio/graphic-design/): Design studio and freelancer proofing workflows.
- [Retail & Manufacturing](https://approval.studio/retail-and-manufacturing/): Artwork compliance for retail brands and manufacturers.
- [Pharma & Medical](https://approval.studio/pharma-medical/): Regulated artwork approval with full audit trails.
- [Branding](https://approval.studio/branding/): Brand asset review and consistency management.
- [Architecture](https://approval.studio/architecture/): Design and document review for architectural projects.
- [Online Media](https://approval.studio/online-media/): Digital content review and approval.

## Competitor Comparisons

- [vs. PageProof](https://approval.studio/why-choose-approval-studio-over-pageproof/): Why teams switch from PageProof to Approval Studio.
- [vs. Ziflow](https://approval.studio/switch-to-approval-studio-ziflow-alternative/): Approval Studio as a Ziflow alternative.
- [vs. Workfront](https://approval.studio/make-your-way-from-workfront-to-approval-studio/): Migration guide from Workfront to Approval Studio.
- [vs. Squickreviewer](https://approval.studio/squickreviewer-alternative/): Approval Studio as a Squickreviewer alternative.

## Resources

- [Blog](https://approval.studio/approval-studio-blog/): Articles on design review, proofing workflows, packaging, and creative collaboration.
- [Release Notes June 2026](https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-june-2026/): Enhanced color separation, selective approval, and expanded workflow automation.
- [Release Notes May 2026](https://approval.studio/blog/release-notes-may-2026/): Asset Categories, Reference Docs in Review Tool, MCP expansion, ABC Reports, AI Reporter Tool.
- [How to Review Video](https://approval.studio/blog/how-to-review-video-in-approval-studio/): Step-by-step guide to video review in Approval Studio.
- [MCP Server for Creative Teams](https://approval.studio/blog/mcp-server-for-creative-teams/): How AI agents automate creative approval workflows via MCP.
- [Best Approval Software](https://approval.studio/blog/best-approval-software/): Comparison of top creative approval tools including Ziflow, PageProof, GoVisually, Ashore, Aproove, and others.
- [Video Tutorials](https://approval.studio/video-tutorials/): How-to videos for platform features.
- [Glossary](https://approval.studio/glossary/): Definitions of key terms in design approval and proofing.
- [Client Stories](https://approval.studio/clients-stories/): Customer case studies and testimonials.
- [Product Timeline](https://approval.studio/product-timeline/): Approval Studio's development history and milestones.
- [Affiliate Program](https://approval.studio/join-our-affiliate-program/): Partner and referral program information.
- [Contact](https://approval.studio/contact/): Sales and support contact. 900 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
- [Privacy Policy](https://approval.studio/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Service](https://approval.studio/terms-of-service/)
- [Cookie Policy](https://approval.studio/cookie-policy/)