A method of predicting the performance of a printing press for a printing job includes preparing a first printing plate and securing the printing plate to a proofing device then adjusting the proofing device to optimize ink transfer from an anilox roll to the printing plate and from the printing plate to a substrate. An operator then prepares a printing proof on the substrate and evaluates the printing proof to predict the performance of a second printing plate on the printing press. The invention may also include a plate for printing that includes a printing press portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a printing press and a proofing portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a proofing tool that are separable.