Quick Overview
- 1#1: Ziflow - Automates creative proofing workflows with version control, annotations, and stakeholder approvals.
- 2#2: Frame.io - Provides cloud-based review and collaboration for video, images, and creative assets in real-time.
- 3#3: Filestage - Streamlines visual proofing and approval for marketing, video, and creative teams.
- 4#4: ProofHQ - Enables online proofing of creative assets with comments, decisions, and automated notifications.
- 5#5: GoVisually - Offers visual feedback and proofing tools for designers to collect client approvals efficiently.
- 6#6: ReviewStudio - Delivers online proofing for PDFs, videos, and images with customizable workflows.
- 7#7: Hightail - Supports secure file sharing and creative review with annotations and version tracking.
- 8#8: ProofHub - Combines project management with file proofing and approval features for teams.
- 9#9: Wrike - Work management platform with integrated proofing, redlining, and approval workflows.
- 10#10: Figma - Collaborative design tool featuring commenting, branching, and prototype review capabilities.
We evaluated tools based on feature robustness (annotations, real-time collaboration, automation), user experience, and practical value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of design, marketing, and video teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key features, collaboration capabilities, and user experiences of popular creative proofing software, including Ziflow, Frame.io, Filestage, ProofHQ, GoVisually, and more. Readers will discover how to select the tool best suited to their workflows, whether focused on streamlining feedback, enhancing team collaboration, or supporting rapid review processes in design, video, and marketing projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ziflow Automates creative proofing workflows with version control, annotations, and stakeholder approvals. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Frame.io Provides cloud-based review and collaboration for video, images, and creative assets in real-time. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Filestage Streamlines visual proofing and approval for marketing, video, and creative teams. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | ProofHQ Enables online proofing of creative assets with comments, decisions, and automated notifications. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | GoVisually Offers visual feedback and proofing tools for designers to collect client approvals efficiently. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | ReviewStudio Delivers online proofing for PDFs, videos, and images with customizable workflows. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Hightail Supports secure file sharing and creative review with annotations and version tracking. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | ProofHub Combines project management with file proofing and approval features for teams. | other | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Wrike Work management platform with integrated proofing, redlining, and approval workflows. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Figma Collaborative design tool featuring commenting, branching, and prototype review capabilities. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
Automates creative proofing workflows with version control, annotations, and stakeholder approvals.
Provides cloud-based review and collaboration for video, images, and creative assets in real-time.
Streamlines visual proofing and approval for marketing, video, and creative teams.
Enables online proofing of creative assets with comments, decisions, and automated notifications.
Offers visual feedback and proofing tools for designers to collect client approvals efficiently.
Delivers online proofing for PDFs, videos, and images with customizable workflows.
Supports secure file sharing and creative review with annotations and version tracking.
Combines project management with file proofing and approval features for teams.
Work management platform with integrated proofing, redlining, and approval workflows.
Collaborative design tool featuring commenting, branching, and prototype review capabilities.
Ziflow
specializedAutomates creative proofing workflows with version control, annotations, and stakeholder approvals.
Decision Tree workflows that intelligently automate routing and approvals based on rules, roles, and conditions
Ziflow is a leading cloud-based creative proofing platform that enables marketing, agency, and creative teams to review, annotate, and approve digital assets like images, videos, PDFs, and interactive content in real-time. It streamlines workflows with automated routing, version control, and collaborative commenting, reducing approval cycles significantly. With robust integrations to tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, and Jira, Ziflow ensures seamless collaboration across stakeholders.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for virtually any file type, including high-res videos and interactive prototypes with pixel-perfect annotations
- Advanced automation via Decision Tree workflows for complex, conditional approvals
- Excellent integrations with creative suites, DAMs, and communication tools for end-to-end efficiency
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for very small teams or freelancers
- Steeper learning curve for highly customized workflows
- Advanced reporting and analytics require higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-to-large creative agencies, marketing teams, and brands managing high-volume, multi-stakeholder creative reviews and approvals.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $39/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials, up to custom Enterprise pricing; free trial available.
Frame.io
specializedProvides cloud-based review and collaboration for video, images, and creative assets in real-time.
Frame-accurate commenting that pins feedback directly to specific video frames or timecodes for unparalleled precision in reviews
Frame.io is a cloud-based video collaboration and review platform tailored for creative teams, allowing seamless uploading, sharing, and feedback on video assets with precise, time-stamped comments. It excels in creative proofing by providing version control, customizable review workflows, and approval processes to streamline iterations. Integrated deeply with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, it eliminates the need for cumbersome file transfers, making remote collaboration efficient.
Pros
- Frame-accurate, timecode-based commenting for precise feedback
- Seamless integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud and other NLEs
- Robust version control, approvals, and customizable workflows
Cons
- Primarily optimized for video, less ideal for static assets like images or documents
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high storage needs
- Dependent on stable internet for optimal performance
Best For
Video production teams, post-production houses, and agencies needing efficient, precise creative review and approval workflows.
Pricing
Free plan with limits; Pro at $15/user/month (billed annually, 250GB storage); Team at $25/user/month (2TB+ storage); Enterprise custom pricing.
Filestage
specializedStreamlines visual proofing and approval for marketing, video, and creative teams.
Parallel proofing, enabling multiple reviewers to comment simultaneously on the same version without conflicts or confusion.
Filestage is a cloud-based creative proofing platform that enables teams to upload, review, annotate, and approve files like images, videos, PDFs, audio, and web pages in a centralized workspace. It facilitates collaborative feedback with features such as time-coded comments, customizable approval workflows, and version tracking to streamline the creative review process. Designed for marketing, agencies, and production teams, it integrates seamlessly with tools like Slack, Jira, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of file formats including video with precise time-coded annotations
- Customizable workflows and parallel reviewing for efficient team collaboration
- Strong integrations with creative and project management tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Free plan has limitations on projects and storage
- Occasional lag with very large video files during review
Best For
Marketing teams, creative agencies, and production houses needing streamlined multi-format proofing and approval workflows.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at €29/user/month (billed annually), Business at €49/user/month, Enterprise custom.
ProofHQ
specializedEnables online proofing of creative assets with comments, decisions, and automated notifications.
Frame-accurate video proofing with timestamped comments and scrubber controls
ProofHQ is a cloud-based online proofing platform tailored for creative teams to review, annotate, and approve digital assets like PDFs, images, videos, and interactive content. It enables collaborative feedback through precise inline comments, decision tracking, and version comparisons, streamlining the approval process. The tool offers customizable workflows, reporting, and integrations with design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros
- Wide support for creative file types including high-res images and videos
- Threaded commenting and decision tracking for efficient collaboration
- Custom workflows and detailed reporting for enterprise use
Cons
- Interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Initial setup and integrations can require technical expertise
Best For
Mid-sized creative agencies and marketing teams managing complex, multi-stage proofing for diverse digital assets.
Pricing
Starts at around $39/user/month for standard plans, with custom enterprise pricing upon request.
GoVisually
specializedOffers visual feedback and proofing tools for designers to collect client approvals efficiently.
Direct web URL proofing with pixel-perfect annotations on live sites
GoVisually is an online proofing platform tailored for creative teams to streamline visual reviews and approvals for designs, websites, videos, and documents. It enables precise annotations, comments, and version comparisons directly on assets, reducing email back-and-forth. The tool supports collaborative workflows with customizable templates and integrations for seamless team feedback.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick proof setup
- Versatile support for images, PDFs, web URLs, and videos
- Strong version control and side-by-side comparisons
Cons
- Limited automation and workflow rules compared to enterprise tools
- Integrations are basic (e.g., Slack, Jira) without deeper API options
- Per-user pricing scales expensively for large teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized creative agencies or marketing teams seeking simple, visual-first proofing without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Starter, up to 3 users), $99/month (Pro, up to 10 users), $199/month (Plus, unlimited users); 14-day free trial, enterprise custom.
ReviewStudio
specializedDelivers online proofing for PDFs, videos, and images with customizable workflows.
Pinpoint™ annotations that allow pixel-precise marking and measurements on images, videos, and interactive proofs
ReviewStudio is a cloud-based creative proofing platform tailored for design, marketing, and advertising teams to collaborate on reviewing images, videos, PDFs, web pages, and motion graphics. It offers pinpoint annotations, version comparisons, threaded comments, and customizable approval workflows to streamline feedback and approvals. The tool supports unlimited reviewers without accounts, making it easy to gather stakeholder input efficiently.
Pros
- Precise Pinpoint annotations for exact feedback on visuals and videos
- Supports a wide range of file formats including motion graphics and web proofs
- Intuitive interface with quick stakeholder invites and no account required
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features may not suit very small teams
- Limited native integrations compared to top competitors like Ziflow
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized creative agencies and marketing teams needing pixel-perfect proofing and collaborative approvals on diverse digital assets.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (billed annually) for Pro plan; Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Hightail
otherSupports secure file sharing and creative review with annotations and version tracking.
Spaces: Dedicated project folders with built-in proofing tools for annotations and approvals
Hightail is a cloud-based file sharing and collaboration platform tailored for creative professionals, enabling secure upload and sharing of large files like videos, images, and design documents. It supports creative proofing through rich media previews without downloads, threaded comments, annotations, and approval workflows within organized Spaces. Ideal for teams managing review cycles on creative assets with version tracking and permissions.
Pros
- High-quality previews for creative files (e.g., Adobe formats, video streaming)
- Secure sharing with granular permissions and link expiration
- Organized Spaces for project-based collaboration and proofing
Cons
- Dated interface compared to modern competitors
- Limited integrations with creative tools like Adobe Creative Cloud
- Storage and bandwidth limits on lower-tier plans
Best For
Creative agencies and marketing teams handling large file reviews and approvals.
Pricing
Pro ($15/user/mo), Teams ($25/user/mo), Business (custom); 14-day free trial.
ProofHub
otherCombines project management with file proofing and approval features for teams.
Flat pricing with unlimited users, making it cost-effective for growing teams without per-user fees
ProofHub is an all-in-one project management platform with built-in proofing tools tailored for reviewing creative assets like designs, PDFs, images, and videos. It enables teams to upload files, add precise annotations, comments with @mentions, version comparisons, and streamlined approval workflows. While versatile for collaborative teams, its proofing features shine in structured review processes integrated with task management and file sharing.
Pros
- Unlimited users and projects on a flat-rate plan
- Robust annotation tools including drawing and version comparison
- Seamless integration with project management and team chat
Cons
- Dated interface compared to modern creative tools
- Lacks advanced features like video timelines or AI-assisted proofing
- Limited integrations with specialized design software
Best For
Small to medium teams needing proofing embedded in broader project management workflows.
Pricing
Flat rate of $89/month (billed annually) or $119/monthly for unlimited users/projects, 100GB storage, with add-ons for more storage.
Wrike
enterpriseWork management platform with integrated proofing, redlining, and approval workflows.
In-task proofing with redline version comparisons and automated workflows from feedback
Wrike is a comprehensive work management platform with built-in proofing tools tailored for creative review workflows. It enables teams to upload creative assets like images, PDFs, and videos for collaborative markup, annotations, version comparisons, and streamlined approvals. While powerful for integrated project tracking, its proofing features support real-time feedback and task automation directly from comments.
Pros
- Robust proofing for multiple formats including video with pixel-level annotations
- Seamless integration of proofing into broader project management workflows
- Real-time collaboration with @mentions, tasks from comments, and approval automation
Cons
- Proofing feels secondary to its core PM focus, lacking some specialized creative tools
- Steeper learning curve due to feature-rich interface
- Full proofing requires higher-tier plans, reducing value for proofing-only users
Best For
Creative teams in mid-sized agencies needing proofing combined with project management.
Pricing
Free plan limited; Pro at $9.80/user/mo (annual), Business $24.80/user/mo with advanced proofing, Enterprise custom.
Figma
creative_suiteCollaborative design tool featuring commenting, branching, and prototype review capabilities.
Real-time collaborative commenting on interactive prototypes
Figma is a cloud-based collaborative design platform that supports creative proofing through real-time commenting, annotations, and prototype sharing for feedback on UI/UX designs. It enables teams to review iterations, track changes via version history, and collaborate seamlessly without needing additional tools. While primarily a design tool, its proofing features make it suitable for design-centric workflows involving vector-based assets and interactive prototypes.
Pros
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration for instant feedback
- Intuitive commenting and annotation directly on designs
- Robust version history and branching for iteration tracking
Cons
- Limited native support for video, raster images, or complex media proofing
- Lacks advanced approval workflows and redlining compared to dedicated tools
- Performance can lag with very large files or many collaborators
Best For
Design teams and agencies proofing UI/UX prototypes and vector graphics within an integrated design environment.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Professional at $12/editor/month (billed annually); Organization at $45/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 creative proofing tools, Ziflow leads as the top choice, excelling in automated workflows, version control, and stakeholder approvals. Frame.io and Filestage follow closely—Frame.io for real-time collaboration across video and images, and Filestage for streamlined marketing and creative team processes—each offering distinct strengths to match varying needs. Regardless of specific requirements, these tools stand out as leading solutions for efficient proofing.
Discover the power of seamless collaboration and approval with Ziflow; start your free trial to transform how your team approves creative work today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison