Approval Studio
Artwork approval software that takes designs from first draft to final sign-off
About Approval Studio
Approval Studio is an online artwork approval and design review platform for creative teams, agencies, packaging, and print businesses. Reviewers annotate files, compare versions side by side, and approve assets through automated workflows, and external clients can review via a short link without creating an account.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited external reviewers on every plan, and clients approve via a link without creating an account
- Automatic version comparison with four modes makes it easy to confirm every edit was applied
- Packaging-oriented checks (barcode scanner, spellchecker, color separation) that general proofing tools lack
- Strong review scores (4.8 on G2 and Capterra) with frequent praise for support
- Broad integration set including an Adobe CC extension, Figma, Shopify, and an MCP server
Cons
- Every plan starts at 5 seats (15 on Pro XL), so solo users pay for unused licenses
- Workflow automation and the AI tools are paid extras below the Enterprise plan
- Storage is tight at 5 GB on Lite and Pro
- Reviewers report onboarding takes time and teams may need training sessions
Key Features
Annotation tools
Five annotation shapes for marking up specific areas of a mockup, with resolve/hide controls and file attachments on comments.
4 compare modes
Automatically detects differences between file versions so reviewers can verify every requested edit was applied.
External reviews without accounts
Clients and stakeholders review and approve via a short link with no registration; external reviewers are unlimited on all plans.
Workflow automation
Routes each asset through custom multi-step approval workflows (an add-on on Lite, Pro, and Pro XL; included on Enterprise).
Barcode reader and spellchecker
Scans and verifies 15 barcode formats and checks copy inside the review tool, useful for packaging and labels.
Video and website proofing
Review video files and live websites (paste a URL) alongside static artwork in the same review tool.
Color separation
Check print color separations to catch post-production issues before files go to press.
Kanban project management
Custom Kanban boards, project history, user groups, and smart notifications for tracking reviews across projects.
AI tools and MCP server
Optional AI assistant, AI agent, and productivity reports as paid extras, plus an MCP server available on every plan.
Integrations
Adobe CC extension, Figma, Shopify, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Asana, Zapier, plus REST and GraphQL APIs.
Pricing
- 5 users included
- 5 GB storage
- Unlimited projects and external reviews
- 4 compare modes, video and website review
- Email support
- $60/mo billed annually
- 14-day free trial
- All Lite features
- 5 users included
- 5 GB storage
- Unlimited external uploads
- Spellchecker, ruler, barcode scanner, user tagging
- $160/mo billed annually
- All Pro features
- 15 users included
- 30 GB storage
- 24/7 live chat support
- $300/mo billed annually
- All Pro features
- Up to unlimited users
- Large storage options
- Workflow automation and custom domain included
- Dedicated support phone line
- 1-month free trial
Best For
Packaging and label approval
Brand and print teams verify artwork, barcodes, copy, and color separations before files go to production.
Agency client feedback
Agencies share proofs through a link so clients can annotate and approve without signing up.
Regulated content review
Medical and pharma teams keep an auditable approval history for compliance-sensitive materials.
Print-on-demand and Shopify stores
Custom product sellers send mockups for customer approval through the Shopify integration.
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