Techniques for providing accurate output measurement and calibration in soft proofing systems incorporate one or more features to promote controlled viewing conditions. For example, a soft proofing system is described in which an administator can control the proofing process by limiting or restricting the ability to view an image until acceptable viewing conditions have been met. For example, the ability to view the image can be restricted until the viewing station has been calibrated using a calibration device known to support calibration of the viewing station to less than or equal to a maximum of error. With controlled viewing conditions and, more particularly, controlled calibration conditions, the soft proof reviewers obtain more uniform output. In this manner, the system can provide safeguards to ensure that the images viewed at the viewing station have acceptable color accuracy.