Abstract: A portable manually operated flexographic proofer device is provided which comprises a base; a top plane, mounted on the base, on which a printing substrate is received and which has an aperture therein; a cylindrical drive roll, having an elastomer covering on the cylindrical surface thereof, mounted within the base so that a portion of the cylindrical surface thereof is exposed through the aperture in the top plate; a drive motor for the impression roll for providing rotation thereof at a constant speed; and a pivotable applicator unit which carries an aniulox cylinder and a transfer roller. In the operative position of the unit, the transfer roller exerts pressure on the portion of the drive roll exposed through the aperture in the top plate. A weight device of a calibrated weight is mounted on the applicator unit so that the pressure exerted by the transfer roller on the drive roll is substantially constant.