Setting up your files for success is important when you want your print looking great for every project you submit. Two important ways to do that is to set bleeds and add crop marks to your print files.

Bleed In the print world, bleed is referring to objects or images touching the edge of the page, extending past the trimmed edge leaving no white margins behind. Documents are printed on larger paper and then trimmed down to the final size you intend it to be.

Before you start your design project, add a .125” (3mm) bleed to your document so you know how much your artwork needs to extend. You don’t want to design your document at actual size because when bleed needs to be added the document will need to be scaled up in order to reach the bleed size, possibly cutting off important elements of your design, so always add bleed first.

Crop Marks Crop marks are short lines around the corners of your document indicating where the edge of your final document size should be trimmed.
Crop marks should be added to print files whether there’s bleed or not. This helps with guaranteeing final trim size and alignment. And if you have bleed, then you need crop marks to trim off the extra sides to give you the edge-to-edge print.

Bonus: Safe Zone The safe zone is the space, at least .125” (3mm), inside from the trimmed edge of the document. Important information shouldn’t be outside this space to reduce the risk of being clipped when trimmed. Be sure to add guides or margin lines so you know if you are outside this zone.

How to add bleed and crop marks in Adobe InDesign:
From the New Document prompt, scroll down to find the Bleed settings section.



Exporting your finished document for print, go to File > Print > Name your document and be sure to change the "Save type as" as "Adobe PDF (Print)" and hit Save. The export prompt will show next. Make your way to "Marks and Bleeds". Check "Crop Marks" and type in your bleed values below. If you already set your bleed at the beginning, save time by clicking "Use Document Bleed Settings" and they will auto-populate but be sure they're correct before hitting "Export."




How to add bleed and crop marks in Adobe Illustrator:
From the New Document prompt, right under the document size, is a section for Bleed settings.



To save your document for print, go to File > "Save As..." or "Save a Copy..." > Name your document and be sure to change the "Save type as" as "Adobe PDF" and hit Save. The export prompt will show next. Make your way to "Marks and Bleeds". Check "Trim Marks" and type in your bleed values below. If you already set your bleed at the beginning, save time by clicking "Use Document Bleed Settings" and they will auto-populate but be sure they're correct before hitting "Save PDF."



Remember to always send us print-ready art with Crop Marks and Bleed included. This will eliminate the chance for any speed bumps when your document goes to print. Have any questions about this topic? Just reach out to NorthPoint and let the experts guide you through!