Document Setup Basics

All pages of your black & white or color book must be one file in sequential order. No page spreads.

• Set your layout page size to to match your final individual page size.  Do not use an oversize page as a pasteboard.
  
• Make certain that you have provided that 1/8" bleed for all images and for any other items that touch the outer edges of the pages in your document.
  
• Enable Snap to Guides and be very careful to ensure that all images are accurately placed.
  
• Use the CMYK Color Mode when setting up your document.
  
• Save your working document as an AI file. Then, convert all type to shapes and save this copy of the file as an EPS file.
  
  Creating Bleed
  Set your bleed in the Document Setup menu to 1/8” (.125”) on all four sides.
  

Saving Your File as a PDF

1. Menu > File > Save As . . .  

2. Select Format: Adobe PDF (pdf) and name your file.

3. Select the PDF/X-1a:2001 Adobe PDF Preset. If you don't already have this as a preset simply set your settings to match all of the settings that you see in the next two screenshots and then click the Save Preset button and you'll always have them available with just one click. If you have already saved the preset your settings should already be set up correctly. Just make sure they match the settings shown in steps 3 and 4.

4. Select Marks and Bleeds in the left column. Check the Trim Marks box set the Trim Marks to .25 pt with an Offset value of .125". Set the Bleeds values at .125" for each side.

Tip: Click the chain symbol on the right to make all four sides the same value.

5. If you have already saved the PDF/X-1a:2001 preset you are ready to click Save PDF to save your file. If not, first select Save Preset to retain your settings and then proceed on to Save PDF.