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" (.125") bleed for all images and for any other items that touch the outer edges of the pages in your document.
  • Convert all type in any placed EPS files (such as Illustrator, FreeHand, or CorelDraw) to shapes.
  • Enable Snap to Guides and be very careful to ensure that all images are accurately placed. Pay special attention to the centers between any facing pages.

    Creating Bleed
  • Set your bleed in the Document Setup menu to 1/8” (.125”) on all four sides.

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

  •  Simply make certain that the image or graphic extends off the edge of the page to a distance of 1/8" (.125) wherever you want something to bleed.

Exporting PDF files from InDesign

1. When you have completed your document, checked all of the links, and set the bleeds to .125" simply go to the File menu and select Export.

File > Export

2. Then, navigate to where you want to save your PDF file (the Desktop in this example) and click Save.

3. In the General dialogue box this time you would select the PDF/X-1a:2001 option.

4. Next, select Marks and Bleeds. Here you will select crop marks and change their Offset to .125". Then set the bleed to .125”. If you have already set the document bleed to .125" under Document Setup then selecting Use Document Bleed Settings will fill this in for you.

Special Note: The Adobe PDF Preset selection now indicates (modified). This is because you have changed the settings for crops and bleeds. You may save these settings for use in the future by selecting Save Preset. We suggest that you use the same name and just add "with Crops  & Bleed" to make its purpose obvious.
Then click Export to save your PDF file.

When the Export window appears
• Enter a name for your file.
• Choose a location to save the PDF.
• Select Adobe PDF from the Format: dropdown.
• Click Save.

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

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