To add bleed to your document, you typically set the bleed values when you are creating a new file.
Bleed is the area outside the page content that gets trimmed after printing. Adding bleed ensures that your design extends to the edge of the finished page without any unprinted white space.
Here's how you can add bleed according to the provided reference:
When you are setting up a new document:
- Go to the File menu.
- Click New.
- Select the Bleed tab in the new document settings.
Once in the Bleed tab, the options available depend on whether you have the "Facing pages" option checked:
Setting Bleed Values
The bleed settings allow you to specify the margin size around your page content that will be included in the printed document before trimming.
For Single-Page Edges (Facing pages unchecked)
If you are creating a document with single pages (like flyers, posters, or books where each page is treated individually), you will set the bleed for each side:
- Set the Left bleed value.
- Set the Right bleed value.
- Set the Top bleed value.
- Set the Bottom bleed value.
You can set different values for each side if needed, though it's common practice to use the same value for all four sides unless specific design or binding requirements dictate otherwise.
For Two-Page Spread Edges (Facing pages checked)
If you are creating a document designed in spreads (like magazines, brochures, or books intended to be read with facing pages), you will set the bleed based on the spread layout:
- Set the Inner bleed value (the edge towards the spine).
- Set the Outer bleed value (the edge away from the spine).
- Set the Top bleed value.
- Set the Bottom bleed value.
This allows you to specify different bleed requirements for the edges that meet in the center versus the outside edges of the spread.
Here's a quick summary in a table:
| Scenario | Facing Pages Checked | Available Bleed Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Single Page Document | No | Left, Right, Top, Bottom |
| Two-Page Spread Document | Yes | Inner, Outer, Top, Bottom |
By setting these values in the Bleed tab when creating a new document, you define the bleed area essential for professional printing.
