Print Artwork Guide: Bleed, CMYK & PDF Setup

A print PDF needs to match the product you selected. Use the correct template first, then check dimensions, bleed, colour and page order before uploading.

1. Set the finished size first

The finished size is the size after trimming. Bleed is additional artwork outside that boundary. For an A5 flyer with a finished size of 148 × 210 mm and a required 3 mm bleed on every edge, the artwork area including bleed is 154 × 216 mm.

This is an example for a flyer requiring 3 mm bleed. Banners, folded products, packaging and other templates can have different allowances. Follow the requirements for your selected product rather than applying one setting to everything.

2. Extend backgrounds into the bleed

A background colour or image that reaches the edge of the finished print should continue into the required bleed area. Adding a white border to increase the page size does not create useful image bleed. Keep important text, logos and QR codes safely inside the trim boundary using the template's safe area.

3. Check colour for print

Use the colour settings and output profile requested for the product. CMYK is commonly preferred for commercial print, while screen artwork is often RGB. Converting colour can change its appearance, so review the exported PDF rather than relying only on the design application's canvas. Ask us before ordering if a colour match is critical.

4. Export a print PDF

In Adobe InDesign, use a print PDF export and review the Marks and Bleeds settings. Include document bleed and only the printer's marks requested by the artwork instructions. Check that fonts are available and licensed, images are linked correctly and the page count is right.

For double-sided flat print, check which PDF pages represent the front and back. Publications and folded artwork need their own page-order and cover instructions. Do not add a guessed spine width to a book cover.

5. Open the exported file and check it

• Confirm finished dimensions, page count and orientation.
• Check spelling, prices, dates, phone numbers and web addresses.
• Test QR codes at the size they will be printed.
• Review image detail at the intended output size.
• Check that backgrounds extend into the required bleed.

A technical check does not replace checking the content. Follow the upload requirements shown on the product page and contact Beacon if you are unsure about a specialised template.

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