Confused about bleeds

[gcbryson]

Hi

Apologies if this has been asked before. I am a newbie and using InDesign CS2 on Windows XP. I am producing a single sided flyer which contains graphics that go right up to the edge of the page. I have been told that in this instance I should create a bleed at the point of setting up a new document. But someone else told me that I should extend the graphics into the pasteboard. Now I'm a bit confusedand would welcome any help, suggestions, tips or anything.

May thanks

George

 

[rossmcd]

Hi there

Welcome to Indesign!

Bleed area is essential for artwork that touches the edge of the document. Bleed area need not be set when the document is created, it can be added or altered thereafter. So don't worry! I've got comments below - given that you've just started to use Indesign then comments are reasonably descriptive.

Im a mac user so cannot be exact with guidance...but bleed settings are found in file/document setup (or similar). you may have to select 'more options' button. bleed area is input in this window.

bleed area varies by print firm so I'd strongly recommend that you ask the printer for the size of bleed that they require - but it will likely be 3mm to 5mm around all four edges of the one-page flyer that you are designing.

after you enter the bleed setting (e.g. 3mm on each side) then when you go back to Indesign - and assuming that you are in 'normal' mode - then you will see a thin red line surrounding your artwork.

now the important bits

(a) all images or background colour that you wish to touch the edge of the paper should extend to the red line (i.e. the bleed line).

(b) when you prepare artwork for printer (e.g. export PDF as press) then make extra sure that 'use document bleed settings' is highlighted in export window. so if your flyer is 100mm x 150mm and bleed is 3mm then your PDF document should be 106mm x 156mm.

good luck
ross

http://www.flyingstart.biz

 

[gcbryson]

Hi Ross - that was extremely helpful. I suspected that was what I was supposed to do, but need a bit of reassurance that I was doing the right thing.

Again, thanks

George