What is bleed ?

Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend to the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be built to the final trim size plus 1/8" (.125") extra on each side for the bleed. Example, if you are ordering an 8.5" x 11", the graphic image size should 8.75" x 11.25". When saving or exporting the file to PDF, make sure the file includes the extra area that you created.
If you are designing your project in Adobe software, Export Styles are a great way to store the settings to accomplish this.
Download this link: MAPL Adobe PDF Export Style ,decompress and install the settings in any Adobe application, to make it available in all of the applications of the suite.
Installation: From any Adobe Application go to the File > Adobe PDF Presets > Define menu, and click the "Load..." button. Navigate to the decompressed file that you downloaded to your computer, and click "Open". This will make a new choice in the "Adobe PDF Preset" drop down menu, named "MAPL_Printready" when you export your file to PDF.

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This site is provided for The Vision Council's members to order printed materials.