Resources

Setting Up Your Print File

Below are some examples of how to set up your print file so that it’s easiest for us to get the best quality for your prints.

What is Bleed?

Bleeds are any elements that run off the edge of the print area and beyond the trim line.

Bleed_businessCard

What is Safe Zone?

Safe zone is .25″ gap between the artwork and trim line.

Adding bleeds to your document

For this tutorial, we are going to create a standard business card design (3.5in x 2in) with bleed.

Before

bs_nobleeds

After

bs_withbleeds

Adding Bleeds with Design Software

Adobe Illustrator

  1. Open Illustrator and click File > New…

  2. Under bleed, enter .125″ bleed dimensions on each sides

  3. Make sure to set the Color Mode to CMYK

  4. Set Raster Effect at High (300ppi)

    Setting up file with bleeds

  5. Click OK

    illustrator_bleeds

Adobe InDesign

  1. Open InDesign and click File > New…

  2. Set your document size

  3. Under Margin, enter .25″ on each side (this will be your Safe Zone guide)

  4. Under Bleed and Slug, enter .125″ on each side

    adding bleeds in indesign

  5. Click OK

    inDesign_bleeds

Adobe Photoshop

  1. Open Photoshop and click File > New…

  2. Set your document size. In this case it will be Width: 3.5 and Height: 2

    newDoc_bleedsPS

  3. Make sure that rulers are displayed. Under View > Rulers

  4. Click on the ruler and drag a guide to the edge of the document

    newDoc_bleedsPS2

  5. Click Image > Canvas Size, enter Width: 3.75 and Height: 2.25

    newDoc_bleedsPS3

  6. Click OK

    photoshop_bleeds

Templates

Click on the template size(s) that you would like to download (in .eps format).

Envelopes

Digital Envelopes

6 x 9 Booklet open on 9 Front
6 x 9 Booklet open on 9 Back
6 x 9 Booklet open on 6 Front
6 x 9 Booklet open on 6 Back
A7 5.25 x 7.25 Back
A7 5.25 x 7.25 Front

Offset Envelopes

5.25 x 7 A7
9 x 12 Catalog
9.5 x 4.125 Window Canada
9.5 x 4.125 Window US

Best Print Shop in Calgary

Minuteman Press Beltline is one of the leading printing companies in Calgary, providing all the printing and graphic services you need. We produce the best business cards, banners, vehicle wraps, stationary, postcards, posters, flyers, brochures, signs, custom-printed promotional products, and comprehensive direct mail services, plus a vast array of additional printing services.

Your best choice for printing in Calgary is Minuteman Press Beltline! We offer among the largest selections of papers, card stocks, and other printing materials for you to choose from. These include recycled paper, coated & uncoated bond, photographic paper, high gloss, matte, vinyl, and carbonless, plus an exclusive selection of fine stationery and specialty papers in every colour of the rainbow. Our talented and experienced graphic design team can work with virtually any file you send, or design your project from the ground up.