Adobe Illustrator

1. Create Artwork: Design your document to include any bleed by extending the artwork beyond the edge of the artboard.
2. Set Up Bleed: Go to File > Document Setup and set your bleed under the ‘Bleed’ settings (typically 0.125 inches on all sides).
3. Export: Go to File > Save As and choose ‘Adobe PDF’. In the PDF dialogue box, under ‘Marks and Bleeds’, select ‘Trim Marks’ and set the bleed to the document settings.
4. Save PDF: Click Save PDF after ensuring all settings are correct.

Adobe InDesign

1. Create Artwork: Layout your document including the bleed area.
2. Set Up Bleed: When creating a new document, set the bleed in the ‘New Document’ dialog box. If the document is already created, go to File > Document Setup and add bleed there.
3. Export: Go to File > Export and select ‘Adobe PDF (Print)’. Choose the preset ‘[High Quality Print]’, then go to ‘Marks and Bleeds’, select ‘All Printer’s Marks’ and use document bleed settings.
4. Save PDF: Confirm all settings and export.

QuarkXPress

1. Create Artwork: Design your document, allowing extra space for bleed as necessary.
2. Set Up Bleed: Go to Layout > Layout Properties, and set the bleed in the ‘Bleed’ section.
3. Export: Go to File > Export > Layout as PDF. Choose the appropriate PDF style, then click on ‘Options’, go to ‘Marks’ and choose ‘Crop Marks’. Also, check ‘Include Bleed’.
4. Save PDF: Adjust other settings as needed and export.

Canva

1. Create Artwork: Design your document, noting that Canva does not automatically allow for bleed settings.
2. Download with Bleed: When finished with your design, click on Share > Download, select ‘PDF Print’ as the file type, and check the option for ‘Crop marks and bleed’.
3. Save PDF: Download your file.

Microsoft Publisher

1. Create Artwork: Include your design elements extending into the area that will be your bleed.
2. Set Up Bleed: Go to Page Design > Page Setup, click on ‘Advanced’ and set the bleed there (usually 0.125 inches).
3. Export: Go to File > Export, select ‘Create PDF/XPS Document’ and click ‘Create PDF/XPS’. In the options, select ‘Commercial Press’ and ensure that PDF options include bleed.
4. Save PDF: Choose the location to save your PDF and export.

Go to: File Submission Guidelines | Go to: Creating a Bleed | Go to: File Upload