File Preparation for Printing

Common Print Terms Explained

When preparing files for print, there are a few terms we toss around in conversation all the time that you should know. Bleed, trim size, crop marks, and binding are common topics in the printing process and we want you to learn about them!

• The trim size is the final size you want your printed piece to be. You create a file that size in InDesign or another page layout program. In the sample image, the trim is shown as a black keyline. (Your art will not have that keyline at the trim edge.)
• The bleed is the art that is extending outside of the trim area. We usually print on a larger sheet and trim it down afterward. The bleed ensures no white edges are showing on your final piece where you had images going to the edge. To create bleeds, place images and other elements outside of the trim edge on your document. In the sample image, we highlighted the bleed with a pink keyline.

• Crop marks (or crops) are the marks you see on the outer edges of the sample image, which guide your printer on where to trim the project after printing. These are generated automatically when you export your file and ask for crop marks.

• Binding is the method we will finish your work off with when a multi-page project is printed. We commonly 3-hole drill (for a ring binder), saddle-stitch, corner staple, coil (spiral bind), tape bind, or perfect bind packets, books, and newsletters. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on your specs. Speak with your CSR to determine the best binding method for your project.
• Packaging a file: When using InDesign, you can collect all of the fonts and linked images into one folder to be zipped and sent to us for processing. Packaging a file includes the opportunity to include a PDF file too — make sure your settings in the PDF Export process include crops and bleeds for us to use that file for production.

• Soft Proof: Many times, files are proofed out using PDFs on the computer screen instead of printing a proof on an output device. Screen proofs are commonly referred to as “soft proofs” and once you approve your art on the screen we will generate a hardcopy proof at the final device and inspect it internally before proceeding with the full press run.

• An Indicia is used for mailing projects in bulk (200+ pieces) through a mail vendor. DPPS currently partners with United Mailing Services (UMS) and uses their indicia on mailings. Go to https://printing.wisc.edu/mailing/ for more information and access to their indicia files.

For a glossary of these and MANY other print-related terms, visit the DPPS KB at https://kb.wisc.edu/doitprint/glossary.php.