The example below shows how to package Adobe InDesign files.

 

Artwork

• If you have artwork that goes off the edge of the trim line, you will need to extend the artwork beyond the edge. If you don’t have a cutting tolerance of 0.125″, you will see white slivers of space on the edges of your final piece.

 

To set up your document correctly:

• Update your document size to 0.25″ larger than the final size

• Use the margins as a guide for your final trim size

• The artwork should bleed off (hang off) the edge of the guides and into the extra space on the document

 

Folds and Trim Lines:

• Check that your content isn’t too close to any folds or trim lines. If the cutting tolerance isn’t set to at least 0.125″ on the inside of your project, content could get cut off. The same goes for fold lines, as folding also has a variance of 0.125″.

• The example below shows content that’s too close to the fold.

 

Colors:

• Unless you have spot colors for your document, convert all of the colors to CMYK.

 

Proof:

• Check spelling and grammar. 

 

Fonts:

• If you use any non-standard fonts, it is recommended to convert them to outlines to ensure they stay in place or make sure they’re accessible.

 

Images:

• 300 DPI is the preferred minimum.

 

Package:

• Go to File > Package

• Review the summary for a last-minute check.

• Near the Save button, select PDF Preset

• Choose PDF/X-4

• Click on Package.

• The final folder should show what the package folder will look like. It has everything needed for your file to be sent to print: the original file, a PDF, all the fonts and all the image links.