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Technical Support/PDF

How do I create working PDFs from my InDesign CS/CS2/CS3 files?

Adobe has made it very easy to save your InDesign documents as high-res PDFs. First, make sure your document size is set exactly to your trim size (for example, this screen capture shows 8 3/8 x 10 7/8"). Input .125" in all bleed boxes as shown here:

InDesign Parameters: Setting Document Size/Bleed

When you're ready to export, save your file then choose File > Export. Enter a file name that matches the pages that your PDF will contain:

InDesign Parameters: Setting File Name

Pick [PDF/X-4:2007] ([PDF/X-1a:2001] for CS2 or [PDF/X-1a] for InDesign CS) as the preset:

InDesign Parameters: Choose PDF/X-1a preset

One more step! Choose "Marks and Bleeds" on the left and click on "Use Document Bleed Settings". Then it's safe to hit the Export button.

InDesign Parameters: Picking Marks and Bleeds

InDesign CS3 users: You may download these settings for PDFs with crop marks, or no crop marks. Go to File > Adobe PDF Presets > Define, then choose "Load" and use one of these two selections.

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