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How to export a PDF from Adobe Illustrator with correct trim box dimensions

  • Updated

1. Set up the document

If your artwork isn't already A5:

  1. Go to File → Document Setup.
  2. Under Bleed, enter:
    • Top: 3 mm
    • Bottom: 3 mm
    • Left: 3 mm
    • Right: 3 mm
  3. Click OK.

Check your artboard size:

  1. Go to File → Document Setup → Edit Artboards (or use the Artboard Tool).
  2. Ensure the artboard is A5:
    • 148 mm × 210 mm (Portrait)
    • 210 mm × 148 mm (Landscape)

2. Extend artwork into the bleed

Make sure any backgrounds, images, or colours that run to the edge extend 3 mm beyond the artboard edge to the red bleed guides.

3. Export as PDF

  1. Go to File → Save As.
  2. Choose Adobe PDF (*.pdf).
  3. Click Save.

4. Configure PDF settings

In the Save Adobe PDF dialog:

General

  • Preset: High Quality Print (or your printer's required preset, often PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-4).

Marks and Bleeds

  1. Select Marks and Bleeds on the left.
  2. Tick:
    • Use Document Bleed Settings
  3. Trim Marks:
    • Tick Trim Marks.

5. Save PDF

Click Save PDF.