Get a Publisher document print ready
When setting up a Publisher file for print, there are a few key steps to complete. Below is our step-by-step guide to help you prepare your Publisher file correctly for printing.
1. Set the correct page size
Start by checking that your page size is set to the correct UK paper size. To view available UK paper sizes, click the button below. To change your page size, go to Page Design, select Size, then Page Setup, and enter your required dimensions.
2. Set up margins (safe zones)
Next, set up your margins in Publisher. Margins, also known as safe zones, ensure that important text and design elements are not trimmed during the printing process. To adjust margins, go to Page Design, select Margins, then choose Custom Margins.
If your design includes images or backgrounds that need to bleed to the edge of the page with no white borders, we recommend using custom margins. We suggest a margin of 0.5cm from the edge of the page. If your document requires binding or hole punching, increase the margin on the bound edge to 1.5cm.
For double-sided printing, please note that the binding margin will be on the left for odd-numbered pages and on the right for even-numbered pages. Once your margins are set, ensure all text, images, and graphics stay within the safe zone to prevent anything being cut off during finishing.
To add additional pages, right-click in the Pages tab on the left-hand side and select Insert Blank Page. If your design contains more than one page, make sure they are arranged in the correct sequential order.
Once your page size and margins are set correctly, you can begin adding your design. Keep all important elements within the blue dotted line, and extend any coloured backgrounds or images beyond the page edge to allow for bleed.
If your design uses corporate colours, these should be converted from RGB to CMYK. To do this, select the element you wish to change, click the Colour icon, and choose More Colours. Change the colour mode to CMYK from the drop-down menu, enter your CMYK values, and click OK. Please note that any RGB colours will be automatically converted during printing, and we cannot guarantee an exact match to corporate colour values.
3. Save your file as a PDF
Once you are happy with your design, save your file as a PDF. Go to File, select Save As, then click Browse and choose where to save your file. In the “Save as type” drop-down menu, select PDF.
Before saving, click Options and ensure Custom is selected. Tick the PDF/A option, then click Print Options in the bottom-left corner. Make sure both Crop Marks and Bleed are selected. In the paper size section, choose Custom Size and adjust the width and height until the crop marks are visible in the preview.
Save your Publisher file. You will now have a PDF with crop marks and bleed, ready for print. Please remember to review your PDF carefully before sending it to us.
Our team are here if you need anymore help just get in touch!