Adobe InDesign is a fantastic tool for creating beautifully professional print layouts. But as with all things print, there are a few simple tips and tricks that will help you get the very best results when it comes off the press.

Step 1

Firstly, open InDesign and head to File > New > Document. This is where you choose your finished size (A4, A5, business card, flyer, etc.). If you’re designing for print, don’t forget to add bleed here – typically 3 mm all around (but always check if you’re unsure).

Why does this matter? Because if you don’t set it up at the start, you’ll have a faff on your hands later. It’s much easier to get it right now than fix it at the end.

Step 2

Bleed and trim: understanding the lines on your page

InDesign will show you your bleed area with a red line. This is the extra bit that will get trimmed off – so if you want colours or images to go right to the edge of the page, make sure they extend beyond that red line.

Inside that, you’ll see your margin guides (usually a purple or pink line). That’s your safe zone. Keep text and important bits comfortably inside this area to avoid accidental trimming.

Think of the bleed as a little safety buffer that ensures your design looks intentional and polished once it’s guillotined.

Step 3

Now the fun part! Whether you’re starting from scratch or tweaking a template, InDesign is excellent for keeping everything lined up nicely and looking professional. A few handy reminders:

• Use high-resolution images (300 dpi is standard for print).
• Stick with CMYK colour for print work to avoid surprises when you see the final piece.
• Use paragraph and character styles to keep your typography consistent.

Step 4

When you’re all done, it’s time to create a PDF ready for our presses. Here’s how:

1. Go to File > Export.
2. Choose Adobe PDF (Print).
3. Use the Press Quality preset – it’s designed for professional printing.
4. Click on Marks and Bleeds.
5. Tick Crop Marks.
6. Make sure Use Document Bleed Settings is selected.
7. Check the Output section to ensure your colour is set to CMYK.

Quick note on colour: Some bright RGB colours can shift a little when converted to CMYK. If colour accuracy is crucial, just ask us for a printed proof first. We’re always happy to help.

We hope you find this helpful. For other information on artwork setup please take a look at our Artwork Guidelines page.