> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Document Setup

> Configure bleed, crop marks, and document specifications

## Document Setup Overview

The **Document Setup** tab is your first stop when preparing files for print. This is where you configure the technical specifications that printers need.

<Note>
  **Start here first!** Document setup determines how your design translates to physical print.
</Note>

## Accessing Document Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Your Frame">
    Click the frame (artboard) you want to export
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch Plugin">
    **Menu**: Plugins → Printery

    Or: Search "Printery" in Quick Actions (`Cmd/Ctrl + /`)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Document Tab">
    Plugin opens to "Document" tab by default

    If not, click **"Document"** in the tab bar
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key Document Settings

### 1. Bleed

**What it does**: Extends your design beyond the trim edge

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Enable Bleed">
    **Toggle**: ON ✓

    **Why**: Prevents white edges from cutting imperfections

    **Most common setting**: 0.125" (3mm)

    **How it works**:

    * Plugin extends your design
    * Or you manually design with bleed area
    * PDF shows larger page with crop marks
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bleed Amount">
    **Standard values**:

    * **US**: 0.125" (1/8 inch)
    * **Europe/Global**: 3mm
    * **Large format**: 0.25" (6mm)

    **Setting**:

    ```
    Bleed: [0.125] inches
    ```

    Or:

    ```
    Bleed: [3] mm
    ```

    **Auto-detect**: Plugin suggests based on document size
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bleed Method">
    **Option 1: Extend**

    * Plugin extends existing design
    * Stretches edge pixels/colors
    * Quick and automatic
    * Best for: Solid backgrounds

    **Option 2: Manual**

    * You design with bleed area included
    * Frame size = Final + bleed
    * Full control
    * Best for: Complex designs

    See [Bleed Guide](/basics/bleed) for details
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 2. Crop Marks

**What they are**: Printer's guides showing where to cut

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Enable Crop Marks">
    **Toggle**: ON ✓

    **Why**: Tells printer exactly where to trim

    **Standard**: Always include for professional printing

    **Preview**: Shows corner marks in exported PDF
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Crop Mark Style">
    **Standard** (Default):

    ```
    ┌──────────────┐
    │              │  Simple corner marks
    │   DESIGN     │  Most common
    │              │
    └──────────────┘
    ```

    **Japanese** (Advanced):

    ```
    ├──────────────┤  Full edge marks
    │   DESIGN     │  Center marks included
    ├──────────────┤  Common in Asia
    ```

    **Custom** (Pro):

    * Line length: 0.25" to 0.5"
    * Line weight: 0.25pt to 1pt
    * Offset: Distance from design
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Crop Mark Color">
    **Black** (Default):

    * K100 only
    * Prints on black plate
    * Standard practice

    **Registration** (Advanced):

    * C100 M100 Y100 K100
    * Prints on all plates
    * Helps check alignment
    * Rarely needed

    **Recommendation**: Use black (K100)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 3. Safety Zone

**What it is**: Protected area where critical content should stay

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Enable Safety Guides">
    **Toggle**: ON ✓

    **Why**: Visual guide in PDF to check content placement

    **Shows**: Dashed line marking safe area

    **Note**: These are guides only, not printed
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Safety Margin">
    **Standard values**:

    * **Minimum**: 0.125" (3mm)
    * **Recommended**: 0.1875" (4.5mm)
    * **Safe**: 0.25" (6mm)

    **Formula**:

    ```
    Safety margin = Bleed + 0.125"
    Example: 0.125" + 0.125" = 0.25"
    ```

    **Setting**:

    ```
    Safety Zone: [0.25] inches
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="What to Keep Inside">
    **Must be in safety zone**:

    * All text
    * Logos
    * Important images
    * QR codes
    * Contact information

    **OK outside safety zone**:

    * Background colors/patterns
    * Decorative elements
    * Non-critical design elements

    See [Safety Zone Guide](/basics/safety-zone)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 4. Registration Marks

**What they are**: Targets for aligning printing plates

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Enable Registration Marks">
    **Toggle**: Usually OFF for simple projects

    **When needed**:

    * Multi-color offset printing
    * Spot color work
    * Quality control
    * Printer requests them

    **What they look like**:

    ```
        ⊕
    ```

    Target/crosshair symbols in corners
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Registration Mark Position">
    **Auto** (Default):

    * Plugin places at corners
    * Outside bleed area
    * Standard positions

    **Custom** (Pro):

    * Specify exact placement
    * Multiple marks
    * Custom spacing
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="When to Use">
    **Include registration marks for**:

    * Offset printing (lithography)
    * Multiple spot colors (Pantone)
    * Large print runs
    * Quality-critical work

    **Skip for**:

    * Digital printing
    * Single-color prints
    * Small local printers (often don't need them)

    **Ask your printer** if unsure!
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 5. Color Bars

**What they are**: Reference strips showing ink density

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Enable Color Bars">
    **Toggle**: Usually OFF for most projects

    **When needed**:

    * Commercial offset printing
    * Quality control requirements
    * Printer requests them
    * Color-critical work

    **What they show**:

    ```
    [C] [M] [Y] [K] [Gradients]
    ```

    Strips showing pure colors and tints
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Color Bar Type">
    **CMYK Bar**:

    * Shows all four process colors
    * Gradients (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%)
    * Standard for process printing

    **Spot Color Bar**:

    * Shows each spot color used
    * Density reference
    * For Pantone printing

    **Custom**:

    * Specific density values
    * Client requirements
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="When to Use">
    **Include color bars for**:

    * Commercial offset printing
    * Print quality verification
    * Reproduction matching
    * Printer-requested specs

    **Not needed for**:

    * Digital printing
    * Simple projects
    * Most business cards/flyers

    **Ask your printer!**
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 6. Page Information

**What it is**: Text showing filename, date, plate info

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Enable Page Info">
    **Toggle**: Optional

    **What's included**:

    * Filename
    * Export date/time
    * Page number (if multi-page)
    * Color space
    * ICC profile used

    **Placement**: Outside trim area, near crop marks
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Information Fields">
    **Standard fields**:

    * `Filename: BusinessCard.pdf`
    * `Date: 2025-01-15 14:30`
    * `Page: 1 of 1`
    * `Profile: ISO Coated v2`

    **Customizable** (Pro):

    * Add custom text
    * Client name
    * Job number
    * Special instructions
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="When to Use">
    **Useful for**:

    * Multi-page documents (tracking pages)
    * Multiple versions (tracking exports)
    * Client proofing (showing date)
    * Print shop organization

    **Skip for**:

    * Simple projects
    * Single page items
    * Minimalist preference
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Document Size Detection

### Automatic Detection

<Steps>
  <Step title="Frame Size = Final Size">
    **If your frame is exactly the final size**:

    Example: Frame is 3.5" × 2" (business card final size)

    **Plugin action**:

    * Detects no bleed included
    * Offers to extend design for bleed
    * Adds 0.125" (3mm) around edges
    * Final PDF: 3.75" × 2.25"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Frame Size = Final + Bleed">
    **If you designed with bleed already**:

    Example: Frame is 3.75" × 2.25" (business card with bleed)

    **Plugin action**:

    * Detects bleed included
    * Sets crop marks at 0.125" inside
    * Final PDF: 3.75" × 2.25"
    * Trim size: 3.5" × 2"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Manual Override">
    **If detection is wrong**:

    Toggle: "Manual size specification"

    Enter:

    * Final width: \[3.5] inches
    * Final height: \[2] inches
    * Bleed: \[0.125] inches

    Plugin adjusts accordingly
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common Size Presets

**Quick select popular sizes**:

| Preset                | Final Size    | With Bleed      |
| --------------------- | ------------- | --------------- |
| **US Business Card**  | 3.5" × 2"     | 3.75" × 2.25"   |
| **EU Business Card**  | 85mm × 55mm   | 91mm × 61mm     |
| **Postcard**          | 6" × 4"       | 6.25" × 4.25"   |
| **Flyer (US Letter)** | 8.5" × 11"    | 8.75" × 11.25"  |
| **A4**                | 210mm × 297mm | 216mm × 303mm   |
| **Poster 18×24**      | 18" × 24"     | 18.25" × 24.25" |

Click preset → Auto-fills dimensions

## Units of Measurement

### Supported Units

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Inches (in)">
    **Common in**: United States, Canada

    **Standard sizes**:

    * Business card: 3.5" × 2"
    * Letter: 8.5" × 11"
    * Tabloid: 11" × 17"

    **Bleed**: 0.125" (1/8 inch)

    **Precision**: 0.001"
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Millimeters (mm)">
    **Common in**: Europe, Asia, Global

    **Standard sizes**:

    * Business card: 85mm × 55mm
    * A4: 210mm × 297mm
    * A3: 297mm × 420mm

    **Bleed**: 3mm

    **Precision**: 0.1mm
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Points (pt)">
    **Common in**: Professional publishing

    **Conversion**:

    * 1 inch = 72 points
    * 1 mm = 2.835 points

    **Use case**: Fine typography, precise layouts

    **Precision**: 0.01pt
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Picas (pc)">
    **Common in**: Traditional publishing

    **Conversion**:

    * 1 pica = 12 points
    * 1 inch = 6 picas

    **Use case**: Column widths, grids

    **Precision**: 0.01pc
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Unit Conversion

**Plugin handles automatically**:

* Enter in any unit
* Converts internally
* Exports in selected unit

**Example**:

```
Input: 85mm
Display: 3.346 inches
PDF: 85mm (if mm selected for export)
```

## Multi-Page Documents

### Page Setup for Booklets

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Single Pages">
    **Method**: Each page separate

    **Settings**:

    * Bleed: 3mm all sides
    * Crop marks: Each page
    * Independent pages

    **Best for**: Flyers, posters, single sheets
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Facing Pages (Spreads)">
    **Method**: Two pages side-by-side

    **Settings**:

    * Bleed: 3mm outer edges only
    * Crop marks: Around spread
    * Center gutter (no bleed in middle)

    **Best for**: Booklets, magazines, catalogs
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Imposition">
    **Method**: Multiple pages per sheet

    **Settings**:

    * Custom layout
    * Multiple up (2-up, 4-up, etc.)
    * Specific printer requirements

    **Best for**: Business cards (multiple per sheet), gang printing

    See [Multi-Page Guide](/basics/multi-page)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Gutter Margins

**For bound documents**:

**Inside margin** (binding edge):

* Minimum: 0.5" (12mm)
* Recommended: 0.75" (18mm)
* Comfortable: 1" (25mm)

**Why larger**: Allows for binding without covering content

**Setting**:

```
Inside margin: [0.75] inches
```

Plugin adjusts safety zone accordingly

## Orientation

### Portrait vs Landscape

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Portrait">
    **Height > Width**

    **Examples**:

    * Business cards (usually)
    * Brochures
    * Books
    * Letterhead

    **Setting**: Auto-detected from frame

    **Manual**: Select "Portrait" if needed
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Landscape">
    **Width > Height**

    **Examples**:

    * Postcards (often)
    * Certificates
    * Banners
    * Some brochures

    **Setting**: Auto-detected from frame

    **Manual**: Select "Landscape" if needed
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Square">
    **Width = Height**

    **Examples**:

    * Album covers
    * Square business cards
    * Social media prints
    * Some invitations

    **No orientation** - works either way
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Advanced Document Options

### Trim Box vs Bleed Box

**PDF contains multiple "boxes"**:

```
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ Media Box (full page)       │
│  ┌───────────────────────┐  │
│  │ Bleed Box (with bleed)│  │
│  │  ┌─────────────────┐  │  │
│  │  │ Trim Box (final)│  │  │
│  │  │                 │  │  │
│  │  │    DESIGN       │  │  │
│  │  │                 │  │  │
│  │  └─────────────────┘  │  │
│  └───────────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────┘
```

**Why it matters**:

* Printer software uses these boxes
* Defines cutting area
* Automatically set by plugin

**Pro setting**: Manual box specification

### Output Intent

**What it is**: Embedded profile information

**Purpose**: Tells printer expected color space

**Setting**:

```
Output Intent: ISO Coated v2 (ECI)
```

**Benefit**:

* Color accuracy
* PDF/X compliance
* Professional standard

**Automatically set** based on ICC profile choice

## Document Setup Checklist

Before exporting:

* [ ] **Bleed enabled**: 0.125" (3mm) for most projects
* [ ] **Crop marks enabled**: Printer knows where to cut
* [ ] **Safety zone set**: 0.25" (6mm) minimum
* [ ] **Document size correct**: Verify final dimensions
* [ ] **Units correct**: Inches or millimeters as preferred
* [ ] **Orientation correct**: Portrait/landscape matches intent
* [ ] **Registration marks**: Only if printer requests
* [ ] **Multi-page setup**: Correct page order if applicable

## Troubleshooting Document Setup

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Crop marks too close to design" icon="compress">
    **Problem**: Crop marks overlap content

    **Cause**: Insufficient offset

    **Solution**:

    * Increase crop mark offset
    * Standard: 0.125" (3mm) from bleed edge
    * Adjust in Document settings → Crop Marks → Offset
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Wrong document size detected" icon="ruler">
    **Problem**: Plugin thinks size is different

    **Cause**: Frame size ambiguous

    **Solution**:

    * Enable "Manual size specification"
    * Enter exact final dimensions
    * Specify bleed amount
    * Plugin will recalculate
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Bleed missing on some edges" icon="border-none">
    **Problem**: Some edges don't extend

    **Cause**: Content doesn't reach edge

    **Solution**:

    * Option 1: Extend design to frame edges
    * Option 2: Use "Extend" bleed method
    * Option 3: Manually design with bleed area
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Too many marks/info on page" icon="exclamation">
    **Problem**: Crop marks + registration + color bars = cluttered

    **Cause**: All options enabled

    **Solution**:

    * Only enable what printer needs
    * Standard: Just crop marks + bleed
    * Ask printer which marks required
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Best Practices

### Standard Setup (90% of projects)

**Recommended settings**:

```
✓ Bleed: 0.125" (3mm)
✓ Crop Marks: Enabled (Black, Standard style)
✓ Safety Zone: 0.25" (6mm)
✗ Registration Marks: Off (unless requested)
✗ Color Bars: Off (unless requested)
✗ Page Info: Off (optional)
```

**This works for**:

* Business cards
* Flyers
* Brochures
* Posters
* Most print projects

### Premium Setup (High-end printing)

**Enhanced settings**:

```
✓ Bleed: 0.125" (3mm)
✓ Crop Marks: Enabled (Black, Standard)
✓ Registration Marks: Enabled
✓ Color Bars: Enabled (CMYK)
✓ Page Info: Enabled
✓ Safety Zone: 0.25" (6mm)
```

**Use for**:

* Large print runs
* Commercial offset printing
* Color-critical work
* Corporate annual reports

### Minimal Setup (Digital/desktop printing)

**Simplified settings**:

```
✓ Bleed: 0" (no bleed)
✗ Crop Marks: Off
✗ Safety Zone: 0.125" (minimum)
✗ Registration Marks: Off
✗ Color Bars: Off
```

**Use for**:

* Desktop/home printing
* Cut-to-size projects
* Digital-only output

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Bleed Explained" icon="expand" href="/basics/bleed">
    Deep dive into bleed setup
  </Card>

  <Card title="Crop Marks Guide" icon="scissors" href="/basics/crop-marks">
    Understanding printer's marks
  </Card>

  <Card title="Safety Zone" icon="shield" href="/basics/safety-zone">
    Protecting your content
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-Page Documents" icon="book" href="/basics/multi-page">
    Booklets and catalogs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Pro Tip**: Save your settings as a preset (Pro feature) to reuse on similar projects. No need to reconfigure each time!
</Info>