Add printer's marks and bleeds

Last updated on Oct 25, 2026

Learn how to configure print registration marks, trim lines, and bleed areas through the Marks & Bleed settings in the Print dialog.

Adding printer's marks and bleeds ensures your artwork prints correctly with proper alignment guides and edge coverage.

Printer's marks provide alignment and registration guides, while bleeds extend your artwork beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting. Configure both settings in the Marks & Bleed panel within the Print dialog

Trim marks show where to cut the page and help align color separations. Registration marks are small targets used for aligning different colon separations. Color bars display CMYK inks and gray tints in 10% increments so your print provider can adjust ink density. Page information labels each film with the artboard name, timestamp, line screen, screen angle, and separation color.

Bleed extends artwork beyond the printing boundary or trim marks, ensuring ink prints to the edge after trimming. Use at least 18 points for images extending off the sheet edge, or 2 to 3 points for images within keylines. Consult your print provider for specific requirements.

Configure printer's marks

Select File > Print.

Select Marks & Bleed on the left side of the Print dialog.

Select the printer's marks you want to add.

Select Roman or Japanese style marks if both options are available.

Enter values for trim mark line weight and offset distance from the artwork.

Tip

Set the offset value higher than your bleed value to keep trim marks outside the bleed area.

Set bleed values

Locate the bleed options in the Marks & Bleed section.

Enter values for Top, Left, Bottom, and Right to specify bleed placement.

Select the link icon to make all bleed values identical.

Select Use Document Bleed to apply your document’s existing bleed settings or skip this step to use your custom values.

Select Print to output your file.

Bleed values range from 0 to 72 points. Your settings apply to the current print job and become the default for future jobs.

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