Mark Type
Last updated on
Oct 25, 2026
Find settings for printer's marks, bleed areas, and color output when creating PDF files.
When preparing artwork for professional print production or digital distribution, consult these settings to ensure your PDF includes necessary production elements and color specifications.
Marks and Bleeds settings
Configure printer's marks and bleed areas in the Marks and Bleeds section of the Export Adobe PDF dialog box.
Printer's marks
|
|
Purpose |
Placement |
|
Trim Marks |
Indicate where to cut the final printed page |
Corners of the artboard |
|
Registration Marks |
Align color separations during printing |
Outside the page area |
|
Color Bars |
Verify color density and calibration during print production |
Outside the page area |
|
Page Information |
Display filename, date, and time of output |
Outside the page area |
Marks settings:
- All Printer's Marks: Enables all mark types simultaneously
- Trim Marks: Shows cut lines for final page size
- Registration Marks: Adds targets for plate alignment
- Color Bars: Includes color calibration strips
- Page Information: Prints document metadata
Mark customization:
- Type: Choose mark style (Roman or Japanese)
- Weight: Set line thickness for marks (0.125 pt to 4 pt)
- Offset: Specify distance from artwork edge (0 pt to 72 pt)
Bleed settings
Bleed extends artwork beyond the trim edge to prevent white gaps during cutting.
|
Setting |
Range |
Recommended Use |
|
Top |
0–72 pt |
Match print shop specifications |
|
Bottom |
0–72 pt |
Match print shop specifications |
|
Left |
0–72 pt |
Match print shop specifications |
|
Right |
0–72 pt |
Match print shop specifications |
|
Use Document Bleed Settings |
N/A |
Applies bleed defined in File > Document Setup |
Note
Standard commercial printing typically requires 0.125 inch (9 pt) bleed on all sides. Verify requirements with your print service provider.
Output color settings
Control how colors are processed and embedded in the PDF file through the Output section of the Export Adobe PDF dialog box.
Color conversion
|
Option |
Description |
Best For |
|
No Color Conversion |
Preserves all color values unchanged |
Color-managed workflows with controlled output |
|
Convert to Destination |
Converts colors to the specified profile |
Ensuring consistent appearance on target devices |
|
Convert to Destination (Preserve Numbers) |
Converts untagged colors only, preserves tagged values |
Mixed documents with pre-converted colors |
Destination profile
Specifies the color space for the converted PDF:
- Working CMYK: Uses current working space for print output
- Working RGB: Uses current working space for screen viewing
- Custom profiles: Target specific printing conditions or devices
Profile inclusion policy
|
Option |
Result |
|
Don't Include Profiles |
Removes all embedded color profiles, smallest file size |
|
Include Destination Profile |
Embeds only the destination profile |
|
Include All Profiles |
Embeds all source and destination profiles |
|
Include All RGB and Tagged Source CMYK Profiles |
Embeds RGB profiles and tagged CMYK values |
Additional output options
- PDF/X Output Intent Profile Name: Specifies the characterization for PDF/X-compliant files
- Output Condition Name: Describes the intended printing condition
- Output Condition Identifier: References a registry entry for the condition
- Registry Name: Indicates the registry authority (typically http://www.color.org)
Tip
When delivering files to commercial printers, use Convert to Destination with the printer's specified profile to ensure accurate color reproduction.
Color output mode settings
When creating color separations, specify which plates to generate:
|
Mode |
Plates Generated |
Purpose |
|
Composite |
Single combined plate |
Desktop printing, proofing, or viewing |
|
Separations (Host-Based) |
Individual CMYK and spot color plates |
Traditional print workflows |
|
In-RIP Separations |
Separation occurs at output device |
Modern digital printing workflows |
Ink management options
- Process Colors: Automatically includes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black plates
- Spot Colors: Creates separate plates for each spot color unless converted to process
- Convert All Spot Colors To Process: Combines spot colors into CMYK plates
- Overprint Black: Prevents knockout of black ink for improved registration
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