Document, Canvas, Artboard and Page Size
These terms all refer to how you setup your print project on the computer. It determines where your document will trim during production and where your trim lines will show on screen. (Trim lines are black guide lines)
Trim Size and Folded Size
These refer to what size the actual printed product will be. This is after the print has been trimmed and/or folded. It depends on the right document size and bleed settings.
Setting Up Document Size in Indesign and Illustrator
During File Setup always make your Document Size equal to what size you want your final print to be (Trim Size). Example: To design an 8.5″x11″ letterhead in Illustrator, make your document 8.5″x11″.
Setting Up Document Size in Photoshop
Make your Document Size equal to the final Trim Size + Bleed. We require .125″ of bleed per side. Add .25″ to the width and height. Use guides to mark where the document will trim as you design. When exporting make sure to save a photoshop pdf with bleed or use our SG High Res preset.
Example: To design an 8.5″x11″ Letterhead in Photoshop, make your document 8.75″x11.25″
The Next Step: Bleed
Apply a bleed area of .125 inches to your Print Ready PDF. Find out how to correctly set up and apply Bleed.