5.4. Add bleeds to pdf pages

5.4. Add bleeds to pdf pages

This module can add bleeds to documents that do not have bleeds. Lack of bleeds is the most common error when generating pdf files sent to printers. It happens even to experienced designers. The use of a module that adds bleeds can save the work of the author in some cases, with whom, for example, there is no contact and it is impossible to re-generate a correct file.

Adding bleeds involves cutting narrow strips from each side of the original pdf and tucking them under the page (or over the page) while stretching (resizing) the strip to the limit of the new size – that is, the "old" size (without bleeds) increased by the new values of the added bleeds.

This way of adding bleeds works only in certain cases – when the objects in the pdf file have edges that come to the edge of the pdf at a 90° angle. In other cases (especially when curves reach the edges), the final result may not be satisfactory.

How does the mechanism for adding bleeds work?

Step 1. A strip of content is taken from each side of the original document with the parameters specified in the "Strip Width" and "Strip Distance from edge" panels – for each side separately.

Step 2. The pdf strip taken in this way is stretched to the border of the gross area (the new pdf size).

Step 3. The action from step two is repeated for each edge and each corner (a corner is the common area of two strips, e.g., the top left corner is the common area of the left and top strips. The resized corners are placed over the resized strips. The original page image can be placed above or below the strips. There is no rule as to which option is better. It is always better to check both options and choose the better one.

Post-processed pdf files have the phrase "--AB" (Add Bleed) added to the original file name.