Illustrator PDF for print

Illustrator PDF for printing

Set the artboard to the finished product size and check the exported PDF.

Always check your product’s artwork instructions. Bleed and safe margins can vary by product.

Document, bleed and PDF
YOUR LOGO
Set the page to the finished product size.
YOUR LOGO
Extend edge-to-edge backgrounds into the bleed. Use the amount in the product instructions.
1Front cover2Page 23Page 34Back cover
Check every PDF page separately. This is a page-order example, not a required page count.

Steps in brief

  1. Make the artboard the size of the finished product.
  2. Extend edge-to-edge backgrounds into the bleed area.
  3. Check Linked Images and Fonts.
  4. Remove extra objects outside the artboard.
  5. Save the PDF and review it separately.

Set the correct artboard size

Set the artboard to the finished, trimmed product size. If the background reaches the finished edge, extend it into the bleed area.

Check images and fonts

Make sure Linked Images are included or embedded. Embed fonts in the PDF and check that all text displays correctly.

Export the PDF and open it separately

Check the finished PDF in a separate reader. Make sure everything is visible correctly and that there is no extra stuff left outside the artboard.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common Illustrator error?

Incorrect artboard size or extra objects outside the artboard.

Do fonts need to be converted to paths?

It can sometimes help, but the most important thing is to check that the PDF looks right.

Can Illustrator make a multi-page brochure?

Yes, but InDesign is generally better suited to multi-page publications.