1. With a graphic design software
The best way to create a file with the correct settings, bleed and cutting marks is to use graphic design software such as Adobe Indesign. But there are also alternatives such as Scribus (free) and Affinity Publisher (paid for macOS & Windows).
2. With Microsoft Word
If you do not have any graphic software, you can also use Word.
Step 1: Adjust the page settings
Your page must be made slightly larger on all sides in order to be able to cut off an edge (the cutting margin). In the example below we have created a file that is 1 cm larger on all sides than the desired A4 paper size.At the bottom of this page, you can download a Word template and customise it yourself.
Please: we are really cutting off a piece of the image. Make sure that there are no parts of the image in the cutting margin that should remain visible.
Step 2: Save the Word file as PDF
File > Save as > Choose file type 'PDF' > Save
Step 3: Upload the file in the portal: Printing with bleed
In contrast to files created with graphic software, you will receive some error messages when using Word. This is because the portal looks for graphic file properties in the PDF such as a 'trim box' or cutting marks ('bleed box'). These are not added in Word. You will also receive the message that the file is larger than the expected file format. These messages look like this:
- You can ignore these error messages. Click on [Continue] and check that you understand what causes the errors.
- In the next step, click on the preview in the top left corner. The preview shows how the print will actually look and how much of the image will be cut off;