Linden Print - Print Like a Pro from InDesign

Local Gauteng & National Delivery - First Class Quality & Service Since 2017

1. Standard South African Print Sizes & Dimensions 

Before you design, make sure your InDesign document is set to the correct dimensions.
Pro tip: Always design with your bleed included from the start so you don't have to resize later!

• STANDARD BUSINESS CARDS

  • Trim Size (Final Card): 90 x 50 mm

  • Canvas Size with Bleed: 96 x 56 mm

• POSTCARDS / A6:

  • Trim Size: 105 x 148 mm

  • Canvas Size with Bleed: 111 x 154 mm

• STANDARD 'A' PAPERS:

  • A5: Trim: 148 x 210 mm | Canvas with Bleed: 154 x 216 mm

  • A4: Trim: 210 x 297 mm | Canvas with Bleed: 216 x 303 mm

  • A3: Trim: 297 x 420 mm | Canvas with Bleed: 303 x 426 mm

• SRA3 (DIGITAL PRESS STANDARD):

  • Sheet Size: 320 x 450 mm
    (Ideal for multi-up layouts and custom large-format digital jobs).
    
    

2. Setting Up Your InDesign Document Correctly

• CREATE A NEW DOCUMENT: Go to File > New > Document. Set your page width and height to your final trim size (e.g., 90 x 50 mm for a business card).

• SET BLEED: In the New Document dialog box, locate the Bleed and Slug section and set Top, Bottom, Left, and Right to 3 mm (this displays a red outer border around your pages).

• COLOUR MODE: InDesign defaults to print-ready CMYK workspace standards.
  (Note: Screen displays use RGB light, so bright neon screen colors may look slightly richer than final ink on paper).

• LAYOUT GOLDEN RULES:

  • The Bleed Zone (Outside the black trim line to the red line): Extend any background colors, images, or graphics all the way to the red bleed line to avoid white paper edges when trimmed.

  • The Safe Zone (Inside the black trim line): Keep all important text, logos, and critical design elements at least 4mm to 5mm inside the trim edge so nothing accidentally gets clipped off.
    
    

3. How to Export a Print-Ready PDF from InDesign 

When your design is complete, follow these exact steps to generate a professional press-ready file:

1. 1. 1. Package or Check Links: Ensure all linked images are up to date and fonts are embedded or packaged correctly.

      2. Go to FILE > EXPORT (or Ctrl + E / Cmd + E).

      3. Under Save as type, select Adobe PDF (Print).

      4. In the Export PDF dialog box, choose High Quality Print or PDF/X-1a:2001 from the Adobe PDF Preset dropdown.

      5. MARKS & BLEEDS: Click on the Marks and Bleeds tab on the left.
         Check All Printer's Marks (or Crop Marks).
         Under Bleed, check Use Document Bleed Settings to ensure your 3mm bleed and slug settings are included.

      6. Click the EXPORT button to save the PDF to your computer.

      7. Click the UPLOAD TO LINDEN PRINT button to send your file for printing.