Bleeds aren't bleeding when output

[theresajoyce]

I am creating a book. The book size will be 8.5 x 8.5. I set up the size as custom of 8.625" x 8.75" to include the bleed . I set the Margins at 0.50 on every side. The bleeds are at 0.125 on all sides except for the Inside which is left at zero

When I create the documents, I extend the graphics to past the bleed line... Yet the printer is still showing the graphics with a white box around the page. If I am going past the bleed line shouldn't the cut be to the bleed line. Or do I need to take the graphic to the only the bleed line. Does this happen because I am going past the bleed line? When I display in bleed mode, it looks perfect. 

I have attached the indd file and a pic of pages from the book. Please help. This is costing me money every time I submit it. Thank you.

[Derek Cross]

When you set up a new document you need to firstly specify the size -- known as the trimmed page size (TPS), to this you add the bleed, usually 3mm / 1/8". If it's a one page document you add it to all edges, if it's facing pages (surch as in a book) you don't have bleed in the centre. You indicate your margins -- your choice. When you output the finished document for your commercial printer you produce a PDF. Check the spec required with your printer, usually PDF/X-4, single pages (not spreads), tick Crop Marks and Use Document Bleed Settings.

[theresajoyce]

The specs I used are the sizes given by the printer. That includes the margins, the bleed and the trim size. 

They also want me to send the pdf format at the pdf/x 1a:2001 or 3:2002 and I have done that.

So my main question is if I take the graphic outside the bleed space and it shows me the bleed view just like I want it doesn’t it get cut to that or rather shouldn’t it? 

I uploaded a sample. Thanks 

[Derek Cross]

If your printer wants  PDF/X-1a then you can get this preset from InDesign (it is an old version with some disadvantages).

I attach a screen shot of how you might set up a new 8.5" x 8.5" document with facing pages and bleed (I havent bothered with margins, which you can decide on) and how it would look in InDesign showing the bleed area and how the illustration would be trimmed.