Print Preset Issue: Package/PDF/X4:2008 not seeing bleeds set in Document Setup

[George DeLuca]

I've uploaded files to my printer and don't see the bleeds. I checked my Package/PDF/X4:2008 settings and the bleeds are set at 0. I check the Document Setup and the bleeds are set at .125". I've checked the boxes and there doesn't seem to be a way forward.

So, I can't use Package? I have to use Export? Hmm. 

[Brad @ Roaring Mouse · Accepted solution]

"So, I can't use Package? I have to use Export? Hmm. "

Correct*. Package will only use the default settings for any preset, but if you need to customize it in anyway, you SHOULD use Export. That's the way it should be done anyway.

* However, If you want to use Package, just make a Custom PDF Preset defined with bleeds, etc. and use that instead in the Package dialog.

[George DeLuca]

Right. I just discovered the "bleed trap." The printer fixed the issue on the first run without saying anything and the books were stellar. Excellent quality. So, they did the same thing for this batch and the proofs look fine, exactly like the first batch. Next time "Export" for sure, now that I know the difference between the two. Thanks for the confirmation. 

[rob day]

Next time "Export" for sure, now that I know the difference between the two.

Hi @George DeLuca , If you Package, the printer would have the obtion to fix problems—the document might include page bleeds, but that doesn’t mean an image is actually bleeding off the page. The printer might be able to fix the bleeds without asking for a new package

PDF’s are not easily edited—if you exported a PDF with no bleeds the printer would not likely be able to fix that problem.

[George DeLuca]

Hi rob,

Yes, I'm getting that. This is my second run after the initial ARCs. I packaged in both and used Package/PDF/X4:2008. For the first run, the printer "mirrored" the images on the two affected pages without telling me (still my bad) and the results were perfect. This time, after uploading the packaged PDF for the second run, I noticed the missing bleeds during my own flight check on their site. They have a great chat interface where I was able to talk to a print tech rep and was schooled about the "bleed trap" issue (no bleeds with the Package PDF).

After a lengthy conversation—he's proabaly thinking, "Oh snap! Another newbie"—I finally realized the issue was on my side. I should be using Export. When I returned with the Export version, I found that they had resolved the issue like they did the first time using a "mirroring" process. Now the two affected pages look exactly like they did for the first run. Perfect.

I'm not clear on this mirroring. I know that it's suppose to be clipping and adding a fine strip of the existing to get a makeshift bleed (not a good idea IMHO). But what I'm seeing is different. It looks more like a Generative AI move. I'm not sure how this can be achieved off a PDF unless there's some association with the Package/PDF/X4:2008 settings.

Anyways, in the future, Export is the way. I've just been nervous about all the settings. But I've been wading through them all and now the Export process doesn't seem so intimidating.

For others out there facing a similar situation, this long end around version of the story is for you.