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O
ozstar
Inspiring
May 19, 2025
Answered

Text just outside printer company's margins,

  • May 19, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 2098 views

Hi,

 

I have 220 page, 6x9 softcover book, mostly text but some pics and the proof back from the printer shows the text is 2 or 3 characters outside their yellow line margin, pretty much on all pages.

 

The printer gave me this answer when I questioned whether it would be safe to print..

 
I have had a scan through as the text elements are only slightly beyond the safety margins they should still be seen once printed. 
The text is at most a few letters over the safety margin and as everything is still a good distance away from the magenta trim edges there shouldn't be any issues. 
 
I am still a little worried so would like to get it all correct.
What is the best way for me to make the margins better so the text is all inside please?
 
Thank you
 
 

 

 

Correct answer Barb Binder

Well, you'd need to change the insets for each frame on each page so I'd try this first:

 

If you didn't use primary frames, save a copy of the file (in case it doesn't work the way you want) and increase the frame margins using File > Adjust Layout. When it works as expected, increasing the frame margins should reduce the frame width/height on the body pages to pull the text in to the center but this command can be a bit unpredictable so you will need to review every page carefully. 

 

And now that we see that the page numbers are too low, don't forget to adjust those on the parent pages.

 

~Barb

4 replies

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Barb BinderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 20, 2025

Well, you'd need to change the insets for each frame on each page so I'd try this first:

 

If you didn't use primary frames, save a copy of the file (in case it doesn't work the way you want) and increase the frame margins using File > Adjust Layout. When it works as expected, increasing the frame margins should reduce the frame width/height on the body pages to pull the text in to the center but this command can be a bit unpredictable so you will need to review every page carefully. 

 

And now that we see that the page numbers are too low, don't forget to adjust those on the parent pages.

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
O
ozstarAuthor
Inspiring
May 20, 2025

Thank you Barb.

Yes I figured that page by page, still if that was the only way, I'd do it.

I have  'Adjusted' the margins from 12.7 mm to 15.7 mm so, hopefully that should keep the text safe.

The text frames are now 122 mm instead of 127 mm.

I am now going through each page to make sure all is okay.

oz

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    May 20, 2025

    @ozstar

     

    If you've just text in your document - no images / objects outside of the text - there is another way to "fix" your document - and get you "back on track" - but be careful and if I'm not clear enough - please ask for clarification.

     

    First, make a backup copy of your document. 

     

    Then, remove all pages with your text - but leave the first page where your text starts. 

     

    Go to the Master / Parent Page and set margins and create Primary TextFrame: 

    https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/indesign/using/creating-text-text-frames.html 

     

    Go back to the page with the first - and now only - TextFrame with your text. 

     

    Move it to the side - on to the pasteboard. 

     

    Then - reflow it - click on the red [+] - "out port" - in the right-bottom corner of your TextFrame and then press Shift and click on the page - your cursor should change shape - and when you click - your text should flow on the Pages.

     

    Delete this first TextFrame on the side. 

     

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 20, 2025

    Hi @ozstar:

     

    No worries. We were all new, once. 

     

    "Does the image show I have a Primary Page?"

     

    Select the first frame on page 1 with the Selection tool. If you see this page symbol with arrows in the top left, you are using primary frames.

     

    If you see this, you are not:

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    O
    ozstarAuthor
    Inspiring
    May 20, 2025

    Sadly, a big no for Primary.  Next !time!

    On a search I saw a video for an option for Inset Spacing.  As I only have a couple of characters outside their yellow frame, maybe this will get my text inside enough.

    Amy i on the right track here?

    Thank you again

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    May 19, 2025

    @ozstar

     

    As long as your text is at least 3mm from the edges of the paper - it should be OK - but it might affect "look" of your book.

     

    Could you please post the same screenshot of the page with yellow lines - again, with Frame Edges visible - menu View > Extras > Show Frame Edges.

     

    O
    ozstarAuthor
    Inspiring
    May 20, 2025

    Many thanks Robert.

    I see the Extras just show Hide , so I guess it is showing.

    Here is the PDF proof the printer sent to me and the actual page I used in the export to PDF for them showing the text frame.

    Double cicked on the facing pages of the A-Master at top and they are blank but with mouse the text frame shows on both pages.

    I hope I have correctly supplied what you asked for.

    oz

     

    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    Barb BinderCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 19, 2025

    Hi @ozstar:

     

    The quickest, easiest solution is to ask the print to assure you that it will be ok because "there shouldn't be any issues" leaves room for doubt.

     

    If they can't/won't, then I have to start by asking you if you designed the page using primary frames. If you did, you can reduce the text frames width/height on the parent pages, and that change will flow through the body pages. The page count will increase a bit, so watch for overset text. A last minute paper size change or margin/column change is why this feature exists. You should still check every page, but there shouldn't be any issues other than oversight at the end.

     

    If you didn't use primary frames, save a copy of the file (in case it doesn't work the way you want) and increase the frame margins using File > Adjust Layout. When it works as expected, increasing the frame margins should reduce the frame width/height on the body pages to pull the text in to the center but this command can be a bit unpredictable so you will need to review every page carefully. 

     

    Next time: use primary frames!!

     

    ~Barb

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
    O
    ozstarAuthor
    Inspiring
    May 19, 2025

    Thank you so much for the advice.   Newby .. still making newby mistakes 😞

    Does the image show I have a Primary Page?

    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Robert at ID-Tasker
    Legend
    May 19, 2025

    @ozstar

     

    You would need to go yo the Master / Page and then make and post a screenshot.

     

    And please make sure to show Frame Edges - menu View > Extras > Show Frame Edges.

     

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