Files saved in PostScript file format allow capable post-processing programs to implement their own variable bleed.

1. Choose File > Print.
2. Click Marks And Bleed on the left side of the Print dialog box.
3. Select either All Printer’s Marks or individual marks.
4. To override bleed settings in the Document Setup dialog box, uncheck Use Document Bleed Settings and enter values from 0 to 6 inches (or equivalents) for Top, Bottom, Left, and Right (for single-sided documents), or Top, Bottom, Inside, and Outside (for double‑sided documents with facing pages). To extend the offset evenly on all sides of the page, click the Make All Settings The Same icon .
5. Click Include Slug Area to print objects using the slug area defined in the Document Setup dialog box.

You can preview the bleed and slug areas before printing by clicking the Bleed Preview Mode  or the Slug Preview Mode icon at the bottom of the Toolbox. (These may be hidden by the Preview Mode icon .)

Marks and Bleed options

The Marks And Bleed area includes the following options:

All Printer’s Marks

Selects all printer’s marks including crop marks, bleed marks, registration marks, color bars, and page information.

Crop Marks

Adds fine (hairline) horizontal and vertical rules that define where the page should be trimmed. Crop marks can also help register (align) one color separation to another. By using together with bleed marks, you can select overlapped marks.

Bleed Marks

Adds fine (hairline) rules that define the amount of extra area to image outside the defined page size.

Registration Marks

Adds small "targets” outside the page area for aligning the different separations in a color document.

Color Bars

Adds small squares of color representing the CMYK inks and tints of gray (in 10% increments). Your service provider uses these marks to adjust ink density on the printing press.

Page Information

Prints the filename, page number, current date and time, and color separation name in 6-point Helvetica in the lower-left corner of each sheet of paper or film. The Page Information option requires 0.5 inches (13mm) along the horizontal edge.

Type

Lets you choose default printer’s marks or custom marks (for Japanese pages, for example). You can create custom printer’s marks or use custom marks created by another company.

Weight

Displays possible weights for crop and bleed mark lines.

Offset

Specifies how far from the edge of the page (not the bleed) InDesign will draw printer’s marks. By default, InDesign draws printer’s marks 6 points from the edge of the page. To avoid drawing printer’s marks on a bleed, be sure to enter an Offset value greater than the Bleed value.

Naming convention and saving files:

#1: Name Your Files Appropriately

Naming your files appropriately saves you both time, money, and face. Instead of an exhaustive search, you can reasonably guess what you would’ve called the project and use your search bar. Furthermore, you don’t have to send your client multiple images asking if any of them are the correct file.

#2: Organize your File Structure

Have you ever had a client ask for a file months or years after a project was completed and then you’re scrambling to figure out what you might have named "the ad we did for X magazine in October of 2009?”

Keeping your files organized by client, project, and/or date helps you quickly and easily deliver the appropriate file when necessary, and makes you look professional and well-organized to your client.

#3: Be Consistent

Determine a naming convention that works for you and stick with it.

For example, I like to name my proof files that are sent to the customer as filename[PROOF] while naming the actual file sent to the printer filename[PRINTED].

This way, if I need to send the file for reprint, I know exactly which file to send, and I know what to look for when searching as well.

#4: Back Up Your Files Regularly

Losing files is the absolute worst feeling, especially if you need it to send to a client.

#5: Save your Contract in the Project Folder

A good contract is not only a binding piece of paper, it is the most important file in any project. Use it as a tool to stay within the scope of the project as well as a guide and a reference when you present your proofs to your client.