Simple printer instructions with bleed.

[GarySped]

I have a two page InDesign (and converted to PDF) newsletter that I applied a page background gradient to and, I think, a bleed that sets it just off the page.

When I print to either laser and or inkject I get the old white page border around the edge of my blue gradient page.

Is it possible on desktop printers to print with bleed? Or do I need to take it to someone like Kinko's (who have Adobe software)?

A brief run through of setting bleed in the original document settings and the settings I need to tell the printer to print the entire page in color would be helpful. I really only need to print a few back to back copies. So I'd flip the pages and print the back after the front was printed and dry.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated even if it is a YES take it (the Indesign or PDF file) to a pro printer!

[kialua]

In my experience that depends entirely on your desktop printer that you are using. Have you looked borderless printing up in your manual? I'd say your best bet is to go to something like Kinkos and get it printed on the next biggest size paper and then trim it down to your desired size. Mine doesn't do borderless and I always send out if I can't talk my client into a reduced sample size for proofing.

[GarySped]

No, I have not looked up borderless printing -yet! I am not too savvy with printing other than hitting Print and letting it go. I will look this up as I just got a fancier laser printer that might do it. But you are likely right - Kinko's does a great job and probably costs no more than using your own ink in the end. Thanks for the reply.

Gary.

[TORCH511]

Most consumer inkjet and laserjet printers can not print to the edge of a sheet. There are some printers that offer borderless printing on certain paper sizes.

Bleed allows printers (like offset and screen) to print on a larger sheet of paper/media, and then cut down to the specified page size.

[GarySped]

OK, That is it then - off to Kinko's. Thanks for the input. I will now not go crazy and use all my toner to see if this would work.

Gary.

[The Repro Kid]

I've seen Photo Ink Jet printers that will print boarderless for as little $80. Nowadays it very common for ink jet printers to print boarderless. Laser printers are another story, and it is not common for them.

Inkjet Printers actually increase your image size a bit to make the boarderless print. A laser generally requires the ability to print on oversize paper to print the bleed and them prints at a more accurate size.

[TORCH511]

TRK - Check Newegg, a majority of inkjet printers do not offer borderless capabilities, and the ones that do tend to limit sizes to 4x6 and 8x10. Epson probably offers the best borderless support and the most available sizes. You would have a tough time finding a printer that supports 8.5 x11 at a Best Buy or Circuit City. Not saying it is impossible.

[The Repro Kid]

Torch, I tend stay away from office equipment.

In my world, the world of professional art, boarderless inkjet printers are fairly common and many can be had for less than the price of a nice night out on the town.

[TORCH511]

I think when a post is made referring to bleed using an injet or laserjet printer... it is safe to say that we are far removed from the world of professional art, and commercial grade equipment regardless of the price.

[GarySped]

Yes, I only need to print a few copies of a newsletter for my business. This is not for major professional production work.

Gary.

[TORCH511]

Yeah, i did not think so, and it is doubtfull that you are going to go buy new equipment.

You are not alone, Even my $20,000 color laser copier at work does not edge print. Most of the time you have to factor in .25" from each side... some may have a bit more, but it is a good general rule of thumb.