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To create a Canva canvas and download a PDF ready for print with crop marks and bleed, follow these steps.
1. Sign in to your Canva account or create a new one at www.canva.com
2. Once you're logged in, click on the Create a design button on the Canva homepage.
3. Choose the type of design you want to create. We would recommend selecting ‘Custom Size’, to ensure your canvas is correctly set up to a UK paper size, before you start your design. To view UK paper sizes, click the button in the text below. If you are creating a folded leaflet or booklet, set your canvas at the finished size you want. Then click the add page button. Please create your design in sequential running order. This will ensure your margins and fold positions are correct and our software will correctly impose your PDF for print.
To view your margins go to file, view settings, and tick show margins. A dotted line will appear within your page, this is your margin line. To set up bleed in Canva, follow these steps: Click on the File menu at the top left corner of the Canva editor. Go to view settings, select Show print bleed. A grey bleed area will appear around your canvas. Make sure coloured elements extend into this area to avoid white edges after trimming.
You can now customize your canvas by adding your own images, text, and other elements. Make sure to keep important content within the safe zone, which is indicated by the dashed margin line. This area ensures that no critical information is cut off during printing.
5. Once you are satisfied with your design, it's time to export it as a PDF for print. Click on the Download button under file at the top left corner of the Canva editor. Choose the PDF - Print option from the file type options. In the pop-up window, ensure that the Crop marks and flatten PDF options are both selected. To guarantee any corporate colours you will need to download this with a CMYK profile. This is only available with a Canva Pro Account. Click the Download button to save the PDF file to your computer. Now you have a PDF file ready for print with crop marks and bleed. Remember to review the design before supplying us with the print-ready files.