Adobe PageMaker Tips
Although PageMaker is no longer Adobe's premier page layout application and is quickly being replaced by InDesign, all versions of PageMaker are still supported for both Apple Macintosh and Windows platforms. Here are some basic tips that apply to all software versions and for both platforms.
- Document Setup Basics
- Creating Bleed
- Linking Graphics
- Exporting PDF Files from PageMaker
- Converting to CMYK Color
For even more tips please visit our Quick Tips section. This is our catch-all category for all manner of miscellaneous tips, tricks, program fixes, and workarounds to help you with building your artwork . We'll add new items from time to time so check in to see what's been added recently.
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Document Setup Basics
- Set your layout page size to to match your final individual page size. Do not use an oversize page as a pasteboard.
- Do not embed images when placing them. You should always link all images and be certain to send them when uploading your job.
- Make certain that you have provided that 1/8" bleed for all images and for any other items that touch the outer edges of the pages in your document.
- Enable Snap to Guides and be very careful to ensure that all images are accurately placed. Pay special attention to the centers between any facing pages.
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Creating Bleed
The way to create bleed is to simply make certain that the image or graphic extends off the edge of the page to a distance of 1/8" (.125) wherever you want something to bleed.
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Linking Graphics in PageMaker
PageMaker is set up to embed picture and graphics inside the document by default. While this might seem helpful, it causes the file to get very large. We have even seen a single PageMaker documents that was too large to get onto a CDR disk. It was over 700 Mb! You can imagine how difficult this file was to move around and how much time it took to open or to save. What is more, when the pictures and graphics files are embedded they cannot be easily changed if edits or retouching become necessary. Thus, it is always a good idea to link your pictures and graphics files rather than to embed them.
To setup PageMaker to link placed images by default:
- Close all open documents.
- Go to the Menu > Element > Link Options
- Uncheck the Graphics option: "Store copy in publication"
- Quit and restart PageMaker. PageMaker will now automatically link to images in all new jobs.
To change an existing document to Link to images that are currently stored inside the document:
- Open the document.
- Go to Menu > File > Links Manager
- Select each image one at a time and click Options
- Uncheck the Graphics option: "Store copy in publication"
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Exporting PDF Files from PageMaker
1. Menu > File> Export > Adobe PDF
2. In the PDF Options dialogue Distiller Settings select either PDF/X-1a:2001 or Commercial Printing job option.
3. Click Export to export your PDF file to your desired location.
Exporting a PDF from within PageMaker requires that a Postscript printer be installed whether you are using a Windows PC or a Macintosh. It also requires a copy of Acrobat Distiller. Please contact our PrePress department if need further help with exporting a PDF from PageMaker.
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Converting to CMYK Color Space
Use the following menu options:
Window > Show Colors
Double click each color one at a time in the palette and select the Model to be CMYK and the Type to be Process. Please be advised that Pagemaker does not successfully represent CMYK color on the monitor.
