Trim Area Not Defined: Warning

Message received: Your PDF does not mark where the page will be trimmed.

Alert level: Warning. You can acknowledge this warning in the proof window and continue.

Applies to: Interior and cover files.

Meaning

A PDF can carry hidden “page boxes” that tell the printer where the page is cut. Yours does not mark the trim area, or marks it as the full page. The printer then relies on the page size alone. If your pages are at the exact trim size, this is usually harmless. If your file has bleed, the printer cannot tell where the page ends and the bleed starts.

Necessary actions

1. Export again from InDesign or Illustrator with bleed included. These programs normally set the trim area for you. [Verify.]
2. In Acrobat Pro you can set it yourself: Tools → Print Production → Set Page Boxes, and set the TrimBox to your trim size. [Verify the menu in your Acrobat version.]
3. Files from Canva and Word often do not define a trim area. If your pages are at the exact trim size, you can continue.
4. Upload the new file. Preflight will check it again automatically.

Can I proceed without fixing it?

Yes. Acknowledge the warning in the proof window to continue.

Still need help? Email our support team at filesupport@acutrack.com and include your Artwork number with the alert. We will be happy to take a look.