​How to Save Your Artwork As a PDF

Saving your artwork as a PDF is the best way to submit your custom Scout Books design. Most design software will have options for saving as a PDF.  We’ve outlined a few of the most popular options just for you.  


For Adobe Illustrator

  1. Begin by using our Scout Books templates for Illustrator. You can find them here.
  2. Ensure that any images you use are a minimum of 300 dpi. (More on dpi and image quality here.)
  3. To save as a PDF, go to top menu: File > Save As and make sure you name your document as necessary and pick a location to save it to.
  4. At the bottom of the Save As dialogue box, go to Format > Choose Adobe PDF (pdf) from the drop-down menu and click Save.

  5. The Save Adobe PDF dialogue box will pop up. Under Adobe PDF Preset, select Illustrator Default. Select Marks and Bleeds in the menu on the left. Complete the options so they match the below settings - Important! Make sure to set your bleed settings to .125in.

  6. Once you have adjusted all your settings, click the "Save PDF" button and your PDF is ready to submit!
    7. For Adobe InDesign:

    1. Begin by using our Scout Books templates for InDesign. You can find them here.
    2. If you have any artwork that is meant to bleed off the page, please check that all necessary artwork has been extended .125 inches beyond the final trim size for the Scout Books size of your choice.
    3. To save as a PDF, go to top menu: File > Export and make sure you name your document as necessary and pick a location to save it to.
    4. At the bottom of the Export dialogue box, go to Format > Adobe PDF (print) from the drop-down menu and click Save.

    5. The Save Adobe PDF dialogue box will pop up. Under Adobe PDF Preset, select High Quality Print. Select Marks and Bleeds in the menu on the left. Complete the options so they match the below settings - Important! Make sure to set your bleed settings to .125in.
    6. Once you have adjusted all your settings, click the “Export” button and your PDF is ready to submit!

    For Adobe Photoshop:

    1. Begin by using our Scout Books cover template for Photoshop. You can find them here.
    2. The Scout Book Photoshop template is already prepared at 300 dpi (More on dpi and image quality here.) Simply follow the instructions on the template.
    3. To save as a Photoshop PDF, go to top menu: File > Save As and make sure you name your document as necessary and pick a location to save it to.

    4. In the middle of the Save As dialogue box, go to Format > Choose Photoshop PDF from the drop-down menu and click Save.

    5. The Export Adobe PDF dialogue box will pop up. Please see below for settings in the General section.

    6. Once you have adjusted all your settings, click the “Save PDF” button and your PDF is ready to submit!

    Any Questions?

    If you are using another design software not listed here and you have questions on how to create a PDF for it or simply have other questions, please feel free to drop us a line.