1. Assess each layout individually. If your journaling and photos are at least 1/3″ from the edge of the canvas, they should be okay as is. The following image does not need any adjustments before uploading to Taleweaver. Everything in this layout is far enough in from the edge, that trimming will not affect it.

2. If your layout has important elements close to the edge like the sample below, you can make some simple adjustments to be sure that nothing important will be trimmed off your layout.

3. First, reduce the image size by about 1/2″ on both sizes. (IMAGE>IMAGE SIZE and enter size that is 1/4″ to 1/2″ smaller than the book size you want to print.

4. Add bleed to your canvas by increasing the canvas size to be .25″ larger than the book size you are ordering. (IMAGE>CANVAS SIZE and enter a size that is 1/4″ larger than the book size.) In this case, the book size is an 8″ book, so I’m making the canvas size 8.25″.

5. Click on any background papers and elements that “fall off the edge” and enlarge them slightly to fill out the empty areas in the canvas. (CTRL{CMD}+T) In this sample, only the blue background paper needs to be enlarged. In some cases, though, ribbons, flowers or other elements may also need to be extended into the bleed area. In this sample, though, the brads and chipboard are already extending into the bleed area, so they can be left alone.

6. Here is the layout with bleed added. It’s now time to save a JPG. Then, upload to the Taleweaver software. And, always be sure to double check your previews carefully!