Need Help Resizing Layouts for Printing

[slfam]

I use PSE 14 and I am working on adding my layouts to a book for printing through Shutterfly. When I add them, there is a bleed area that I am warned might be cut off during the printing process. But when I design the pages either by hand or using templates, most of them go into that bleed area. How can I resize templates to shrink them so that they are about 11.25 x 11.25 (roughly)? I have tried doing it by linking all of the layers and then shrinking them down but I often have template pieces that are hanging over the edges and it takes too long to erase the excess. I really don't want my finished pages to end up being cropped in the printing process but I am lost as to what to do about it. I am still learning PSE so if you have a solution for me, please give it to me in SIMPLE, step by step instructions.

 

[msbrad]

Basically when I UL mine for printing I try not to have anything important within a 1/4 inch to the edge. It's worked for me. I've printed a lot.
However if that is after fact, try this.
1 Duplicate your bottom bg layer.
2. Merge together layers 2---->.
3. Ctrl ( or cmd) plus T and size it down a bit.
If there are template pieces sticking out, drag out a square that you want to keep. Curl (cmd j) and delete the lower layer with the sticking out pieces.
4. Merge the new layer 2 into your bg.

Or
1 and 2 the same as above
3 create a new layer between layers 1 and 2. Drag out using marquee tool the size of 11 3/4. Edit fill with any color. Then merge the LO onto it. And merge to the bg.

Hope this helps.
m

 

[slfam]

Thanks Michi!

 

[Heidi1472]

I would make a new page in the size you want - 11.5x11.5 and then flatten your layout and clip it to the new page. Not sure if that would leave you a white space instead of the bleed in your book though. Good luck.