How do I add bleeds to a document?

If you're using InDesign, add bleed in your document setup either when you create the document or by using File > Document Setup. You may have to click the chevron beside "Bleed and Slug" near the bottom of the dialog to open up the settings. The bleed area appears as an outline outside the trim edge of your page. If you're using Illustrator, add bleed in the New Document dialog. In either case, when exporting to (InDesign) or Saving As (Illustrator) PDF, be sure to go to the Marks and Bleeds page of the export options and check "Use document bleed settings" otherwise the bleed will not appear in the PDF. For legacy Illustrator documents that don't include a bleed, extend the artwork past the edge of the artboard as needed, then when saving as a PDF add the bleed setting manually.