Bleed
Bleed extends design elements beyond the trim edge for printing, ensuring no white margins after cutting.
What is Bleed?
Bleed in printing refers to the extension of printed elements like images, backgrounds, or colors beyond the intended trim edge of a document. This extension ensures that no white margins appear after the printed piece is cut to its final size.
Example: Imagine a postcard with a red background extending 0.125 inches beyond the cut lines on each side. This extra space is the bleed, and it guarantees that the red color reaches the very edge of the postcard after it's cut.
Usage: Bleed is crucial for professional printing of various materials, including business cards, brochures, posters, flyers, and banners. It ensures a polished and visually appealing final product without any unexpected white borders.
Safety Margin vs. Bleed
Safety margin ensures design elements are not cut off, while bleed extends them beyond the trim edge for printing purposes.
Trim Marks vs. Bleed
Trim marks indicate where to cut the printed material, while bleed ensures color extends to the edge after trimming.
White Space vs. Bleed
White space is an area intentionally left blank, while bleed is the extension of printed color beyond the trim line.
Bleed FAQs
Why is bleed necessary?
Bleed is essential when you want a printed piece to have a color, image, or design that extends to the very edge of the paper. It prevents unsightly white slivers from appearing after trimming.
How much bleed do I need?
The standard bleed amount is typically 0.125 inches (3mm) on all sides. However, specific requirements may vary depending on the printing process and product.
How do I create a bleed in my design?
When setting up your design file, create a bleed area by extending the background color or image beyond the document's intended cut line. This ensures the color extends to the edge even if there are slight cutting variations.
How do I add bleed in design software?
Most design software programs, like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, offer options to add bleed to your document setup. Refer to the software's help documentation for specific instructions.
What should I do before sending my design to the printer?
Always confirm bleed requirements with your printer before finalizing your design. They can provide specific instructions and ensure your files are print-ready.