Bleeds

‘Bleed’ is a term that refers to printing which reaches beyond the area that will be trimmed off after it is cut down to the finished size. It is difficult to print all the way to the edge of a sheet of paper, so to achieve this we must print a slightly larger image on a larger piece of paper and trim it down to the correct size. This also accommodates for “printer bounce”. Failing to provide a bleed and crop marks will result in thin areas of white showing on the edges of the finished pieces. Since the bleed area will be trimmed off during the cutting process, there should be no text or other important information in the bleed area.

Projects that use a bleed should extend any bleeding background and/or images 1/8” over the final paper trim edge. We also recommend all other text and graphics stay inside a “Safe Zone” printing area which stays inside the final paper trim edge by about 1/4”. This ensures a more professional appearance and eliminates any risk of type or images being accidentally “nicked” during trimming.

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Image Bleed

If the image goes to the edge of the paper, then you must provide an extension of the image that will be trimmed off.

See examples:

No Bleed

If your image has a white border on all four sides, bleeds are not required. Prepare your files at the exact dimensions of the desired output.

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* If your image does not have a white border on all four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files. Add one quarter of an inch (1/4”= .25”) to each dimension to allow for cutting. For example, a 4” X 6” postcard with a full bleed, the image size should be submitted at 4.25” X 6.25”. One eighth (1/8”= .125”) on each edge of the card will be trimmed off during the cutting process. This will leave you a 4” X 6” standard postcard. Your type (text) should be .25” inside of the safety zone.