A guide to help you understand bleed, safe areas and the basics of preparing artwork for print.
A design can look perfect on screen and still cause problems in print if the file is not prepared correctly.
Bleed, trim, safe areas, image resolution and export settings all help the printer produce the piece as intended.
Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the final trim edge.
It helps avoid unwanted white lines if the cutting shifts slightly during production.
For example, if a background color or image goes all the way to the edge, it usually needs to extend into the bleed area too.
Do not assume a universal bleed value.
Many printers use common standards, but the required bleed depends on the printer, format and production method. Always follow the printer’s specifications.
The trim line shows where the printed piece is intended to be cut to its final size.
Anything beyond this line is normally removed during finishing.
The safe area is the space inside the trim where important elements should stay away from edges.
Keep things like: