INCORRECT (file size submitted = 3.5" x 2")
This files does not have a bleed.
INCORRECT (file sizes vary with crop marks)
This file has crop marks and does not have a bleed.
INCORRECT (file sizes vary with crop marks)
This file has two sets of marks - bleed marks and
crop marks that go over the artwork.
INCORRECT (file size submitted = 3.75" x 2.25")
This file has the correct file size to accommodate bleed but some elements (the photo and partial circle) are
not properly extended all the way into the bleed area.
INCORRECT (file size submitted = 3.75" x 2.25")
This file has poor margins. Notice that the text is placed
at the edge where the finished piece will be cut.
NOT PREFERRED (file sizes vary with crop marks)
Files with proper bleed, margin, and crop marks can be accepted for many print items. For some items, we may ask that files are resent without crop marks.
CORRECT (file size submitted = 3.75" x 2.25")
This files has proper bleed and margin.
It does not have crop marks.
DESIGN WARNING
Be careful of using thin lines at the edges (note the
green bar at the bottom). The finished cut from this
design will leave a very thin line or maybe none at all.
DESIGN WARNING
Borders are not recommended.
If the cut is slightly off or crooked, a border
will accentuate these minor imprecisions.
Importance of Bleed and Margin
It's important to know that cutting can be imprecise. Bleed and Margin each perform an important function that work in tandem with cutting in mind in an effort to produce a professional looking finished piece. Like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Salt and Pepper, or Bert and Ernie.
What is a Bleed?
A bleed is the extra image or background, generally 1/8" (.125), that extends beyond the cut area of your printing piece. Printing jobs are printed on oversized sheets and cut to size giving the appearance that the background color or image is "bleeding" off the edge of the paper. It is important that all background colors and images at the edge of the sheet have a proper bleed.
Why is Bleed Important?
Without a bleed the final printed piece may have uneven white borders. These white borders can be as wide as 1/8", sometimes more, or just a sliver. These white borders can vary for every sheet of the job.
Have you ever tried to cut a coupon exactly on the dotted line and invariably gone off track? How much more success would you have if that dotted line was much thicker? That's the basic concept and importance of a bleed.
What is a Margin?
The Margin, or Safety, is a buffer zone between the cut area and important items such as text, logo, and other images. Just as we advise that the bleed extend beyond the cut, we equally advise that your important information and items are moved in away from the cut. Our rule of thumb is 1/8" for small items such as business cards and 1/4" for larger items like postcards and flyers.
Why is Margin Important?
What happens if your artwork is designed with your address at the edge of the cut and the cutting happens to drift an 1/8" left or right? Your important address of "12345" may become "2345". Having these elements so close to the edge can look untidy and haphazard. Having a margin built in makes for a more professional and aesthetically pleasing finished design.
How to Submit Files with Bleed
Keep cutting in mind when designing and building in your bleed. Ask yourself how will the final piece look when it is cut down to its final size. How will it look if the cut happens to move up, down, left, or right? Could something be clipped? Could a little bit of white or some other mark show on the edge? If so, you may want to adjust your design.
From Design Programs (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe, In Design, Corel Draw):
From Canva:
From Other Programs (Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word):
Submit only one piece of artwork. Do not design or submit multiple-up files to fill a sheet of paper. We will account for that when printing your job.
When setting up saddle stitched booklets for print, we have very precise requirements in order for a satisfactory result.
Observing the above, should result in a finished PDF file that is print-ready and including all necessary bleeds.