Full Bleeding ? What does it mean?
This is an important step when you design and send any artwork to us. Save time and Follow the link to learn how to take care of this issue before printing.
What is Bleed?
Bleeds allow you to run artwork to the edge of a page. On a press, the artwork is printed on a large sheet of paper and then trimmed down to size. If you do not allow for a 1/8 of an inch bleed, any misalignment while cutting will result with the artwork not running to the edge of the paper. Bleeds ensure you get the results you need (see an example).
For example, if you have designed a standard 3.5" x 2" business card with a red background covering the whole area, you will need to enlarge that red background to 3.75" x 2.25". This will make the red background extend 1/8" on every side of the page.
Why is adding a Bleed necessary?
Small mechanical variations can end up leaving a hairline white edge where there should be no white edge at all, if the image is not extended beyond the final trim size. Extending images 1/8" beyond the final trim size guarantees that images truly will go all the way to the edge of the printed paper.
How do I add bleed to my design?
Adobe Photoshop
Open Photoshop and click File > Image > Canva size
Enter the artwork and bleed dimensions all inclusive. That is, 1/4" extra both vertically and horizontally. For example, if you are doing a business card, type 3.75 inches width (3.5 inches original business card widht plus 0.25 inches for bleeding) and 2.25 inches height (2 inches original height plus 0.25 inches bleed)
Set the Resolution at 300 pixels/inch
Set the Color Mode to CMYK
Adobe Illustrator
Open Illustrator and click File > Document Set UP > Bleed
Enter 0.125 inches for the top, bottom, left and right bleed
Set the the Color Mode to CMYK
Set the Raster Effects at High (300ppi)
Adobe InDesign
Open InDesign and click File > Document Set Up > Bleed and Slug
Enter 0.125 inches for the top, bottom, left and right bleed
