Bleed
Since the trimming of a sheet is not 100% exact, your graphics must exceed the intended trimming line to ensure that no white (unprinted) border remains if any shift occurs during trimming. This cushion is called "bleed". The required amount of bleed depends on the product and will be indicated on each product's file template.
You are required to submit all files with an exact document size that includes a bleed on all four sides.
Document Size = Product Size + Bleed
The required amount of bleed depends on the product (see list below).
Safe Area
Safe area follows the same idea as bleed, but applies to the inside (rather than the outside) of the intended trimming lines, as well as to folding lines. Keep text, logos and other important graphics in the safe area, i.e. at least 0.125” (1/8”) away from the intended trimming and folding lines because anything outside the safe area might get cut off or folded over.
The required safe zone increases if round corners are added to your product - please refer to our file templates when creating your design to avoid unexpected surprises.
Example:
The diagram shows how the image extends beyond the actual product size (trimming line) to the very edge of the document, and how the logo is well within the safe area.
Bleed Amount
| Product | Bleed | File Dimensions increased by |
| Business Cards Bookmarks Club Flyers Collector's Cards Event Tickets Greeting Cards Postcards Rack Cards Stickers |
0.05" | 0.1" |
| Brochures Door Hangers Envelopes Flyers Hang Tags Letterhead Mini Menus Notepads Posters Yard Signs |
0.0625” | 0.125" |
| Catalogs Calendars |
0.0625” | 0.125" |
| Presentation Folders | 0.1125” | 0.225" |
Examples: If you submit a file for a 4" x 6" postcard, your document's dimensions must be 4.1" x 6.1":
- Width: 4" + 0.05" + 0.05" = 4.1"
- Height: 6" + 0.05" + 0.05" = 6.1"
If you submit a file for a 5.5" x 8.5" flyer, your document's dimensions must be 5.625" x 8.625":
- Width: 5.5" + 0.0625" + 0.0625" = 5.625"
- Height: 8.5" + 0.0625" + 0.0625" = 8.625"
Note: Since the document size is exactly the product size plus bleed, there cannot be any crop marks visible in your files.
Borders
Using borders is not recommended because even a small trimming deviation will make them appear uneven. If you use borders, make sure the border is not near the trimming line but well within the safe area, i.e. make them as thick as possible in order to keep the visible difference of border thickness due to trimming deviations to a minimum.
Rounded Corners
When using rounded corners, text or important graphics should not be placed too close to the corners. Otherwise they may get cut off. Rounded corners have a radius of 0.125" (1/8").
File Templates
To make sure your file has the correct dimensions, please use our file templates. They also show the trimming lines and the safe area(s) so you can easily see if your design fits.
Please remove template after creation of the design from your final file, otherwise it will be printed along with your design. The file you upload needs to be the exact same size as our template file, please do not add printers marks.
