What is a "Bleed"?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Image "Bleeds" and "Safe Print" zones
... "Bleed" is a printing term used to indicate the area
with a background image that will be trimmed off after
the file is printed and cut down to the finished size.
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 make use of image 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.
|
If your image is not white on all
four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files. Add
one eighth of an inch (.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" by
6.25" (red box above). 125" (1/8") on each edge of the
card will be trimmed off during the cutting process. This
will leave you a 4" X 6" inch standard post card (black
box above).
Your type (text) should be .25" inside of the cut box,
represented by the blue safety box.