Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the final cut size of your printed product. It ensures that your background color or graphics reach all the way to the edge—without any unintentional white borders.
Even with precise, high-end equipment (like we use at Sunrise Press), paper can shift slightly during trimming. Bleed provides a safe buffer, so the final cut looks flawless every time.
How It Works:
- Bleed Area (Black Outline): Extends 0.125" past each edge. This portion will be trimmed off after printing.
- Actual Size / Trim Line (Green Outline): This is the final size of your product after cutting (e.g. 3.5" x 2" for a business card).
- Safe Zone (Cyan Outline): Keep important text, logos, and design elements at least 0.125" inside the cut line so they are never accidentally trimmed.
📝 For example, a standard business card is 3.5" x 2".
Your file should be built at 3.75" x 2.25" to include proper bleed.
Want more help? See the full bleed guide
