What is Bleed in Printing?
Why That Pesky White Line Appears on Your Print and How to Avoid It
You’ve spent hours perfecting your design, sent it off to print, and eagerly opened the final product… only to spot a thin white line along the edge. Sound familiar? If so, chances are you’ve missed one crucial detail: the print bleed.
What Is a Print Bleed?
In print production, a “bleed” refers to the extra margin around your artwork that gets trimmed off during finishing. It’s a vital part of preparing files for almost any printed item — from business cards and brochures to banners, canvas prints, and presentation folders.
Without a bleed, even the most precise cutting equipment can leave behind unwanted white edges. That’s because the printing and trimming process trimming, while highly accurate, isn't flawless. A minisule shift during prodcution can expose the unprinted border of your design, especially if it runs right to the edge.
Why Bleed Matters
By extending your background or design elements beyond the trim line, you create a buffer zone. This is the bleed — and it ensures that your final product looks seamless, even if the cut isn’t spot-on.
How to Set Up a Bleed
Setting up a bleed is simple, but it needs to be done at the start of your design process:
- In your document setup, look for the bleed settings.
- For most print jobs, a 3 mm bleed around all edges is standard.
- For larger formats like banners or exhibition panels, opt for a 5 mm bleed to be safe.
This extra space won’t appear in the final product, it’s trimmed off, but it plays a key role in ensuring your design reaches the edge cleanly.
Final Tip
Adding a bleed might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Whether you’re designing flyers, brochures, or signage, always include a bleed in your artwork setup. It’s the easiest way to avoid those frustrating white lines and keep your print looking sharp and professional.
Planning ahead ensures your printing looks professional, prints smoothly, and delivers the right message to your audience.
If you want some help setting up bleed or would like us to add it for you then contact YouLovePrint today.
