Bleed

In graphic design and printing, "bleed" refers to the area of a design or image that extends beyond the final trim edge of the printed piece. This extra space ensures that when the document is trimmed to its final size, there are no unprinted edges or unwanted white borders.

Key Points:

• Purpose: To allow for slight movement of the paper during trimming and ensure the design or background color goes all the way to the edge.
• Standard Bleed Size: Typically 1/8 inch (0.125") or 3mm on all sides, but this can vary depending on the printer's specifications.
• Design Tip: Always extend background colors, images, or design elements that should reach the edge of the page into the bleed area.

Example:

If you're designing a business card that will be trimmed to 3.5" x 2", the document size with bleed should be 3.75" x 2.25" (adding 0.125" bleed on all sides).

In summary: Bleed is a critical part of print design that ensures a clean, professional edge after trimming.