Bleed is a printing term that refers to a project that has images, colour or text that extends beyond the edge of the page leaving no margin. Typically, documents that have bleed are printed on a larger sheet of paper and trimmed down to actual size. For example, an 8.5” x 11” project would be printed on an 11” x 17” sheet and then cut to 8.5” x 11”. The reason that you must include bleed in your document when you send it to print is because most printers cannot print directly to the edge of the paper.
Documents with bleed require specific settings during set-up and export. Step-by-step instructions for these settings are outlined below the following examples.
SET UP YOUR DOCUMENT TO BLEED
When setting up your document, ensure that you build and export your file with bleed.
SETTING UP BLEED
In the “New Document” window, you will find your bleed settings at the bottom. If you do not see the bleed section, select “More Options” on the right and it will appear. While you can set your bleed to any denomination, the standard bleed setting is 0p9 or .125” for the top, bottom, inside and outside.
EXPORTING WITH BLEED
When exporting/saving your document for print, you must ensure that your export settings reflect bleed. In the Export/Save PDF window, make sure that “All Printer’s Marks” is selected. Next, under “Bleed and Slug”, select “Use Document Bleed Settings”. This will automatically reflect the bleed settings you entered during document set up. You can now export your file.
Still unclear on the function of bleed and how it relates to your project?
No problem—give us a call, we would be happy to walk you through it.
