Correctly setting up your file for bleeds and margins
Bleeds: colors or images extend past the edges of your document.
When you you need images or colors on the edge of a print we request you provide us with a file that includes a full bleed. This allows at least an 1/8″ of extra image/color to extend past the file size allowing us to cut into it without leaving a white edge.
If your software does not allow you to create a bleed you can just create it 1/2″ larger than the final size. An example of this would be printing a 4″ x 6″ postcard. You would provide us with a 4.25″ x 6.25″ document leaving space for us to cut into the image.
You are not required to provide a bleed as we can use software to create a reflection of the edges, creating a mirror like effect. It can be confusing when seeing this but does work. Although it is not preferred it does give us the desired results.
Margins: leaving enough space around important content in your document.
When you you have text or graphics that are closer than a 1/4″ from the edge you risk the print being cut off. Our machines cannot print to the edges of a document. We use bleeds for that but it also means your text or images could get cut see.
We do have software that will help with this by applying a white margin around your document but we do not have the ability to do this with bleeds. Please make sure you do not have important information close to the edges of any document.
Examples
Full Bleed Examples
Correct Bleed
Correct bleed setup
- Image extends past edges
Correct bleed outcome
- No white showing
Incorrect Bleed
Incorrect bleed setup
- Image comes close to edges
Incorrect bleed outcome
- White showing
Margin Examples
Correct Margin
Correct margin setup
- Text remains in safe space away from edges
Correct margin outcome
- All text is showing
Incorrect Margin
Incorrect margin setup
- Text comes close to edges
Incorrect margin outcome
- Text gets cut off
This is what a preflighted document looks like with a mirror applied
Our system preflights documents for color space, image quality, size, and a few other things. It does not look at design or any flaws in design. We ask that you check your documents before approval. This is an example of a preflighted document with a mirror applied for bleed setup.
Preflight on Bleed and margin
Image is mirrored
- Images that are not extended to the edge will show white even after preflight
Text is mirrored
- Text that is close to the edge will get mirrored. This could complicate cutting and could get cut off