Bleed

Since the trimming of a sheet is not 100% exact, your graphics must exceed the intended trimming line to ensure that no white (unprinted) border remains if the trimming occurs slightly off the intended trimming line. This cushion is called “bleed”.

You are required to submit all files with an exact document size that includes a bleed on all four sides.

We recommend using our file templates which already include the correct bleed.

The required bleed is:

0.05” (1/20”) on all four sides (add 0.1″ (1/10″) to each dimension) for

• business cards
• bookmarks
• club flyers
• collector’s cards
• event tickets
• greeting cards
• postcards
• rack cards
• stickers

0.0625” (1/16”) on all four sides (add 0.125″ (1/8″) to each dimension) for

• brochures
• door hangers
• envelopes
• flyers
• hang tags
• letterhead
• mini menus
• notepads
• posters
• yard signs

0.1125” on all four sides (add 0.225″ to each dimension) for

• presentation folders

0.1875” on all four sides (add 0.375″ to each dimension) for

• catalogs
• calendars

Examples:

If you submit a file for a 4″ x 6″ postcard, your document’s dimensions must be 4.1″ x 6.1″:

• Width: 4″ + 0.05″ + 0.05″ = 4.1″
• Height: 6″ + 0.05″ + 0.05″ = 6.1″

If you submit a file for a 5.5″ x 8.5″ flyer, your document’s dimensions must be 5.625″ x 8.625″:

• Width: 5.5″ + 0.0625″ + 0.0625″ = 5.625″
• Height: 8.5″ + 0.0625″ + 0.0625″ = 8.625″

Note: Since the document size is exactly the product size plus bleed, there cannot be any crop marks visible in your files.

Safe Area

Safe area follows the same idea as bleed, but for the inside (rather than the outside) of the intended trimming lines. Consequently, safe areas also apply to folding lines.

To ensure that no important parts of your graphics are cut off or folded over, keep them at least 0.125” (1/8”) away from the intended trimming lines and folding lines.

Borders

Using borders is not recommended because even a small trimming deviation will make them appear uneven. If you use borders, make sure the border is not near the trimming line but well within the safe area, i.e. make them as thick as possible in order to keep the visible difference of border thickness due to trimming deviations to a minimum.

Rounded Corners

When using rounded corners, text or important graphics should not be placed too close to the corners. Otherwise they may get cut off. Rounded corners have a radius of 0.125″ (1/8″).

File Templates

To make sure your file has the correct dimensions, please use our file templates. They also show the trimming lines and the safe area(s) so you can easily see if your design fits.