Bleed – What is it and What’s it for?

One of the things our customers have the most problem with is dealing with pages that bleed. Often times they don’t realize a bleed is necessary but they do want images, backgrounds and art elements to extend to the edges of the page. So, what exactly is a bleed?

A page bleed compensates for and/or eliminates mechanical problems when your project is being trimmed after printing. If the graphic element — pictures, graphics, or background color — is not carried beyond the edge of the page, there is the possibility that a small area of white will remain after the page is trimmed.

When page elements, such as pictures, graphics or background need to extend completely to the document’s edge, they will need to be extended beyond the finished page size and then be trimmed off. The amount to extend is the bleed. Typically a bleed will extend 1/8 in. (.125”, 3.175mm or 9 points) beyond the edge of the page.

Bleed must be built into the file when it is created.

How do I add bleed to my design?

Adobe Photoshop

1. Open Photoshop and click File > New…
2. Enter the FULL BLEED dimensions. That is, 1/4″ extra both vertically and horizontally.
3. Set the Resolution at 300 pixels/inch
4. Set the Color Mode to CMYK

Adobe Illustrator

1. Open Illustrator and click File > New…
2. Enter the TRIM dimensions in the Width and Height boxes
3. Enter 0.125 for the top, bottom, left and right bleed
4. Set the Color Mode to CMYK
5. Set the Raster Effects at High (300ppi)

Adobe InDesign

1. Open InDesign and click File > New > Document…
2. Enter the actual document size (for a book, an example would be 6×9)
3. If you do not see “Bleed and Slug” at the bottom of the window, click the “More Options” button.
4. Enter 0.125” for the top, bottom, left and right bleed

Microsoft Word

Creating a file with bleed using Microsoft Word is not so easy. Please visit our website to find out how to do this in Word.