What is Print Bleed?
Print bleed is the term used to describe the extension of an image or design beyond the trim edge of a printed piece. This is necessary because printers cannot print perfectly to the edge of the paper. There is always a small margin of error, which can result in a white border around the image if bleed is not used.
Why Do Printers Need Bleed?
Printers need bleed for a few reasons. First, the paper can move slightly during the printing process, which can cause the image to shift slightly. Second, the cutting process can also cause the image to shift slightly. Third, even if the paper and cutting process are perfectly accurate, there is still a small amount of space that needs to be left for the printer’s marks.
How Much Bleed Do I Need?
The amount of bleed that you need will depend on the size of your image and the type of paper that you are using. A good rule of thumb is to use 3mm of bleed for most projects. However, you may need to use more bleed if you are using a thicker paper or if you are printing a very large image. For example, canvas prints need 50mm of bleed to stretch around the frame for a high-quality finish.
How Do I Create Print Bleed in My Design?
When you are creating your design, you can use a bleed guide to help you extend the image beyond the trim edge. You can find bleed guides online or in most design software programs.
Here are the steps on how to create print bleed in your design:
- Open your design file in a design software program.
- Find the bleed guide and add it to your document.
- Extend the image beyond the bleed guide by the amount of bleed that you need.
- Save your file and export it in a format that is compatible with your printer.
Tips for Creating Print Bleed
Here are a few tips for creating print bleed:
- Use a high-resolution image. The higher the resolution, the less likely it is that you will see any pixelation at the edges of the image.
- Use a solid colour for the background. This will help to prevent any white gaps from appearing around the image.
- Preview your design before you send it to the printer. This will help you to make sure that the bleed is applied correctly.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand what print bleed is and why printers need it. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.