{"id":5105,"date":"2026-10-02T19:56:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T16:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/printbox.ee\/?page_id=5105"},"modified":"2026-10-02T20:07:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T17:07:00","slug":"what-is-bleed","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/printbox.ee\/en\/what-is-bleed\/","title":{"rendered":"What is bleed?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Printbox artwork guide<\/div>\n

What is bleed?<\/h1>\n

Bleed is the part of a background or image that extends beyond the final trim line. It is cut away after printing and prevents unwanted white edges.<\/p>\n <\/header>\n\n

\n Printbox rule of thumb<\/strong>\n

For standard print, add 3 mm bleed on every side. Keep text, logos, QR codes and other important elements at least 4 mm inside the trim line.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n

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How a print-ready file is structured<\/h2>\n

Background colours and photos must extend to the outer file edge. The trim line is the finished product size, while important content stays inside the safe area.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/linearGradient>\n \n \n <\/marker>\n <\/defs>\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n PRINT BOX<\/text>\n BUSINESS CARD<\/text>\n\n \n \n \n 3 mm<\/text>\n\n \n \n \n \u2265 4 mm<\/text>\n\n \n \n FILE EDGE<\/text>\n\n \n TRIM LINE<\/text>\n\n \n SAFE AREA<\/text>\n <\/g>\n\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n\n
\n <\/i>Bleed \u2014 3 mm<\/span>\n <\/i>Trim line \u2014 final size<\/span>\n <\/i>Safe area \u2014 at least 4 mm inside<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n
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Example: 90 \u00d7 50 mm business card<\/h2>\n

90 + 3 + 3 = 96 mm \u00b7 50 + 3 + 3 = 56 mm<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Finished size<\/span>\n 90 \u00d7 50 mm<\/strong>\n <\/div>\n
\n PDF size including bleed<\/span>\n 96 \u00d7 56 mm<\/strong>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
90 + 3 + 3 = 96 mm \u00b7 50 + 3 + 3 = 56 mm<\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n
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\n Correct<\/span>\n \u2713<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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PRINT BOXBUSINESS CARD<\/small><\/div>\n <\/div>\n

The background extends into the bleed and text stays inside the safe area.<\/p>\n <\/article>\n\n

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\n Incorrect<\/span>\n \u00d7<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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PRINT BOXBUSINESS CARD<\/small><\/div>\n <\/div>\n

The background ends at the trim line or text is placed too close to the edge. white edge may appear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/article>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n

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Why is bleed needed?<\/h2>\n
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\n 1<\/b>\n

Cutting has a small tolerance<\/h3>\n

A stack of paper can shift slightly during trimming. Bleed gives production a safe margin for that movement.<\/p>\n <\/article>\n

\n 2<\/b>\n

No white edge appears<\/h3>\n

When the background extends past the trim line, a tiny cutting shift does not reveal the white paper edge.<\/p>\n <\/article>\n

\n 3<\/b>\n

Important content stays intact<\/h3>\n

The safe area reduces the risk of trimming into text, logos, borders or QR codes.<\/p>\n <\/article>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n

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Quick check before sending your PDF<\/h2>\n