Quick answer
Bleed is extra artwork beyond the trim edge — usually 3mm — so no white edges appear after cutting. Crop marks show where the sheet will be trimmed.
Why bleed is needed
Cutting has a small tolerance. Extending backgrounds and images 3mm past the trim means a slight movement won't leave a white sliver.
Setting up bleed
- Set your document to the finished size
- Add 3mm bleed in the document settings
- Extend background images and colours to the bleed line
- Export to PDF with bleed and crop marks
Safe area
Keep text and logos at least 3mm inside the trim so they aren't cut close or lost.
This guide gives general information about commercial printing. Specifications and availability vary between production partners; we'll confirm the details for your project in your quotation. Request a quote.
