How to Set Bleed for Your Borderless Print Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to printing, understanding how to set bleed is crucial for achieving professional-quality results. Whether you’re creating brochures, business cards, or posters, bleed ensures that your designs extend to the edge of the paper, preventing unsightly white borders after trimming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting bleed in your print projects.

What is Bleed?

Bleed refers to the area of a print design that extends beyond the final trim size. It allows for slight variations in cutting during the printing process, ensuring that your design runs all the way to the edge of the paper. Typically, a bleed of 3 mm (0.3 cm) is standard, but it can vary depending on the printer’s requirements. At Star Print, we follow a 3mm bleed around all edges. 

Employee Handbook
Document with Bleed

Why is Bleed Important?

  • Professional Appearance: Designs without bleed can result in white edges, making your materials look unprofessional.
  • Avoiding Errors: Bleed accommodates small shifts that can occur during cutting, ensuring that your design remains intact.
  • Flexibility: Having extra design space allows for creative freedom, especially for backgrounds and images.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Bleed

Step One: Create your Document

  • Open your design software, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop, and create a new document.
  • Set your document size to the final trim size of your printed design, for example, 210 x 297mm for a standard A4 flyer.
Create your Document
Borderless vs Standard Print

Step Two: Add Bleed to your Document

  • In the document setup, look for the option to add bleed. Typically, you can set a bleed of 3 mm on all sides.
  • For example, if your final size is 210 x 297mm (A4), set your document dimensions to 216 x 303mm.

Download a free guide to Paper Size and Bleed Size here!

Step Three: Design your Project

  • Begin designing your project, ensuring that any backgrounds, images, or colours extend into the bleed area.
  • Avoid placing important text or elements too close to the edges, as they may get cut off.
Design your Prints
PDF Download

Step Four: Export Your File Correctly

  • When you’re ready to save your project for printing, choose the appropriate file format, preferably PDF.
  • In the export settings, make sure to include bleed in your final output. Check the box for “Use Document Bleed Settings” or similar options, depending on your software.

Step Five: Review your File

  • Before sending your file to print, please double-check the bleed area. Zoom in on the edges to ensure that all important elements are within the safe margin and that your bleed extends adequately.
  • Always review your design for any spelling or grammatical errors.
  • Ensure all fonts and colours align with your brand guidelines and confirm that any images used are suitable for public use.
Spelling Mistakes in a Print
Printer Trays

Step Six: Send to Print

  • Once you’re satisfied with your file, send it to your printer, making sure to include any specific instructions regarding bleed and trimming.

If your final size is 21 x 29.7 cm (A4), set your document dimensions to 21.6 x 30.3 cm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not Setting Up Bleed at the Start: It’s easier to set bleed at the beginning of your project rather than trying to adjust it later.
  • Ignoring Printer Guidelines: Always check the printer’s requirements, as ignoring them can lead to issues with your final print.
  • Placing Important Elements in the Bleed Area: Keep essential text and graphics within the safe zone, at least 3mm from the edge.
  • Uneven Bleed: If the bleed isn’t uniform around the edges, you risk having parts of your design cut off or appearing uneven in the final print. This can lead to a disjointed look, especially if your design features borders or patterns that rely on symmetry.
Off-Centre Print

Conclusion

Setting bleed is a simple yet vital step in the print design process. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your printed materials look polished and professional. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, understanding how to set bleed will enhance the quality of your print projects.

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