How to add bleed correctly – for clean print results without white edges
Modern cutting machines work with extreme precision. Nevertheless, minimal tolerances can occur during production. To ensure that no unwanted white edges (flashing) appear at the border of your print product, your layout should be created with what is known as bleed.
Bleed is an additional margin area that extends beyond the actual final format and is removed during trimming. This ensures that backgrounds, images, or colors reach cleanly to the very edge.
What is a bleed?
Bleed refers to an extended margin around your print motif. This additional area is cut off during the trimming process. It ensures that even with slight deviations in the cut there is a tolerance area for minimal deviation and no white edges are visible.
How much bleed is required?
The required bleed allowance depends on the respective product.
You can find the exact details in the product-specific data requirements in the shop – especially in the upload area of your selected item.
Please be sure to adhere to the dimensions specified there.
Setting up bleed in Adobe Illustrator – Step by step
-
Open or create a new document in Adobe Illustrator.
-
Select File → Document Setup.
-
Enter the required bleed value for Top, Bottom, Left, and Right.
-
Confirm with OK.
-
Extend backgrounds and graphics into the bleed area.
-
Select File → Save As.
-
Select Adobe PDF as the format.
-
In the PDF options, switch to "Marks and Bleeds" and activate
"Use Document Bleed Settings". -
Save the PDF file.
Useful tip
For a smooth export, we recommend using appropriate PDF presets. This ensures that all technical requirements are automatically applied correctly.
Important Notes on Bleed
-
Always create bleed even if your file contains a cut contour.
-
The cut contour must not protrude into the bleed; it must lie entirely within the artboard.
-
When using official print templates, the bleed is already taken into account. In this case, you do not need to add any additional bleed.