Real World Print Production with Adobe Creative Suite Applications

Rule Number Two: Provide Bleed

Trimming is the finishing process that chops the printed piece to the final size. Since this is a mechanical process, it helps to have some margin for error in both the printing and trimming processes. Consequently, any time there is artwork intended to extend to the edge of the page, it’s necessary to provide bleed—extra image beyond the edge of the true page size. Commonly, bleed extends one-eighth of an inch (.125 inch or 9 points) beyond the trim line, but your print service provider may request a different bleed value, especially on larger pieces such as posters or pocket folders. As with all issues, it behooves you to check the print service provider’s specifications as you begin the job.

However, Rule Number ...