What is bleed and why it is important
Descriptions:
'Bleed' is the area of your design that will be trimmed off when it is cut to its final size. This ensures your image reaches the very edge of the design and that there will be no white edges to the final trim size of your prints
STANDARD BLEED SIZE
Is the standard amount of bleed to add on your file which is 0.125" or 3mm each side
Final Trim Size
The actual size of your print.
Trimming
To neatly cut to its required size or final trim size by form of cutting away irregular or unwanted parts.
How to Apply "Bleed?"
For prints, make sure you add the standard size wich is .125" or 3mm on each side of your canvas. For best result, prior to creating your piece, is to figure out your final trim size of your print then you add the bleed. E.g. if you want to have a postcard sized print then your final trim size should be 4"x6" plus bleed of .125" each side then your canvas size should be 4.25"x6.25". Then you place all important parts of your image within a .5 margin of your final trim size.
See figure below
The idea of bleed is to extend your image beyond your actual size to get the best result of your print. This is especially important for merchandises that needed binding where trimming is very important like memopads, notebooks, books, portfolios, zines, or receipts.
It is also important for prints that needed multiple copies like postcards, photocards, calling cards, etc.
What should I do if the file for printing is ready and no bleed added?
There are software(s) where you can extend you canvas and content-aware-fill to the added bleed but if you want to, you can also do it manually. Whether you pick content-aware-fill or manually add bleed, you should remember these information before adding them.
Figure 1: Adding Bleed
Figure 2: After Trimming
The dotted square signifies your actual print size. You will see that after trimming (a) had some border lines visible while (b) is neatly cut. Extending your image does not equate to stretching. By stretching meaning having your actual print size with added bleed and just stretch your work to the edge of the canvas. This will result to important parts of the image being cut off.
E.G.
No matter your chosen art program, you can always make sure your canvas already has bleed before you start working!
You can make a template of your go-to canvas sizes with the bleed regardless if you'll have your artwork printed or not. You can crop it to your intended size for online posting.
This is actually good practice for when or if you ever decide to work in the creative industry, especially in publishing.
