What is Bleed?
Bleed is a printing term used to describe the process of extending images or graphics beyond the intended size of a printed piece. This is done to ensure that the printed piece has no white edges when it is trimmed down to its final size.
Why Do You Need Bleed?
When printing any document or artwork, the printer cannot print right up to the edge of the paper. There is always a small margin of error, which can leave a white border around the printed area. By adding bleed, you extend the image or graphic beyond the edge of the paper, ensuring that when it is trimmed down, there are no white edges.
How to Add Bleed in Photoshop
To add bleed to your artwork in Photoshop, follow these steps:
Open your file in Photoshop.
Go to "Image" > "Canvas Size".
In the "Canvas Size" dialog box, make sure the "Relative" box is checked.
Enter the amount of bleed you need in the "Width" and "Height" fields. For example, if you need a 1/8 inch bleed, enter 0.125 inches in both fields.
Select the "Anchor" option that best suits your needs.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.
How to Add Bleed in Illustrator
To add bleed to your artwork in Illustrator, follow these steps:
Open your file in Illustrator.
Go to "File" > "Document Setup".
In the "Document Setup" dialog box, enter the amount of bleed you need in the "Bleed" fields. For example, if you need a 1/8 inch bleed, enter 0.125 inches in both the "Top" and "Left" fields.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.
In conclusion, bleed is an important aspect of printing, as it ensures that your artwork looks professional and polished. By adding bleed in either Photoshop or Illustrator, you can avoid any unsightly white edges and produce a clean and professional-looking printed piece.