A "bleed" occurs when a document has images that extend beyond the edge of the page -- or "trim line". This prevents unintentional white margins in the final, trimmed product.

There are three zones in a document to consider:

First, the "safe-zone"... This area is a quarter-inch distance from the document's edge. All critical content needs to be kept within this area... Logos, text, images and so forth. Visual elements in the safe-zone will be a safe distance from the "trim-zone".

The "trim-zone" is the finished size of the publication. The product is cut down to its desired final size along these lines. Always double check that your vital content is within the safe zone, or it may get trimmed.

Finally, there's the "bleed-zone" which overlaps the trim zone by one-eighth of an inch. Background art or imagery needs to extend past these lines in order to avoid white margins around the finished piece.

Send us your questions or comments - and feel free to contact us today to discuss your next project.

...Stay tuned for the next segment!