What Is Bleed?
Updated · Vorex Packaging
Bleed is the extra artwork that extends past the cut line of a box, label or print piece so that no white edge appears after cutting. Because cutting is never perfectly exact, printers ask for backgrounds and images to run beyond the trim, commonly about 1/8 inch (3 mm), into the bleed area.
When printed sheets are die cut, the blade can land a fraction off the intended line. If your background color stops exactly at the cut line, any small shift leaves a thin unprinted edge. Extending the artwork into the bleed hides that variation.
Bleed, trim and safe zone
- Bleed: the area outside the cut line where background artwork continues.
- Trim or cut line: where the box or label is cut.
- Safe zone: an area inside the cut and fold lines where important text and logos should stay.
Tips for packaging artwork
Ask your supplier for the bleed and safe margin they require and use the dieline they provide, which usually marks both. Extend colors and patterns into the bleed on every edge, including around windows and cut-outs. Keep barcodes, ingredients and logos away from folds and edges. A digital proof will show the bleed lines so you can check before approval.
