Bleeds and safe zones are the two most common things that go wrong in DIY print files. The fix is simple: give your design a little extra space so trimming looks clean.
What is a bleed?
Bleed is the artwork that extends past the final trim size. We trim right at the edge, so you want color and background graphics to “bleed” out a bit.
Rule of thumb: add bleed on every side (we recommend 0.125” / 1/8”).
If you don’t include bleed, you may end up with thin white lines along the edge after cutting.
What is the safe zone?
The safe zone is the area inside the trim where you keep anything important.
Rule of thumb: keep text, logos, and key elements at least 0.125” inside the trim (0.25” if you want it to feel extra clean).
If it’s close on your screen, it’s closer in real life—and once it’s submitted, it runs.
Resolution (your images matter)
Export your design at 300 DPI at the final size. Low-res images look fine on screen and terrible on paper.
- Logos/flat graphics → vector when possible
- Photos → 300 DPI
Fonts (lock it in)
Use a print-ready PDF and embed fonts. If you can’t embed, convert text to outlines.
File format (PDF is king)
We can run many file types, but PDFs are the most predictable because they preserve layout.
Your print-ready checklist
- Export a PDF at the final size
- Add 0.125” bleed on all sides
- Keep important content in the safe zone
- Use 300 DPI images
- Embed fonts (or outline them)
- Flatten transparency if needed
Remember: WYSIWYG means what you upload is what gets printed. Make it count.