Cutting Tolerance for Print

Cutting tolerance is the slight variation that can occur when a printed project is trimmed to its final size. Smartpress recommends allowing a 0.125″ cutting tolerance, meaning the trim line can vary by up to 0.125″.

To prevent important text or design elements from being trimmed, keep them more than 0.125″ from the expected edge of the finished piece. Artwork that extends to the edge of the finished piece also requires a 0.125″ bleed. (See the Bleed & Crop Marks page for more help).

Document Setup and Cutting Tolerance

When setting up your document, keep essential text and design elements within the safe area and allow for cutting tolerance around the trim line. Please note that if your project has artwork going to the edge, a 0.125″ bleed is needed.

In the example below, the dotted line represents the intended document boundaries. The solid pink line represents the cutting tolerance and shows how the trim can vary by 0.125″. Essential elements should not be closer than 0.125″ from the edge to allow for this variation during cutting.

Sticker Printing – Circle Options

The image below shows considerations for circular sticker printing. For full-bleed artwork on circular stickers, a 0.125″ bleed is needed.

In the example below, the dotted line represents the intended document boundaries. The solid pink line represents the cutting tolerance and shows how the trim can vary by 0.125″. Keep essential text and other important elements more than 0.125″ from the edge to account for this variation.

Understanding cutting tolerance can help you set up artwork correctly and protect important design elements from being trimmed. If you have questions about cutting tolerance, artwork setup or any of our printing services, please contact customer service.