{"id":26305,"date":"2016-07-27T10:16:18","date_gmt":"2016-07-27T10:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spdc.wpengine.com\/?page_id=26305"},"modified":"2025-09-17T15:02:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T20:02:40","slug":"bleed-borders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/printing-basics\/bleed-borders","title":{"rendered":"Bleed &#038; Crop Marks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adding Bleed to Your Print-Ready File<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch the following video to learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FyIxN2uHS-w&amp;t=4s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to add bleed to your print-ready file<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to add bleed to your print-ready file\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FyIxN2uHS-w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"what-is-bleed-\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Bleed? Why Does it Matter in Printing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In online printing, a bleed is printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet after trimming. It is part of the background that will be trimmed off after the file is printed and cut down to the finished size. The bleed is an area where the document image is extended from one side of the paper to another without design elements or content in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If bleed lines for printing are not included in the document set up and your <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/file-preparation\/print-ready-files\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">print-ready file<\/a>, there is a good chance that there will be a gap between the edge of the printed area and the cut line. This happens because there is a tolerance when cutting the printed piece. View the <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/printing-basics\/cutting-tolerance-for-print\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cutting tolerance<\/a> page for more information on how cutting tolerance may affect print work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article explains how to set up proper bleed and crop marks, why safety margins and border thickness matter and how to configure bleed settings in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop to avoid trimming errors.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"borders-on-artwork\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why You Need Artwork Borders for Printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smartpress&#8217; online printing services makes it easy to add bleed lines and borders. Begin designing your artwork with a minimum safety margin of 0.125&#8243;. If you add a border to your artwork, however, it is essential that your safety margin instead be 0.25&#8243; to maintain border consistency on all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Border thickness is important because if it is too thin, the border may look uneven after cutting. The thicker the border, the better the results. The cutting tolerance is 0.125&#8243;, and for smaller pieces, the shift in cutting tolerance will be more likely and more noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"bleed-size\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Bleed Size Do I Use for Printing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting up bleeds in major design programs like <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/file-preparation\/editing-files-with-photoshop-indesign-more\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop<\/a> is simple. Bleeds of 0.125&#8243; are required on anything small like <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/business-card-printing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business cards<\/a>, flyers, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/brochure-printing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brochures<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/sell-sheet-printing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sell sheets<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/direct-mail-newsletters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">newsletters<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/custom-booklets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">booklets<\/a>. For larger items such as <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/custom-signs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">custom signs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/poster-printing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">posters<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/step-and-repeat-banners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trade show graphics<\/a>, bleeds of 0.25&#8243; are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Crop Marks? Why Do They Matter in Printing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/HelpCenter-GeneralBleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=3f3e8cea1621df6722d33499489d6a5d\" alt=\"An infographic depicting bleed, crop marks and safety margin on a print document.\" class=\"wp-image-29177\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What are crop marks? They&#8217;re printer&#8217;s marks that need to be included on all four corners of the document for your online printer. The bleed on this 8.5&#8243; x 11&#8243; document is 0.125&#8243;. The edge of the document is shown with the pink outline (please do not include this in actual file).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safety margin, shown in blue, is 0.125&#8243; from the edge of the document. It is important there is no information outside the safety margin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Correct Document Setup<\/strong> Using Bleed &amp; Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/HelpCenter-BleedExOne-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=cde5f73c07bdcb8291e0fc3402fc819b\" alt=\"A print-ready file with an image of a blue car next to text with a pink border.\" class=\"wp-image-29181\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Image goes to the edge of the bleed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The text is positioned in the safety margin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>None of the important information will be trimmed off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Incorrect Document Setup<\/strong> Using Bleed &amp; Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/HelpCenter-BleedExTwo.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=0318303338b36c24dcb594c9b0f71ac9\" alt=\"A print file with an image of a blue car next to text with a pink border and NO! over the top of it.\" class=\"wp-image-29182\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The image does not go to the edge of the bleed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There may be a blank line of the edge of the printed piece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The text extends into the bleed area, so it will be trimmed off and unreadable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Incorrect Document Setup<\/strong> Using Bleed &amp; Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/HelpCenter-BleedExThree.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=5513f20cd222f04e27ca80f1a1a8de63\" alt=\"A print-ready file with an image of a blue car next to text with a pink border and NO! over the top of it.\" class=\"wp-image-29183\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The image goes to the edge of the bleed, however text extends outside of the safety margin, so it will most likely be trimmed off and unreadable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"bleed-setup-in-illustrator\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find Bleed Setup in Illustrator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&s=a6ca87188e45d7c88393a8ef11500043\" alt=\"Bleed setup in a new Adobe Illustrator document.\" class=\"wp-image-29816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=609&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=1024&amp;s=a6ca87188e45d7c88393a8ef11500043 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=179&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=300&amp;s=c07a844a78a3fcd5430a76c541a265e4 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=457&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=768&amp;s=4c8b4c50c2d4a5efa06e2f25d5616261 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=1200&amp;s=2b173598c753db36cabb1a7c4cab5089 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"bleed-setup-in-indesign\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find Bleed Setup in <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/file-preparation\/packaging-indesign-files\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">InDesign<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When creating a new document, expand the Bleed and Slug section to find the bleed options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&s=dbc73d5ff32b546cdebae61b469243d3\" alt=\"The bleed configuration area in a new Adobe InDesign document.\" class=\"wp-image-29818\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=609&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=1024&amp;s=dbc73d5ff32b546cdebae61b469243d3 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=179&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=300&amp;s=01d5487a5c0335522a5e19eb8b07b861 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=457&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=768&amp;s=f780102e6e9d202393c96992d5b006d0 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=1200&amp;s=f0fdf485f100fd7e7a754322c6417a5f 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Smartpress Tip: <\/em><\/strong>InDesign defaults to picas. If you type in .0125in (the &#8220;in&#8221; for inches is very important), it will calculate that measurement in picas. If you would prefer to work in inches, another solution is to go to Preferences &gt; General &gt; Units &amp; Increments. In the Ruler Units block, the Horizontal and Vertical should have the Inches option selected.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"bleed-setup-in-photoshop\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find Bleed Setup in Photoshop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting up the correct document size takes a little bit of math. Unlike InDesign, there is not a default bleed setting. For example, if you&#8217;d like to create an 8.5&#8243; x 11&#8243; document, there will need to be an 0.125&#8243; bleed on all four sides. Therefore, the document size will need to be 8.75&#8243; x 11.25&#8243; in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1024&s=b8555615fa8455581c5f9e51c6f2a724\" alt=\"Creating a new document in Adobe Photoshop.\" class=\"wp-image-29819\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=609&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=1024&amp;s=b8555615fa8455581c5f9e51c6f2a724 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=179&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=300&amp;s=7c6a4886dbc28640e14e536da58942d5 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=457&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=768&amp;s=f1c0c18d70b7ff18675493db5d34f7a3 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=1200&amp;s=7faf67699269d66fb6fe153db59ed997 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Smartpress Tip: <\/em><\/strong>To see helpful guides that show the actual product dimensions, go to View &gt; New Guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"27189\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-vertical.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&max-h=302&max-w=418&s=f7b0405aaaf52e8a7065ecbdea5a3383\" alt=\"A New Guide panel open with vertical orientation selected.\" class=\"wp-image-27189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-vertical.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=418&amp;s=b7294478b5f9a2850237752d2843bf72 418w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-vertical.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=217&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=300&amp;s=209afc41e1b9ad95f023637a019c94f0 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"27190\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-horizontal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php-3.3.1&max-h=302&max-w=418&s=9404f90c16a26d6811ae454ece82dfe2\" alt=\"A New Guide panel open with horizontal orientation selected.\" class=\"wp-image-27190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-horizontal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=418&amp;s=54e50ed5e1bf992d3591239993711c0e 418w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-horizontal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=217&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.1&amp;w=300&amp;s=cb37164c19cf7be62390d3f3e2ec0ad1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"waypoint t-sink s-sink\" id=\"key-measurements\">\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Measurements for Bleed &amp; Crop Marks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Measurement<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Description\/Usage<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Standard Bleed Size<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><br>0.125&#8243; (1\/8&#8243;)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><br>Required bleed for small printed pieces (e.g., business cards, brochures, flyers, newsletters)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Large Format Bleed<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0.25&#8243; (1\/4&#8243;)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Required bleed for large items (e.g., signs, posters, trade show graphics)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Standard Safety Margin<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0.125&#8243; (1\/8&#8243;)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Minimum distance between important content and trim line<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Border Safety Margin<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0.25&#8243; (1\/4&#8243;)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Required safety margin when using borders to ensure evenness after cutting<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crop Marks<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">All 4 corners<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Required on each corner of the document for trimming accuracy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Photoshop Bleed Adjustment<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">+0.25&#8243; total width and height<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Add 0.125&#8243; to each side when calculating full document size<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>InDesign Unit Conversion<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">.0125in = 0.125&#8243;<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Type in inches explicitly when setting bleed in picas (default unit)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions about crop and bleed marks or any of our online printing services, please&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact customer service<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Smartpress\u2019 online printing services makes it easy to add bleeds and borders. Begin designing your artwork with a minimum safety bleed margin of 0.125\u2033. If you add a border to your artwork&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":29793,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[539],"tags":[2,3],"class_list":["post-26305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-printing-basics","tag-policies","tag-tips-and-tricks"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Learn About Bleed &amp; Crop Marks | Support<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Design your artwork for online printing with crop marks and a bleed margin of 0.125&quot;. 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