Watch the following video to learn how to add bleed to your print-ready file<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/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>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>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>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>Smartpress’ online printing services makes it easy to add bleed lines and borders. Begin designing your artwork with a minimum safety margin of 0.125″. If you add a border to your artwork, however, it is essential that your safety margin instead be 0.25″ to maintain border consistency on all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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″, 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>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″ 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″ 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-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=e6a25aea9bd66ecc3e2d4f404f404a63\" 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>What are crop marks? They’re printer’s marks that need to be included on all four corners of the document for your online printer. The bleed on this 8.5″ x 11″ document is 0.125″. 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>The safety margin, shown in blue, is 0.125″ 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 & Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=e15dd0dc0b15c23d39e394624bac628a\" 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 & Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=2b8fe6c8cf172daddac573299530e4ce\" 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 & Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=5c3507c204c84196a0e9e154e9123e99\" 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-3.3.0&w=1024&s=04fc5cf6b09813eb235d4da463a6ce11\" 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&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=04fc5cf6b09813eb235d4da463a6ce11 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=179&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=4a7377b31fc516675b304c43837340b9 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=457&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768&s=c103f9971d652cda7d1785cc53d6c35d 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1200&s=1d37bdb75601a4dc6d891f6654647c55 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>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-3.3.0&w=1024&s=dd5a53693d620abb892f40998bfb7193\" 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&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=dd5a53693d620abb892f40998bfb7193 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=179&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=e0d4009d5c13012f9d4a3532d1ff253d 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=457&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768&s=d0baf5b3d37ec82da5ebf4def2efa7d2 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1200&s=2b84375eabdc500650c9dc2416d76df3 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Smartpress Tip: <\/em><\/strong>InDesign defaults to picas. If you type in .0125in (the “in” 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 > General > Units & 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>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’d like to create an 8.5″ x 11″ document, there will need to be an 0.125″ bleed on all four sides. Therefore, the document size will need to be 8.75″ x 11.25″ 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-3.3.0&w=1024&s=4c6377c333f8331ab854de78e640444a\" 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&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=4c6377c333f8331ab854de78e640444a 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=179&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=1e70aec9f4d620b306fc9d9521512cb5 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=457&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768&s=67900a1330a05b6887f78d8d732fc116 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1200&s=78a82a7dcde6fed6fa5e72c8a847bc9a 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Smartpress Tip: <\/em><\/strong>To see helpful guides that show the actual product dimensions, go to View > 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-3.3.0&max-h=302&max-w=418&s=dffded31a7ffcc78bd6c3d69630a8d70\" 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&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=418&s=781c76caa1fd5c8fd0d73a49b8c28539 418w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-vertical.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=217&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=51866e19db19a83b544d7810fd00b1a2 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-3.3.0&max-h=302&max-w=418&s=ad041e167fad0ecb3c9534d4b5964524\" 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&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=418&s=6587e49d1cdf8d0101556ae8fe2f472c 418w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-horizontal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=217&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=7308636f3f0190c1b158bcbbd6799d9f 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 & 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″ (1\/8″)<\/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″ (1\/4″)<\/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″ (1\/8″)<\/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″ (1\/4″)<\/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″ total width and height<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Add 0.125″ 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″<\/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>If you have questions about crop and bleed marks or any of our online printing services, please <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…<\/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":[3,2],"class_list":["post-26305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-printing-basics","tag-tips-and-tricks","tag-policies"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Learn About Bleed & 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". If you add a border, your safety margin must be 0.25".\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/printing-basics\/bleed-borders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Learn About Bleed & Crop Marks | Support\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Design your artwork for online printing with crop marks and a bleed margin of 0.125". 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<\/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>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>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>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>Smartpress’ online printing services makes it easy to add bleed lines and borders. Begin designing your artwork with a minimum safety margin of 0.125″. If you add a border to your artwork, however, it is essential that your safety margin instead be 0.25″ to maintain border consistency on all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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″, 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>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″ 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″ 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-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=e6a25aea9bd66ecc3e2d4f404f404a63\" 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>What are crop marks? They’re printer’s marks that need to be included on all four corners of the document for your online printer. The bleed on this 8.5″ x 11″ document is 0.125″. 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>The safety margin, shown in blue, is 0.125″ 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 & Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=e15dd0dc0b15c23d39e394624bac628a\" 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 & Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=2b8fe6c8cf172daddac573299530e4ce\" 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 & Crop Marks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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-3.3.0&max-h=269&max-w=215&s=5c3507c204c84196a0e9e154e9123e99\" 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-3.3.0&w=1024&s=04fc5cf6b09813eb235d4da463a6ce11\" 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&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=04fc5cf6b09813eb235d4da463a6ce11 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=179&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=4a7377b31fc516675b304c43837340b9 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=457&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768&s=c103f9971d652cda7d1785cc53d6c35d 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/illustrator_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1200&s=1d37bdb75601a4dc6d891f6654647c55 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>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-3.3.0&w=1024&s=dd5a53693d620abb892f40998bfb7193\" 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&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=dd5a53693d620abb892f40998bfb7193 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=179&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=e0d4009d5c13012f9d4a3532d1ff253d 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=457&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768&s=d0baf5b3d37ec82da5ebf4def2efa7d2 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/indesign_bleed.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1200&s=2b84375eabdc500650c9dc2416d76df3 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Smartpress Tip: <\/em><\/strong>InDesign defaults to picas. If you type in .0125in (the “in” 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 > General > Units & 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>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’d like to create an 8.5″ x 11″ document, there will need to be an 0.125″ bleed on all four sides. Therefore, the document size will need to be 8.75″ x 11.25″ 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-3.3.0&w=1024&s=4c6377c333f8331ab854de78e640444a\" 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&fit=crop&h=609&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&s=4c6377c333f8331ab854de78e640444a 1024w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=179&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=1e70aec9f4d620b306fc9d9521512cb5 300w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=457&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768&s=67900a1330a05b6887f78d8d732fc116 768w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/photoshop.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1200&s=78a82a7dcde6fed6fa5e72c8a847bc9a 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Smartpress Tip: <\/em><\/strong>To see helpful guides that show the actual product dimensions, go to View > 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-3.3.0&max-h=302&max-w=418&s=dffded31a7ffcc78bd6c3d69630a8d70\" 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&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=418&s=781c76caa1fd5c8fd0d73a49b8c28539 418w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-vertical.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=217&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=51866e19db19a83b544d7810fd00b1a2 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-3.3.0&max-h=302&max-w=418&s=ad041e167fad0ecb3c9534d4b5964524\" 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&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=418&s=6587e49d1cdf8d0101556ae8fe2f472c 418w, https:\/\/smartpresssupport.imgix.net\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/guide-horizontal.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=217&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300&s=7308636f3f0190c1b158bcbbd6799d9f 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 & 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″ (1\/8″)<\/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″ (1\/4″)<\/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″ (1\/8″)<\/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″ (1\/4″)<\/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″ total width and height<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Add 0.125″ 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″<\/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>If you have questions about crop and bleed marks or any of our online printing services, please <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…<\/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":[3,2],"class_list":["post-26305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-printing-basics","tag-tips-and-tricks","tag-policies"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Learn About Bleed & 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". 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