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Artwork

Bleed

Bleed is artwork extended beyond the intended cut boundary so small cutting variations do not expose an unprinted edge.

Updated

What it means in packaging

Background colours and images that reach an edge should extend into this extra area. Bleed is removed during cutting and is not additional finished product size. The required amount comes from the production workflow.

A practical example

For an illustrative 3 mm bleed, a solid background continues 3 mm beyond the cut outline while important text remains inside its safe area.

What to check

Confirm the printer’s required bleed and inspect every cut edge, including shaped corners and internal openings where applicable.

Use it in your project

Trim
Trim is the intended finished boundary of printed work after excess material is cut away.
Safe area
A safe area is a region set inward from cuts, folds or other risks where important artwork should remain.
Cut line
A cut line indicates a path where material is intended to be cut through, such as a package outline or window.