Crops and bleeds are key concepts in print design to ensure that printed materials look polished and professional. Here’s a detailed explanation of each:
BLEEDS
Definition:
- Bleed refers to the area of a design that extends beyond the final trim size of the document. It ensures that when the document is trimmed to its final size, there are no unprinted edges or white borders.
Purpose:
- The bleed ensures that images, colours, or design elements that reach the edge of the page extend slightly beyond the trim line. This helps avoid any gaps or white edges that can occur due to minor shifts during the trimming process.
How It Works:
- When you set up a design with a bleed, you extend the artwork beyond the intended trim line by a specified amount, usually between 3mm to 5mm.
- After printing, the document is trimmed to the final size, and the extra bleed area is cut away.
Example:
- If your final document size is 210mm x 297mm (A4), and you set a 3mm bleed, the document will actually be designed at 216mm x 303mm. The extra 3mm around the edges is the bleed area.
CROPS (CROP MARKS)
Definition:
- Crop Marks are lines printed in the corners of a document to indicate where it should be trimmed to reach its final size.
Purpose:
- Crop marks guide the printer on where to cut the printed sheets to achieve the correct size. They are crucial for ensuring that the final product is cut accurately and consistently.
How It Works:
- Crop marks are usually added to the outer edge of the bleed area. They do not appear on the final trimmed document but are visible in the printing and cutting process.
- They show the exact lines where the paper should be cut, allowing the printer to align the design properly during production.
Example:
- If your design is intended to be 210mm x 297mm, the crop marks will be placed just outside the 216mm x 303mm (with bleed) area, indicating where to cut the paper.
HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER:
- Design with Bleeds:
- Extend your background colors, images, or design elements into the bleed area (usually 3mm beyond the trim size).
- Add Crop Marks:
- Include crop marks in your design file or in the export settings to guide the trimming process.
- Trim and Cut:
- After printing, the crop marks guide where the paper will be cut, removing the bleed area and leaving a clean, edge-to-edge print.
By using both bleeds and crop marks, you ensure that your printed designs have no unsightly borders and that they are trimmed to the exact size required.