What Is Bleed? File Setup for Bleed, Trim Size and Safe Margins
"Bleed" is the first concept every print file must respect: printed sheets are trimmed after printing, cutters have millimeter-level tolerance, so artwork must extend beyond the trim size — otherwise you risk white edges.
Core rules
- Bleed: +3mm on all four sides. An A4 (210×297mm) file should be built at 216×303mm.
- Extend backgrounds to the bleed line: background colors and images must fill the bleed area.
- Keep important content ≥ 3mm inside the trim line (safety margin): don't let text or logos hug the edge.
Common size reference
| Use | Trim size | With bleed |
|---|---|---|
| A4 flyer | 210×297mm | 216×303mm |
| A5 flyer | 148×210mm | 154×216mm |
| Business card | 90×54mm | 96×60mm |
| DL tri-fold (open) | 297×210mm | 303×216mm |
Exporting a correct PDF
- Set document bleed to 3mm in your design tool (AI/InDesign both support it)
- On PDF export, tick "use document bleed settings" and include trim marks
- Outline your fonts (avoids missing-font substitution)
- Images at ≥ 300dpi (sharp on screen ≠ sharp in print)
- CMYK color mode (RGB shifts in print)
FAQ
Q: My file has no bleed — what now? A: Two options — go back to the source file, add bleed and re-export (recommended); or accept a white border / slight enlargement at trimming (may lose edge content).
Q: How do I know my size is right after uploading? A: Linyeah Printing parses page count and dimensions automatically on upload and warns you if they don't match the selected product — no back-and-forth with prepress.