Introduction
Adding a bleed in Photoshop is an essential step when preparing designs for print. A bleed ensures that the design extends beyond the trim area, preventing any unwanted white edges. In this article, we will explore the process of adding a bleed in Photoshop and discuss why it is important for print projects.
Understanding Bleed
What is Bleed? Bleed refers to the area outside the trim edge of a printed design. It allows for slight inconsistencies during the printing and trimming process, ensuring that the design extends all the way to the edge of the final printed piece.
Why is Bleed Important? When a design is printed and then trimmed, it is challenging to achieve precise cuts every time. Without a bleed, any slight misalignment during trimming could result in white edges appearing on the final printed piece. Adding a bleed eliminates this issue by extending the design beyond the trim area, ensuring a seamless and professional finish.
Adding a Bleed in Photoshop
Step 1: Open your design in Photoshop.
Step 2: Go to the “Image” menu and select “Canvas Size.”
Step 3: In the “Canvas Size” dialog box, make sure the “Relative” option is unchecked. This ensures that the canvas size is adjusted based on the existing dimensions.
Step 4: Enter the desired bleed value in the “Width” and “Height” fields. Typically, a bleed of 0.125 inches (or 3 mm) is sufficient for most print projects. Make sure to enter the bleed value in the measurement units you are using (inches, millimeters, etc.).
Step 5: Select the anchor point that represents the side of the canvas where you want to add the bleed. For example, if you want to add bleed to the top and bottom of the design, select the bottom anchor point.
Step 6: Click the “OK” button to apply the changes and add the bleed to your design.
Checking the Bleed
Step 1: To check if the bleed has been added correctly, go to the “View” menu and select “Extras” to enable the display of guides.
Step 2: If the bleed is added correctly, you will see guides extending beyond the trim area, indicating the bleed area.
Exporting the Design with Bleed
Step 1: Once you have added the bleed to your design, it is important to export it correctly to preserve the bleed area.
Step 2: Go to the “File” menu and select “Save As” or “Export.”
Step 3: Choose the desired file format for your design, such as JPEG or PDF.
Step 4: In the export settings, make sure to select the option to include the bleed area. This ensures that the final exported file contains the bleed you added in Photoshop.
Step 5: Save or export the file to your desired location.
Conclusion
Adding a bleed in Photoshop is a crucial step in preparing designs for print. By extending the design beyond the trim area, a bleed ensures a seamless and professional finish, eliminating the risk of white edges. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily add a bleed to your designs in Photoshop, enhancing the quality of your print projects.
References
– Adobe Photoshop Help: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/printing-exporting-artboards.html
– PrintNinja: https://www.printninja.com/printing-resource-center/prepress-tips/bleed
