If you've ever sent a file to a print shop and been asked to add bleed, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get at Copyprint.ie — Dublin's print shop on Dame Street since 1982. The answer is simpler than it sounds, and getting it right is the most important step in preparing a print-ready file.
What Is Bleed?
Bleed is the extra margin of artwork that extends beyond the finished edge of your printed piece. When a document is printed and trimmed to its final size, the cutting machine can shift by a millimetre or two. Without bleed, even a tiny shift leaves a thin white sliver where your background colour or image ends.
With bleed, that shift is hidden because your artwork runs past the trim edge. Standard bleed in Ireland: 3mm on each side. So if you're printing an A5 flyer (148 x 210mm), your print-ready file should be 154 x 216mm.
Why Every Print-Ready File Needs It
Any element that touches or runs to the edge of your design needs bleed behind it. When we receive files at our Dame St printing service in Dublin, missing bleed is the most common reason a file needs to be sent back.
The Safe Zone
Keep all important content — text, logos, key images — at least 3mm inside the trim edge. On that A5 flyer: bleed = 154 x 216mm, trim = 148 x 210mm, safe zone = 142 x 204mm.
How to Set Up Bleed in Common Design Tools
Canva: Add 6mm to both dimensions at setup. Download as PDF Print and tick 'Crop marks and bleed'.
Adobe Illustrator: Set document bleed to 3mm on all sides. On PDF export tick 'Use Document Bleed Settings'.
InDesign: Set bleed in Document Setup. Confirm in PDF Export settings.
Photoshop: Add 3mm to each dimension at setup. Export at 300 DPI minimum.
What Happens If You Don't Include Bleed?
Your file may be rejected or printed with an unintended white edge. At Copyprint.ie we check every file before it goes to press. Unsure if your file is ready? Check our print-ready checklist or email [email protected].
Need same day printing in Dublin? Call 01 677 4234, WhatsApp 087 068 7728, order online, or drop into 29-30 Dame St, Dublin 2.