How much space should be left for bleed?

To account for bleed, your file should include an extra 1/8 inch of bleed on each side beyond the final trim size. That extra margin lets backgrounds and images run off the edge so the cut never leaves a thin white border, since pieces can shift slightly during trimming.

• Add 1/8 inch per side: extend the canvas 0.125 inch beyond the trim on all four edges.
• Push backgrounds to the bleed: full-edge art should reach the bleed line, not just the trim line.
• Keep text in the safe zone: hold important content 1/8 inch inside the trim so it is never clipped.