Tobias Reed
Tobias Reed Production Knowledge Lead at 4OVER4.COM
Question

What bleed should I include on my foamcore sign file?

Answer

Bleed is the extra artwork you extend past the final trim line so the ink runs all the way to the edge with no white slivers after cutting. For a foamcore sign, stretch any background color, image, or graphic 1/8 inch (0.125") beyond the finished size on all four sides.

  • Add 0.125" bleed on every side, so a 24x36 sign is built on a 24.25x36.25 canvas.
  • Keep important text and logos at least 0.125" to 0.25" inside the trim line so nothing gets clipped.
  • Save the file as a print-quality PDF for the cleanest handoff.
SettingRequirement
Bleed0.125" on all four sides
Color modeCMYK
File formatPrint-ready PDF
RGB or PantoneConverted to CMYK during processing

Build your file in CMYK from the start so the printed colors match what you see on screen as closely as possible.

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