Why Bleeds and Margins Matter in Print Design

When it comes to printing, a beautiful design can quickly turn into a frustrating disappointment if bleeds and margins aren’t set up correctly. At Kanokla Design Studio, we see it all the time—logos too close to the edge, colors that don’t quite reach the border, or text that accidentally gets trimmed. These little technical details make a big difference in creating professional, polished materials.

What Is a Bleed?

A bleed is the area that extends beyond the edge of your final print size. It’s usually about 1/8 inch (0.125") on all sides. When your design includes background colors, images, or graphics that should go all the way to the edge of the paper, that extra bleed ensures there’s no white border after trimming.

In short: If you want color or artwork to “bleed off” the edge, extend it past the cut line.

Example: If your finished postcard is 5” x 7”, you’ll actually design it as 5.125” x 7.125” to include that extra bit of bleed. After it’s printed and trimmed, you’ll have perfect edge-to-edge color.

What About Margins?

A margin is the safe zone inside your document—where you should keep important elements like text, logos, and critical graphics. We recommend keeping at least 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch of margin inside the trim line. This ensures nothing important gets cut off and your layout looks balanced.

Think of it this way: Bleeds go out beyond the edge, and margins stay in away from the edge.

Why These Details Are So Important

Printers trim stacks of paper, not one sheet at a time. Even with precision machinery, there can be a tiny shift during cutting. That’s why bleed and margin space act as your safety net—keeping your design crisp, professional, and properly aligned.

Skipping these steps can lead to:

• Thin white borders on edges meant to be full color

• Cropped-off text or logos

• Uneven alignment across your printed pieces

And once a print job is cut, it can’t be fixed—so setting up your file right the first time saves both time and money.

Our Tip: When in Doubt, Ask!

We know that design files can be intimidating if you’re not working with them every day. If you’re unsure how to set up bleeds or margins for your next project, send us your file or reach out before you send it to us for print. Our design team is always happy to double-check your setup so your print turns out exactly how you envision it.

At Kanokla Design Studio, we believe great design deserves great printing—and that starts with the right foundation.