Adding bleed to artwork

We recommend at least .125″ of bleed for most products, but in some cases more or less may be appropriate based on the graphics and products ordered. This is if you want to manually add your own bleed to the artwork.

In most cases, if you do not have a graphic editor we can add the bleed for you. Just upload the design with your graphic designs extending to the edges.

1. Create Your Art Layer

   With your artwork opened in the software of your choice, create a layer that has the final desired artwork on it.

2. Add a Bleed Layer Below

   Next, create a layer below to add the desired bleed that extends past the edge of the cut path or artwork boundaries. In most cases, it may be easier to just duplicate your “Design Layer” and then simply add an offset path effect to that layer. This will allow you to add additional color or graphics that extend past the actual design layer creating a natural bleed.

3. Add Cut Layer

   Optional but very important is to create a cut layer to indicate where the actual cut is. This shows our designers exactly where the cut is and what is considered bleed. Add this layer above all other layers and use the unite feature in the pathfinder of Illustrator to combine all shapes for a single cut layer.

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