Adding bleed in Photoshop ensures your printed artwork has a margin that extends beyond the trim edge, preventing white edges when the document is cut. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the Canvas Size Dialog:
- Go to Image > Canvas Size in the top menu.
2. Adjust Canvas Size for Bleeds:
- This is the crucial step. You need to increase the canvas size, not decrease it.
- A common bleed amount is 0.125 inches (1/8 inch) on all sides, which means adding 0.25 inches to both the width and the height of your document's final trim size. For example, if your final document size is 8.5" x 11", your canvas size with bleed should be 8.75" x 11.25".
- In the Canvas Size dialog box, you can choose to enter the new total dimensions or just add the bleed amount. Choose whatever method you find easier.
- Relative: If you check the "Relative" box, the width and height values will be added to the current size. In this case, enter 0.25 in both width and height to achieve a standard bleed.
3. Enable Rulers (if not already enabled):
- Go to View > Rulers to display the rulers along the top and left edges of your Photoshop window. This will help you create guidelines.
4. Create Safety Lines (Margins/Guides):
- Drag guides from the rulers to define the trim area (the final size of your document before the bleed). These guides will show where the document will be cut.
- Click and drag from the horizontal ruler to create a horizontal guide.
- Click and drag from the vertical ruler to create a vertical guide.
- Position these guides 0.125 inches (or your chosen bleed amount) inside the new canvas edge. So, if your canvas size is 8.75" x 11.25", your guides would be positioned 0.125" from each edge.
5. Extend to the Bleed Line:
- Extend all design elements that you want to reach the edge of the final printed piece all the way to the edge of the canvas (the bleed line). Backgrounds, images, and any other elements that need to extend to the edge must cover the bleed area.
6. Keep Important Content Within the Safety Line:
- All critical text, logos, and other important information must be kept inside the safety margin/trim area (the area defined by the guides you created). This prevents them from being accidentally cut off during trimming.
Example:
Let's say you are designing a business card with a final size of 3.5" x 2".
- Open the Canvas Size Dialog:
Image > Canvas Size - Adjust for Bleed: Add 0.25" to the width and height:
- New Width: 3.5" + 0.25" = 3.75"
- New Height: 2" + 0.25" = 2.25"
- Enable Rulers:
View > Rulers - Create Safety Lines: Drag guides from the rulers to 0.125" (1/8") inside the canvas edge on all sides. This will define the 3.5" x 2" trim area.
- Extend to Bleed: Extend any background colors or images to the edge of the 3.75" x 2.25" canvas.
- Keep Safe: Make sure all the text and logos are within the 3.5" x 2" area defined by the guides.
By following these steps, you ensure that your design is print-ready with proper bleed, preventing any unwanted white edges and ensuring your elements are safely within the trim area.
