Choose a size
Bleed
The bleed area extends your design past the final trim edge so there's no white margin after cutting. Standard bleed is 3mm (0.125in). Any background colors or images that touch the edge should extend into the bleed zone.
Like painting slightly past the edge of a canvas so the frame covers any bare spots.
Safe Area
Keep all important content — text, logos, faces — inside the safe area. This ensures nothing gets cut off during trimming. Standard margin is 3–5mm from the trim edge.
Like keeping your subject away from the edge of a photo so it doesn't get cropped.
Slug
The slug area sits outside the bleed and contains printer's marks, color bars, and registration marks. Usually 18mm (0.5in). It gets trimmed off entirely — not needed for digital-only work.
Like the margin notes in a manuscript that never make it into the printed book.
Why these guides matter
When a design is printed and trimmed, there is always slight variation in the cut position. Without bleed, you get unwanted white edges at the border of your design. Without safe margins, your text or logo might be sliced. A slug helps the printer align colors and verify quality before the final cut.
These guides are standard across the print industry. Setting them up correctly before you design — rather than trying to add them later — saves time, avoids expensive reprints, and ensures your finished piece looks exactly as intended.