Bleed & safe-area calculator
Trim size + bleed = the document size to build at. Keep content in the safe area so nothing important gets cut.
8.75 × 11.25 in
Build your document at this size (trim + bleed).
Extend backgrounds to the red bleed edge; keep text and logos inside the green safe area. The printer’s spec wins — 0.125″ (3 mm) bleed is the common default.
FAQ
How much bleed do I need for print?
0.125 inch (3 mm) on every edge is the common default for offset and digital print. Some printers ask for 0.25 inch on large format. Your printer’s spec always wins — this tool just does the geometry.
What is the difference between bleed and safe area?
Bleed is the extra image area outside the trim that gets cut off — it prevents white edges when the cut drifts. The safe area is inside the trim, where you keep text and logos so nothing important is trimmed off.
What size should I build my file at?
The document (bleed) size = trim size + twice the bleed. For a 8.5 × 11 in page with 0.125 in bleed, build the file at 8.75 × 11.25 in and extend backgrounds to that edge.
Can Preflight check bleed inside a PDF automatically?
Yes — the Print module verifies the box nesting (MediaBox ⊇ BleedBox ⊇ TrimBox) and flags a missing or insufficient bleed with page references, so a press never has to guess where to cut.
Check box nesting inside a PDF automatically →Print DPI calculator →All free tools →