Print Bleed
Image area extending beyond the intended trim line, so that no unprinted edge appears after cutting.
Measured in
mm
In depth
Cutting is never perfect to the millimetre, so a printed piece designed to reach the paper's edge must carry three to five millimetres of extra image beyond it. Anything important must also stay clear of the trim by a similar margin, since the cut can fall either side of the intended line.
Examples in practice
A photobook page is supplied with 3 mm of bleed on every edge so no white slivers appear after trimming.