Why Bleed Area is Non-Negotiable in Printing? Ultimate Guide for Brochures & Stickers & Packaging

Avoid costly misprints! Learn bleed standards for brochures (3mm), stickers (2-5mm), packaging (5mm),file formats & resolution requirements. Free templates included.

1. Why Bleed is Your Print Insurance

±0.3mm cutting tolerance + zero bleed = 47% rejection rate. Bleed area saves your print from white edges.(Fogra 2023 International Data)

Cost of Bleed Errors

Product	Problem phenomenon	Loss Cost
Brochures	Cut-off text	Reprint $1.2/unit
Die-cut Stickers	White edges	60% waste rate ↑
Folding Boxes	Misaligned glue flaps	Batch rejection

2. Bleed Standards

Specifications

Product	Bleed	Safe Zone	Critical Notes
Brochures	3mm all sides	≥6mm from edge	+2mm for spine binding
Stickers	2-5mm (irregular)	≥3mm	Die-line in spot color
Blister Cards	5mm all sides	≥8mm from holes	Keep blister area blank
Belly Bands	3mm all sides	Center text ≥5mm	Avoid crease lines
Boxes	5mm all sides	≥8mm inside folds	Glue flaps extra bleed

Safe Zone:Min. distance from cut line

Bleed Extension:Graphics must extend to bleed area

3.File Format & DPI

Accepted Formats

Format	Best For	Bleed Requirement
PDF/CDR	All products	Crop marks + bleed
AI	Packaging	Artboard includes bleed
EPS	Spot colors	Pantone IDs labeled

Rejected Formats

JPG/PNG (No path data)

PPT/Word (Auto-compressed)

DPI Standards

Product	Min. DPI	Color Mode
Brochures	300	CMYK
Clear Stickers	300	CMYK + White channel
Blister Cards	300	Pantone + CMYK
Folding Boxes	400	CMYK + Spot color channel

4.Advanced Packaging Bleed

Blister Cards

Must-do:

Keep blister area blank + “Die-Cut” spot color line

Hook hole center ≥10mm from edge

Belly Bands

Design width = Final width + 6mm bleed

Center text to avoid crease obstruction