Full Bleed

Full Bleed

Definition

Full Bleed refers to a printed image or design that extends all the way to the edges of the paper or substrate, leaving no margins or unprinted borders. To achieve this effect, the artwork is typically printed on oversized sheets and then trimmed down to the final size.

Uses

• Common in posters, flyers, and brochures where edge-to-edge color is desired.
• Used in photographic prints and fine art reproductions to eliminate borders.
• Popular in framing projects where the design requires uninterrupted color or image flow.

Concerns in Framing

• Without margins, there is no extra border for mounting or matting-any edge trimming or hinging may overlap artwork.
• Full bleed prints are more susceptible to edge damage during handling and display.
• Matting or window cuts must be precise to avoid cropping important details.

Best Practices

• Request extra border space when ordering prints if future matting or hinging is planned.
• Consider float mounting for full bleed prints to preserve all image edges.
• Use protective handling and acid-free materials to prevent edge deterioration.
• Communicate with clients about cropping risks if trimming is required for framing.

Related Terms

• Cropping
• Bleed
• Crop Marks
• Registration Marks