How to Fix Bleed Yourself [DECKS]

Step 1: Open Canva

Start by launching Canva and signing in to your account.

Step 2: Create a Custom Document

1. Click “Create a design” on the Canva dashboard.
2. Select “Custom dimensions.”
3. Enter the dimensions for your final trimmed design. For example, if you’re creating an A4-sized document (210mm x 297mm), enter those dimensions.

Step 3: Ensure When Designing, Bleed area is visible and filled on each page.

To open the bleed settings, go to:

File > View Settings > “Show Print Bleed” – this unveiled area is your bleed zone.

Step 4: Start Designing

Begin designing your project within the canvas, keeping in mind to keep a buffer zone of 2mm away from the trim line for any text, logos or important design elements. 

When adding a background to your design(s), always use the Background Function for solid background colours, fills or images. Do NOT use Elements, as they don’t automatically extend to the bleed zone. 

Step 5: Export Your Design

Once your design is complete, you can export it for printing:

1. Click the “Download” button in the upper-right corner of the Canva interface.
2. Choose your desired file format (e.g., PDF or high-resolution image formats) for printing.
3. Ensure that your design extends into the added bleed area to prevent any white edges after trimming.

Step 6: Review and Send to ePrint

Before sending your design to us, make sure that your content extends into the bleed area you added. Please remember to check there is a buffer zone of 2mm away from the trim for all critical elements. Marginal shift can occur when trimming off the bleed to finish size when dealing with digital printing, so this safety zone ensures a professional finish.

Always check Canva’s latest features and documentation, as their platform may evolve over time, and they may introduce new features related to adding bleed or print-related settings.

Step 1: Open Adobe Illustrator

Begin by launching Adobe Illustrator on your computer.

Step 2: Open Your Completed Design

1. From the “File” menu, choose “Open” and select the completed design you want to add bleed to.

Step 3: Duplicate the Design

To preserve your original design, create a duplicate before adding bleed:

1. In the Layers panel, right-click on your design layer.
2. Select “Duplicate Layer” to create a copy.

Step 4: Adjust the Artboard Size

Now that you have a copy of your design, you’ll adjust the artboard size to include the bleed area:

1. Go to the “Artboard” tool on the toolbar (Shift+O).
2. Click on your artboard to select it.
3. In the Artboard Options dialog, increase both the width and height of your artboard by the amount you want to add as bleed. For example, if you want a 3mm bleed on each side, add 6mm (0.6 centimeters) to both dimensions.

Step 5: Move Your Design to Fit

Since you’ve added extra artboard space, your existing design elements might not fully cover the extended area. Move your design elements to fit the new artboard size:

1. Use the Selection tool (V) to select and drag your design elements to fill the extended artboard, ensuring that they reach the added bleed area.

Step 6: Save the Design

Once you’ve adjusted your design to fit the new artboard size, save your changes.

Step 7: Export Your Design with Bleed

Now you can export your design with the newly added bleed:

1. Go to “File” > “Save As” or “File” > “Export.”
2. Choose your desired file format (e.g., PDF, AI, or EPS) and specify your preferred export settings.
3. Ensure that your design extends into the added bleed area to prevent any white edges after trimming.

Note: It’s important to remember that the added bleed area will be fully removed during the final trimming process. Ensure that crucial design elements are not placed too close to the edge of the bleed, as they may be trimmed off in the finished product.

By following these steps in Adobe Illustrator, you can add bleed retroactively to your completed design, ensuring a professional and seamless print result.

Step 1: Open Adobe Photoshop

Start by launching Adobe Photoshop on your computer.

Step 2: Open Your Completed Design

1. From the “File” menu, choose “Open” and select the completed design you want to add bleed to.

Step 3: Duplicate the Design

To protect your original design, create a duplicate before adding bleed:

1. In the Layers panel, right-click on your design layer.
2. Select “Duplicate Layer” to create a copy.

Step 4: Adjust the Canvas Size

Now that you have a copy of your design, you’ll adjust the canvas size to include the bleed area:

1. Go to “Image” > “Canvas Size.”
2. Increase both the width and height of your canvas by the amount you want to add as bleed. For example, if you want a 3mm bleed on each side, add 6mm (0.6 centimeters) to both dimensions.

Step 5: Move Your Design to Fit

Since you’ve added extra canvas space, your existing design elements might not fully cover the extended area. Move your design elements to fit the new canvas size:

1. Use the Move tool (V) to select and drag your design elements to fill the extended canvas, ensuring that they reach the added bleed area.

Step 6: Save the Design

Once you’ve adjusted your design to fit the new canvas size, save your changes.

Step 7: Export Your Design with Bleed

Now you can export your design with the newly added bleed:

1. Go to “File” > “Save As” or “File” > “Export.”
2. Choose your desired file format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, or PDF [preferred]) and specify the export settings that relate to “High Quality Print” or “Press Quality”
3. Make sure that your design extends into the added bleed area to prevent any white edges after trimming.

By following these steps in Adobe Photoshop, you can add bleed retroactively to your completed design. This ensures that your design will be professionally and seamlessly printed, with no white edges after trimming.

Note: Keep in mind that while adding bleed to your design ensures a seamless appearance, the added bleed area will be fully removed during the final trimming process. Make sure that essential design elements don’t extend too close to the edge of the bleed, as they may be cut off in the finished product.

Contact your graphic designer and they should be able to re-supply your files with bleed at no charge. It is standard practice to design files with bleed for professional printing.