We get many designs from Canva to print or laser engrave and we see the same two problems again and again. Files are either low resolution and/or they don’t have a proper bleed. This article is to help alleviate both of those issues so that your files are print-ready and avoid delays.
What is a print bleed?
In printing, a bleed is when the printed area extends slightly past the edge of the document. This ensures that the printed area reaches the edge of the page after it is trimmed. The bleed also gives us room to account for paper movement during trimming, as well as design inconsistencies. After trimming, the bleed prevents any unprinted edges from appearing in the final document.
For example, if you're designing a business card, brochure, poster, or invitation, you might want to use a print bleed to achieve a full coverage look. In this case, any printed elements, like photos, text, or color blocks, should extend one-eighth of an inch (1/8”) past the trimmed edge. So a 5x7 invitation should be 5.25x7.25 which includes 1/8” bleed on all 4 sides.
How do I add a bleed in canva?
Canva automatically accommodates for a print bleed, you just have to turn it on. When you have your design open, click on File at the top left. Navigate down to Settings and then Show Print Bleed. Now your design shows the print bleed along with a dotted line around the edge. Important text and graphics that you do not want trimmed off should not be close to this dotted line. You do want the background and other design elements to extend into this area. If your design has a background, do not add a border in the print bleed.
How to save your file for printing
Once your design is done, you can now save it for printing. Click on the Share button at the top right and then click on Download. The menu will change to give you download options. Change the File Type to PDF Print and then put a checkmark next to Crop Marks and Bleed. This will ensure your design is downloaded with the appropriate bleed for printing. You can leave the Color Profile set to RGB as we will take care of the color for you. Now you can click on Download and send us your file.
Another Option for sending us your file
You can also share your design with us so we can make necessary tweaks or even download a vector file. Click on the Share button in the top right and look for Collaboration Link. Click on the dropdown menu under that and choose Anyone with the Link. On the next dropdown menu, choose Can Edit. Now you can click on the Copy Link button and send that link to us.
