Spec
Bleed
Extra design area extending past the trim line to prevent white edges on a cut transfer.
Definition
Bleed is design content that extends past the trim or cut line of a print, used to prevent white slivers showing at the edge after cutting. In transfer production, bleed is most relevant on pre-cut DTF orders and on patches where the design fills the patch shape edge to edge. Without bleed, slight registration variation at the cutter leaves an unprinted border. Standard bleed is 0.125 inch (3 mm) outside the final trim line. For artwork submitted on a transparent background where the cut follows the visible design edge, no bleed is required because the cutter traces the actual content shape.
Related Terms
Print-Ready File
An artwork file that meets all the technical specifications required to send directly to the production press.
Knockout
An area of a design where the white underbase is removed so the substrate color shows through the print.
Raised UV Patch
A heat-applied apparel patch decorated with layered UV cure passes to deliver embroidery-grade tactile height.