---
title: "Bleed | Printing glossary | IN TEMPO"
description: "The part of an image or solid colour that extends beyond the trimmed size and is cut away. Without it, the slightest drift of the guillotine leaves a white sliver along the edge."
url: "https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/fond-perdu/"
lang: "en"
---

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# Bleed

Also called Bleed area

The part of an image or solid colour that extends beyond the trimmed size and is cut away. Without it, the slightest drift of the guillotine leaves a white sliver along the edge.

![Diagram of bleed on a book page: the image runs past the trim line, the text stays inside the safe area. Without bleed, a white sliver shows at the edge after trimming.](https://www.intempo.fr/diagrammes/en/bleed.png)

Bleed, trim line and safe area, on one page. Diagram: IN TEMPO, licence [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en). [Reuse this diagram](https://www.intempo.fr/en/reutiliser-nos-schemas/)

## In practice

The printer states how much to allow, often 3 mm, and more for a hardback cover that wraps round the boards. The rule also runs the other way: text or a logo too close to the edge may be clipped, so keep a safe area inside the trim. On the proof, check against the crop marks rather than the screen.

## Related terms

- [CMYK printing](https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/quadrichromie/)
- [Printer’s proof](https://www.intempo.fr/en/glossaire/bon-a-tirer/)

## Frequently asked

[What is bleed, and why do printers ask for it?](https://www.intempo.fr/en/questions-frequentes/#qu-est-ce-qu-un-fond-perdu)

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