Bleed, Safe Area and Crop Marks Explained | Valenna

Bleed, Safe Area and Crop Marks Explained

Bleed extends backgrounds beyond the trim. The safe area keeps important content away from the trim. Crop marks show a cutting position. They are three different controls, and the product's own file rules override the general values here.

📏 The three controls

ControlWhat it doesTypical value
BleedExtends colours, photographs and patterns beyond every finished edge so a normal cutting movement leaves no white sliverAbout 3 mm, only where the product requires it
Safe areaKeeps names, logos, QR codes and essential text away from trimming, hole punching and binding movementAt least 10 mm inside the finished edge, unless the product gives a different rule
Crop marksShow where to cutDo not add them unless the product explicitly asks. We create the cutting layout

📘 Product rules

  • Custom notebooks and planners: no bleed, in any size. Supply every page, covers included, at the exact finished size (an A5 notebook is 148 × 210 mm). We print directly onto cover and interior stock cut to the finished size, so nothing is wrapped or hidden. Backgrounds can run to the edge. 10 mm safe area. See do I need bleed on my custom notebook or planner?
  • Flyers: ask for 3 mm bleed and a 3 mm inner safe margin.
  • Envelopes: their own 30 mm safe zone and no bleed.
  • Stickers: files must not contain a customer-created cutline.
⚠️ Warning: we do not check files before printing, so make sure your file follows the rules for the product you are ordering. See does Valenna check my artwork?

❓ Frequently asked questions

Is the 10 mm margin the same as bleed?

No. The margin is a safe zone inside the page. Bleed is extra artwork outside it.

👉 Related guides and next steps