How to add a bleed to your custom sticker or label in Adobe Illustrator

Learn how to add bleed to your custom sticker or label design in Adobe Illustrator for print. This will help ensure your design prints correctly without any white space around the edges.

Adding a bleed to a standard shape is pretty easy, but it can get a little more complicated if you're working with die-cut shapes.

You can watch the tutorial below or read on for step-by-step instructions.

What is a bleed?

A bleed is the area beyond your cutline. We extend your design past the cutline to make sure it prints all the way to the edge of your stickers or labels - this helps prevent unwanted white borders when cutting.

Think back to when you were a kid - or think of your kids, nieces, or nephews.

When they color in a flower they want to cut out later, they might color outside the lines to make sure there won’t be any white gaps once they cut out their masterpiece.

That’s exactly what a bleed does. You can see that in the image below. The magenta line shows the cutline (it won’t be printed). We then extend the color of your design beyond that cutline to make sure you get a clean, even finish.

How to create a cutline for a custom-shaped design

Before you can add a bleed, you need to create a cutline for your design.

1. Start by creating the basic shapes for your cutline, e.g. a rectangle.
2. Then trace the outlines of your custom shape.
3. Unite the two into a single shape.
4. Use the offset path tool to create your outline.
5. Smooth it

We also have detailed step-by-step instructions and a video on how to add a custom cutline.

How to add a bleed to your custom design

Now that you have your cutline, it is super easy to add a bleed.

1. Select: “Object” > “Path” > “Offset Path”.
2. Set the Offset to 2mm to create an outline beyond your cutline.
3. Mask your shape to the bleed line by selecting both and clicking “Object” > “Clipping Mask” > “Make”

Export your artwork

Now it is time to export your artwork as a PDF.

Go to “File” > “Save as” and select “pdf” from the dropdown

You do not need to add trim marks or other marks because you have already created a bleed and cutline.

How to add a bleed to a rectangular design

Adding a bleed to a rectangular design is very simple.

When you create a new document, set it to your desired size and add a 2mm bleed.

This will create a red line outside of the artboard.

Here, you need to add trim lines when saving your design.

1. Select “File” > “Save as” > Choose “pdf”
2. Then go to “Marks and Bleeds” > tick “Trim Marks”

How to add a cutline to a rectangular design

You can also add a cutline to your rectangular design.

1. Add a rectangle
   
2. Put it on a new layer and name that layer “ThruCut” or “KissCut,” depending on the type of cut you want
   
3. Then save it as a PDF without adding trim marks, the cutline will be included in the exported design
   

I can’t add a bleed, what now?

No worries! If you can’t add a bleed, we’ll do it for you. Just upload your design to our site and we’ll take care of everything.

We’ll then send you a digital design proof that shows your bleed and cutline. You can approve it or request changes for free.