Understanding Bleed Grab your handKerchief and get for the waterworks By Richel Ray July 23, 2023 If you’ve dabbled in graphic design or printing, you’ve likely come across the term “bleed.” But what exactly is it, and why is it essential for achieving professional-quality prints? What is 3mm Bleed? In printing, “bleed” refers to the area of a document that extends beyond the trim edge. This extra space ensures that no unprinted edges appear in the final cut, accommodating any slight movement of the paper during trimming.