Print Bleed and Safe Area Explained
Print Bleed
Print bleed refers to the extension of content beyond the actual dimensions of the print area to ensure a seamless edge. To accommodate print bleed, an additional 72 pixels are removed from each dimension (36 pixels from each side, based on a 300DPI image). This means that 36 pixels from each side of your uploaded images may be cut off. If your image is 900DPI, then the bleed area for each side increases to 108 pixels (3x36px). This industry-standard practice allows for edge-to-edge printing without inconsistent white gaps.
Safe Area
The Safe Area is delineated by a red dotted line and accounts for 36 pixels on each side for a 300DPI image. It’s crucial to keep text and other vital elements of your design, image, or photo within the Safe Area to avoid them being trimmed during production. Content outside the safe area might be cut off. Rest assured, everything inside the safe area will remain intact. Note that the red dotted line is only a guide for your reference and will not be printed.
Key Takeaway
In essence, ensure that all essential elements you want printed are inside the red dotted lines. There’s a slight chance that anything between the yellow border and red dotted line may be trimmed during production.
Playing Card Bleed Area Specifications
Poker Size Cards
- Printed size: 2.5″ x 3.5″
- Minimum upload size: 822 x 1122 pixels (300DPI)
Bridge Size Cards
- Printed size: 2.25″ x 3.5″
- Minimum upload size: 747 x 1122 pixels (300DPI)
Large Size Cards
- Printed size: 3.5″ x 5.75″
- Minimum upload size: 1122 x 1797 pixels (300DPI)
Tarot Size Cards
- Printed size: 2.75″ x 4.75″
- Minimum upload size: 897 x 1497 pixels (300DPI)
Trump Size Cards
- Printed size: 2.45″ x 3.95″
- Minimum upload size: 804 x 1251 pixels (300DPI)
Mini Size Cards
- Printed size: 1.75″ x 2.5″
- Minimum upload size: 597 x 822 pixels (300DPI)
Micro Size Cards
- Printed size: 1.25″ x 1.75″
- Minimum upload size: 447 x 597 pixels (300DPI)
Domino Size Cards
- Printed size: 1.75″ x 3.5″
- Minimum upload size: 597 x 1122 pixels (300DPI)
2″ Square Size Cards
- Printed size: 2″ x 2″
- Minimum upload size: 672 x 672 pixels (300DPI)
3.5″ Square Size Cards
- Printed size: 3.5″ x 3.5″
- Minimum upload size: 1122 x 1122 pixels (300DPI)
Business Size Cards
- Printed size: 2″ x 3.5″
- Minimum upload size: 672 x 1122 pixels (300DPI)
Circle Size Cards
- Printed size: 3.5″ x 3.5″
- Minimum upload size: 1122 x 1122 pixels (300DPI)
Hex Size Cards
- Printed size: 3.25″ x 3.75″
- Minimum upload size: 1182 x 1047 pixels (300DPI)
