1. Marginal Margins

Text or graphics placed too close to outside margins run the risk of being trimmed off during bulk trimming. Outside margins measuring less than the recommended 1/8" minimum as shown on our templates, run the risk of appearing uneven when trimmed in bulk. Templates are available for almost any item you can print with us, and each one shows the recommended minimum margin and bleed in relation to trim or die lines. With six different file types to choose from, it's very easy to download a template to build your document correctly from the beginning. Just remember to remove it before sending in your final file.

• Smaller Documents: Outside margins on small documents, such as business cards, tickets, etc., should be a minimum of 1/8". Increase margins to 1/4" for slightly larger items such as postcards and invitations. Documents such as door hangers and similar die-cut items benefit from margins of 1/4 to 3/8 inches.
• Larger Documents: Outside margins on larger documents should be increased in proportion to their size. Brochures and rack cards benefit visually from margins of 1/4" or more. Increase the margins for posters and banners accordingly.
  Envelopes & Small Spot Color Documents: Full Color or Process Color envelopes require a 3/8" clear margin at the top of the envelope for the press to grip the envelope. Most spot color documents, such as forms, invitations, letterhead, etc., require a 3/8" clear border at the top for the press to grip the paper. Spot color envelopes also require a 3/8" border at the top for a gripper. Envelope designs requiring full bleed on all sides have to be printed on larger flat sheets that are then converted into envelopes afterwards, so please specify this when placing your order as both prices and turnaround are greater.

2. Thin Borders on Trim Lines

A thin rule border along the trim of the document is virtually impossible to print and trim consistently, so we do not guarantee the outcome of such a design. If your document must have a continuous color border, please provide 1/8" minimum inside the trim plus 1/8" bleed outside the trim. If you use a ruled box to visualize the size of your piece while creating it, please remove the box before submitting the final file so it doesn't print.

3. No Crop Marks

The only real instance where having no crop marks is an issue is if a smaller document is placed within a larger document making it difficult to determine where to trim the final art. For example, if one or more business cards without backgrounds were to be submitted floating on an 8.5 x 11 with no trim marks, it would be difficult to tell where to trim them. The best solution is to make the document size equal the intended trim size and to add 1/8" bleed on all sides as needed. See Basic Layout Requirements: #1.