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DebW1
Participating Frequently
November 10, 2010
Answered

How do I create a bleed for an irregular shaped vector?

  • November 10, 2010
  • 2 replies
  • 64656 views

I am trying to make stickers. I have created a few images (vectors), added cutlines but i have no idea how to add a bleed to the outer edge of the image to prevent "white space" when the printer cuts it out.

I am using CS2 and i am a noobie.

Please can someone point me in the right direction so i can send these images to the printer.

Thanks

Deb

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Monika Gause

You could use Object > path > Offset path

If you need trapping of different colors, see the menu in the pathfinder-palette. But you should talk to the printing people about trapping before you apply it.

2 replies

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steveclsn
Participant
September 13, 2018

Monika is correct in using Object > Path > Offset Path to achieve a nice even bleed of the background colour. Sometimes doing this to complex shapes will result in a bunch of overlapping lines, which you can use the Unite button on the Pathfinder pallet to clean up. If there are multiple vector shapes of different colours touching the cut line, you may need to use the white arrow tool to drag them over the cut line as well. Here's a link to an article about adding bleed to die cut images in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign.

[Self promoting link removed]

Monika Gause
Community Expert
Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 10, 2010

You could use Object > path > Offset path

If you need trapping of different colors, see the menu in the pathfinder-palette. But you should talk to the printing people about trapping before you apply it.

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    DebW1Author
    Participating Frequently
    November 10, 2010

    Hi there

    Thanks i will try your suggestion.

    My images are definitely different colours, for example a little girl with brown hair and a pink dress that needs to be cut out (or die cut) by the printer. Just out of interest what do you mean by "trapping"? I really am new to this. Sorry to be a pain.

    Deb

    Luke Jennings
    Luke Jennings
    Inspiring
    November 10, 2010

    Hi Jacob

    Thanks for the information, the first 2 were most interesting.

    I am going to be printing the image on white vinyl, and i don't really want there to be white edges if the printer's cutter is a little bit out. I was thinking it best to have a bleed around the outside to cover up any cutting errors.

    I would have thought that it was a normal thing to do, but i was obviously wrong. Not much info out there on how to do it using Illustrator.

    Deb


    I can confirm that printers use all three trapping methods suggested by Jacob, but in your case you need not worry about this, your printer will trap your vector art, if needed. One easy way to add bleed to to vector art with a cutline (AKA dieline) is to put the cutline on its own layer, then stroke the art so it extends past the cut line about .125"

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