---
title: Print Specifications — Bleed & Trim Standards
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-09-26-didion-90216392.md
tags:
- print
- design
- specifications
- bleed
- trim
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# Print Specifications — Bleed & Trim Standards

Standard bleed and trim specifications used across client print collateral. These values apply to all printed marketing materials unless a vendor or project specifies otherwise.

## Standard Values

| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Bleed (per side) | 0.125" |
| Total trim (bleed × 2) | 0.25" |

The 0.125" bleed is applied on all four sides, resulting in 0.25" of total trim area around the finished piece. This is the industry-standard "safe" bleed for most commercial and quick-print vendors.

## When to Apply

- All print-ready PDFs exported for vendor submission
- Any file delivered to FedEx, Office Depot/Max, or similar print services
- Sell sheets, intro cards, recipe cards, and other flat collateral
- Files should be exported with crop marks and bleed settings enabled in the PDF export dialog

## Export Checklist

When saving a print-ready PDF from InDesign (or equivalent):

1. Choose **Adobe PDF (Print)** preset
2. Enable **Marks & Bleeds** — include crop marks
3. Set bleed to **0.125"** on all sides (or confirm it is already built into the document)
4. Confirm the finished document dimensions are correct *before* bleed is added
5. Save to a clearly labeled `/print/` or `/print-ready/` folder in the shared project drive

## Minimum Font Size

- Body and detail text: **10pt minimum** for legibility at print size
- 9pt is considered too small for general marketing collateral

## Vendor Notes

- **FedEx Office** — preferred vendor; note that weekend capacity is limited and files should be submitted before end of business Friday to avoid delays
- **Office Depot / Office Max** — acceptable backup option when FedEx is unavailable or turnaround is tight

## File Delivery

- Share print-ready PDFs via **Google Drive** link rather than email attachment (large file sizes)
- Notify the client via **text message** when files are ready, as email has proven slower and less reliable for time-sensitive print jobs

## Evidence

Confirmed and applied during the [[clients/didion/meetings/2026-04-05-marketing-materials-finalization]] working session. The designer confirmed 0.125" bleed on the 8.5×11 sell sheets matched the spec already used on the intro card and recipe card. Diana Henry (Didion) submitted files directly to FedEx following this standard.

## Related

- [[clients/didion/meetings/2026-04-05-marketing-materials-finalization]]
- [[knowledge/design/intro-card-design-guidelines]]
- [[knowledge/design/recipe-card-layout]]