Artwork Setup
Printing References
There is no printer in the world that will print to the edge of paper consistently. Because of this, business cards, signs, and other print designs require a safety line, trim line, and bleed line.
Safety Line
When you’re designing business cards, the vital information to your business card is placed within the safety line. A safety line ensures that no matter how much margin of error occurs with the printer, your business card will come out as you want it.
The safety lines are 3.25″ x 1.75″
Cut Line
The cut line is the line that we cut along to cut each card out. It is probable that what is between your cut line and safety line will be printed onto your cards, but not 100% guaranteed, which is why this border should be an extension of the edge of your safety line.
The cut lines are 3.5″ x 2″
Bleed Line
Because of the margin of error in printers, the bleed line is an extension following the trim line. It ensures that your border will look consistent, no matter to what degree the printer is off by.
The bleed lines are 3.75″ x 2.25″
Best practice when it comes to sign design is to not have vital information on opposing sides within 0.25″ of the border. Signs should be produced with bleed as well.
Colour Matching with Pantone Reference Number
When printing in colour, there are several factors that can affect the colour that comes out. Some of these factors include temperature and humidity. When we print business cards, or other marketing materials, we use pantone reference numbers to ensure the consistency of colour in your printed material.
For a full pantone reference chart, please click here.
*Disclaimer: actual colours may vary slightly once printed, due to properties of the materials.