Life’s Lessons

Business cards are printed in columns on large sheets of paper with spaces between each card for cutting and separating them. This is similar to postage stamps, except that cards are cut in straight lines, not on dots. When cutting a card with lines or color that extends to its edge, the blade of the cutting machine actually cuts across color or text. If it was possible to make a smooth cut, this would not be a problem. However, cutting machines do not cut smoothly. So, white edges are invariably left on the card, making it look odd.

Bleeds are given in the card design itself to ensure that this does not happen. Bleeds are made by extending the lines or colors that are printed on the card, and the extension is made across the line where the card will be cut. Without this extra color at the edge, the cutting machine invariably leaves white edges on a color business card. Even a slight issue with cutting can leave white lines. Moreover, the cutting blade presses down on the paper and pulls it out, creating white lines. Making a good bleed prevents this from happening.

There are specific measurements for bleeds, which help automated cutting machines from different manufacturers follow a standard procedure. The measurements are usually kept between one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch.

Another problem is that the image on cards can shift from card to card or page to page. This is known as a bounce. While offset presses generally leave only a small bounce, cheaper copiers can create noticeable bounces. However, the good thing about bounces is that you never know there is an imperfection unless you keep two business cards side by side and compare. Since there is a slim chance that anyone will do that, bounces are not as big of a worry as bleeds.