Bleed is more than a page box
A PDF can have a bleed box while the artwork itself still stops at the trim edge. Production needs actual artwork beyond the trim to avoid white edges after cutting.
PDF print guide
Add Bleed to PDF
Add bleed to PDF requests are common when a file reaches the print shop without artwork extending past the trim edge. The right fix depends on whether the design has enough background or image area to extend safely.
See file fix pricing guideWhen to send it back
If the edge contains important photos, patterns, or text, stretching the artwork may create visible defects. In that case, the customer or designer should revise the source file.
When to charge
Adding bleed, extending backgrounds, rebuilding missing margins, and re-exporting files are billable prepress tasks for many shops.
Related free tools
Image Resolution CheckerCheck pixel size, target print size, effective PPI, and print quality risk.Image DPI CheckerRead image dimensions and calculate useful DPI for printing.Print Size CalculatorFind the largest print size for 300, 200, and 150 DPI output.Print-Ready PDF CheckerReview the file checks a print-ready PDF needs before handoff.