Proper margin and bleed settings help ensure your content prints cleanly and nothing important gets trimmed off. This guide outlines our recommended margin and bleed settings, including special considerations based on binding type.
Standard Margin and Bleed Settings
- Bleed: 0.125″ (1/8″) on all sides
- Page Size: Set to your final trim size (e.g., 8.5″ x 11″)
- Live Area (Safe Zone): Keep text and key graphics at least 0.25″ from the trim edge
Recommended Margins by Binding Type
| Binding Type | Recommended Inside Margin | Minimum Inside Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Coil (Spiral) | 0.75″ | 0.5″ |
| Saddle Stitch | Not required | — |
| Perfect Bind | 0.75″ | 0.5″ |
| 3-Ring Binder | 1″ | 0.75″ |
| Case Binding | 0.75″ | 0.5″ |
| Perforated Paper | 0.875″ | 0.625″ |
Why Margins Matter
Margins ensure your content stays readable and uncluttered. Larger margins on the binding edge provide space for holes, binding coils, or spine glue. Keeping important content within the live area prevents accidental trimming and improves your reader’s experience.
If you’re unsure what settings to use, or if your content includes full-bleed images, your Omnipress project manager can help review your file setup before production.