What is the safe zone and how do I avoid cut-off artwork?
The safe zone is an inner margin, measured in from the trim edge, where all important content should sit. It works alongside bleed to make sure nothing important on your tag gets trimmed off.
What is the safe zone?
All important content — text, logos, and key design elements — should be kept inside this margin. Anything placed outside it risks being cut off or sitting awkwardly close to the edge.
Why does it matter?
Just like bleed accounts for slight movement during cutting, the safe zone protects your content from that same movement working against you. Text or logos placed too close to the trim line can end up partially cut, off-centre, or visually cramped.
Recommended safe zone
- Keep all text and logos at least 3mm inside the trim edge
- For folded or perforated tags, add extra margin around fold lines and perforations too
- Give a little breathing room even if content technically fits — it reads better once printed
Common mistakes
- Placing text right up against the edge of the artboard
- Centring content based on the bleed size rather than the trim size
- Forgetting the safe zone around holes, cords, or perforation lines
If your artwork is a little tight to the edge, don't worry — we'll flag it before printing so you can adjust if needed.
Quick summary
- The safe zone is the margin inside the trim edge for important content
- 3mm minimum is recommended for text and logos
- Extra margin is needed around folds, perforations, and holes
- We'll always check before printing