If you've used Adobe InDesign or Illustrator for print work, you might feel confused when setting up bleed in Print for Figma. You're not alone—we've heard from many users asking:

"We are a bit confused on how the bleeds work on this plugin. We are adding bleeds as we would do in Illustrator but the actual 'artboard' dimensions and the inside-the-bleed dimensions make no sense."

This confusion stems from fundamental differences in how these three tools approach bleed. Let's break it down step by step.

What is Bleed in Print Design?

Bleed is the extra area around your final print size that extends beyond the trim line. It's a safety margin that ensures:

Full-coverage backgrounds reach the edge after trimming
No white borders appear if the guillotine cuts slightly off-center
Colors and images extend past the final size

Standard bleed values:

3mm (0.125 inches) for most commercial printing
5mm (0.2 inches) for large format or demanding jobs

The key concept: Bleed is not part of your final product size—it's extra area that gets trimmed off.

👋 New to InDesign/Illustrator?

The next two sections compare Print for Figma to Adobe's professional design tools. If you haven't used InDesign or Illustrator before:

Option A: Skip to How Print for Figma Works → (recommended for beginners)
Option B: Keep reading to understand why the plugin has two modes (helpful context)

Already familiar with Adobe tools? The comparisons below will help you transition smoothly! ✓

How InDesign Handles Bleed

The Three-Layer Mental Model

InDesign uses a clear, professional print workflow with distinct layers:

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│   Bleed Area (3mm extension)        │  ← Extra safety zone
│  ┌───────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  Page Size (Final Trim)       │  │  ← Your final product size
│  │  210×297mm (A4)               │  │
│  │  ┌─────────────────────────┐  │  │
│  │  │ Margins (Safe Zone)     │  │  │  ← Text-safe area
│  │  │                         │  │  │
│  │  │   Your content here     │  │  │
│  │  │                         │  │  │
│  │  └─────────────────────────┘  │  │
│  └───────────────────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
     216×303mm (A4 + 3mm bleed)

InDesign bleed structure showing page size, bleed area, and margins

InDesign Workflow

Create Document: Set page size to final trim size (e.g., A4 = 210×297mm)
Set Bleed: Add 3mm bleed in Document Setup
Design: Extend background images/colors to the red bleed guideline
Export PDF: Choose "Use Document Bleed Settings"
- ✅ With bleed: PDF = 216×303mm
- ❌ Without bleed: PDF = 210×297mm

Key principle: Page size always equals final trim size. Bleed is optional extra space added during export.

How Illustrator Handles Bleed

The Flexible Artboard Approach

Illustrator is more flexible (and sometimes more confusing) because it's designed for both print and digital work:

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│   Red Bleed Guideline               │
│  ┌───────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │  Artboard                     │  │
│  │  210×297mm                    │  │
│  │                               │  │
│  │  Objects can extend           │  │
│  │  beyond artboard              │  │
│  │                               │  │
│  └───────────────────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Illustrator artboard with bleed guideline showing flexible approach

Illustrator Workflow

Option A: Traditional (like InDesign)

Create artboard at trim size (210×297mm)
Set bleed to 3mm in Document Setup
Extend objects to red bleed line
Export PDF with "Use Document Bleed Settings"
- PDF = 216×303mm

Option B: Pre-sized Artboard (common but non-standard)

Create artboard at trim size + bleed (216×303mm)
Set bleed to 0mm
Design knowing outer 3mm will be trimmed
Export PDF
- PDF = 216×303mm

The Problem for Users

Many Illustrator users mix these approaches:

Some create artboards at trim size + bleed
Others use trim size with bleed settings
Some don't set bleed at all and just make the artboard bigger

This creates inconsistent mental models when moving to other tools.

How Print for Figma Handles Bleed

Two Modes for Two Workflows

Print for Figma offers two bleed modes to support both InDesign-style and Illustrator-style workflows:

Mode 1: Expand (Recommended, Default)

Mental model: "I'm telling you my final trim size, please add bleed for me"

This matches the InDesign workflow:

You input:     210×297mm (A4 trim size)
Bleed setting: 3mm

Plugin creates:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│   Figma Frame: 216×303mm            │  ← Auto-expanded
│  ┌───────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │ TrimBox (slice): 210×297mm    │  │  ← Your input size
│  │                               │  │
│  │   Design area                 │  │
│  │                               │  │
│  └───────────────────────────────┘  │
│          3mm bleed all sides        │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Export PDF: 216×303mm (with bleed)

Expand mode visualization: input trim size, frame auto-expands with bleed

What happens:

Figma frame automatically becomes: 210 + 3×2 = 216mm wide
TrimBox (crop marks) positioned at: 210×297mm
Bleed area: 3mm extension on all sides

Best for:

Users coming from InDesign
Standard print workflows
When you think in "final product size"

Mode 2: Contain (Advanced)

Mental model: "My frame is already full-size including bleed, calculate the trim for me"

This matches the Illustrator "pre-sized artboard" workflow:

You input:     216×303mm (full size with bleed)
Bleed setting: 3mm

Plugin creates:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│   Figma Frame: 216×303mm            │  ← Your input (no expansion)
│  ┌───────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │ TrimBox (slice): 210×297mm    │  │  ← Auto-calculated
│  │                               │  │     (216-6 = 210mm)
│  │   Design area                 │  │
│  │                               │  │
│  └───────────────────────────────┘  │
│          3mm bleed all sides        │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Export PDF: 216×303mm (with bleed)

Contain mode visualization: input full size, trim calculated inside frame

What happens:

Figma frame stays: 216×303mm (no expansion)
TrimBox calculated as: 216 - 3×2 = 210mm wide
Bleed area: outer 3mm of frame

Best for:

Users coming from Illustrator
When your Figma frames are already sized "trim + bleed"
Advanced users with existing templates

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	InDesign	Illustrator	Print for Figma (Expand)	Print for Figma (Contain)
Input size means	Final trim size	Usually trim size	Final trim size	Full size (trim + bleed)
Bleed handling	Added externally	Red guideline	Auto-expand frame	Calculate trim inside
Frame/Page size	Always trim size	Varies by user	Trim + bleed + crops	Input size (unchanged)
TrimBox position	N/A (page edge)	N/A (artboard edge)	Equals input size	Input minus bleed
Export PDF size	Trim + bleed	Trim + bleed	Trim + bleed	Trim + bleed
Best for	Professional print	Graphic design	InDesign users	Illustrator users

Side-by-side comparison of Expand and Contain bleed modes

Visual Guide: What You See vs What You Get

Expand Mode Example

User's perspective:
"I want business cards at 90×50mm"

┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  What you INPUT:                 │
│  Width: 90mm                     │
│  Height: 50mm                    │
│  Bleed: 3mm                      │
│  Mode: Expand ✓                  │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
           ↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  What FIGMA CREATES:             │
│  Frame: 96×56mm                  │  ← Auto-expanded
│  ┌────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │ TrimBox: 90×50mm           │  │  ← Your cards
│  │ (crop marks here)          │  │
│  └────────────────────────────┘  │
│    3mm bleed on all sides       │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
           ↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  What PDF EXPORTS:               │
│  PDF size: 96×56mm               │  ← With bleed
│  Trim size: 90×50mm              │  ← Final cards
└──────────────────────────────────┘

Contain Mode Example

User's perspective:
"My frame is already 96×56mm (cards with bleed)"

┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  What you INPUT:                 │
│  Width: 96mm                     │
│  Height: 56mm                    │
│  Bleed: 3mm                      │
│  Mode: Contain ✓                 │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
           ↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  What FIGMA CREATES:             │
│  Frame: 96×56mm                  │  ← Unchanged
│  ┌────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │ TrimBox: 90×50mm           │  │  ← Calculated
│  │ (crop marks here)          │  │     (96-6=90)
│  └────────────────────────────┘  │
│    3mm bleed on all sides       │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
           ↓
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  What PDF EXPORTS:               │
│  PDF size: 96×56mm               │  ← With bleed
│  Trim size: 90×50mm              │  ← Final cards
└──────────────────────────────────┘

Key difference: Same PDF output, different input assumptions!

Decision Tree: Which Mode Should I Use?

START: Setting up a new print document
│
├─ Do you think in "final product size"?
│  (e.g., "I want A4 flyers" = 210×297mm)
│  │
│  YES → Use EXPAND mode ✓
│        Input: 210×297mm
│        Plugin creates: 216×303mm frame
│        Perfect for InDesign users
│
└─ Is your Figma frame already "product + bleed"?
   (e.g., frame is 216×303mm for A4 with bleed)
   │
   YES → Use CONTAIN mode ✓
         Input: 216×303mm
         Plugin calculates: 210×297mm trim
         Perfect for Illustrator users

When in doubt → Use EXPAND (default)

Common Scenarios Explained

Scenario 1: "I'm getting the wrong trim size!"

Problem: User inputs 210×297mm, expects frame to stay 210×297mm, but sees 216×303mm

Cause: Using Expand mode (default)

Solution: This is correct behavior! In Expand mode:

210×297mm = your final trim size ✓
216×303mm = frame with bleed added ✓
The TrimBox slice shows where cutting happens

Alternative: If you want frame = input, use Contain mode, but then:

Input: 216×303mm
Trim: 210×297mm (calculated)

Scenario 2: "My artboard dimensions make no sense"

Problem: User sees "Frame: 216×303mm" and "TrimBox: 210×297mm" and doesn't understand the relationship

Cause: Not understanding that frame ≠ final product when bleed is involved

Solution: Think of it this way:

Frame = the canvas you work on (includes bleed safety zone)
TrimBox = where the guillotine cuts (your final product)
Bleed = the space between them (safety margin)

This is exactly like InDesign's page + bleed structure.

Scenario 3: "Coming from Illustrator, nothing matches"

Problem: In Illustrator, user created 216×303mm artboards for A4 with bleed. In Print for Figma, inputting 216×303mm gives wrong results.

Cause: Using Expand mode with Illustrator-style input

Solution A: Switch to Contain mode

Input: 216×303mm (your existing frame size)
Bleed: 3mm
Trim: 210×297mm ✓ (auto-calculated)

Solution B: Change workflow to match InDesign

Input: 210×297mm (final trim)
Bleed: 3mm
Frame: 216×303mm ✓ (auto-expanded)
Use Expand mode (recommended for future projects)

Best Practices

For InDesign Users

✅ Use Expand mode (default)

Input final trim dimensions
Let plugin handle bleed expansion
Works exactly like InDesign Document Setup

InDesign:              Print for Figma:
Document: A4           Input: A4 (210×297mm)
Bleed: 3mm        →    Bleed: 3mm
Export w/ bleed        Mode: Expand ✓
Result: 216×303        Result: 216×303mm frame

For Illustrator Users

Option A: Adapt to InDesign workflow (recommended)

✅ Start thinking in "final trim size"

Create Figma frames at product size (not product + bleed)
Use Expand mode
Let plugin add bleed

Option B: Keep Illustrator workflow

✅ Use Contain mode for existing templates

Keep frames at full size (trim + bleed)
Plugin calculates trim automatically

For New Users

✅ Default to Expand mode

Easier mental model
Matches professional print workflows
Clear separation: input = final product size

⚠️ Only use Contain mode if:

Migrating from Illustrator with pre-sized frames
Working with existing templates sized "trim + bleed"
You understand the inverse calculation

Real-World Examples

Note: For a detailed business card walkthrough with visual diagrams, see the Visual Guide section above.

Example 1: A4 Flyer

Expand mode (recommended):

You: "I want A4 flyers"
Input: 210×297mm
Bleed: 3mm
Frame: 216×303mm (auto)
TrimBox: 210×297mm
PDF: 216×303mm
Printer trims to: 210×297mm ✓

Contain mode (if frame pre-sized):

You: "My frame is 216×303mm"
Input: 216×303mm
Bleed: 3mm
Frame: 216×303mm (unchanged)
TrimBox: 210×297mm (auto)
PDF: 216×303mm
Printer trims to: 210×297mm ✓

Example 2: US Letter Poster

Expand mode:

Input: 8.5×11 inches (Letter)
Bleed: 0.125 inches
Frame: 8.75×11.25 inches
TrimBox: 8.5×11 inches
PDF: 8.75×11.25 inches
Final poster: 8.5×11 inches

Contain mode:

Input: 8.75×11.25 inches
Bleed: 0.125 inches
Frame: 8.75×11.25 inches
TrimBox: 8.5×11 inches
PDF: 8.75×11.25 inches
Final poster: 8.5×11 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which bleed mode should I use? How does it compare to InDesign/Illustrator?

A: Use Expand mode (default) for 95% of cases

Expand mode = InDesign workflow:

Input your final trim size (e.g., 210×297mm for A4)
Plugin adds bleed automatically
Frame expands to include bleed
Perfect for: Most users, InDesign users, when unsure

Contain mode = Illustrator "pre-sized artboard" workflow:

Input full size including bleed (e.g., 216×303mm)
Plugin calculates trim inside
Frame stays same size
Perfect for: Migrating Illustrator templates, advanced users

Not sure? Use Expand mode ✓

Q: Do both modes export the same PDF?

A: Yes! Both modes export identical PDFs with bleed.

The difference is only in what your input dimensions represent:

Expand: input = trim (final product)
Contain: input = full size (trim + bleed)

The exported PDF always includes bleed in both cases.

Q: Why does my frame size not match my input?

A: You're in Expand mode (default)

Expand mode adds bleed around your input:

Input: 210mm → Frame: 210 + 3×2 = 216mm

This is correct behavior! Your input is the final trim size.

If you want frame = input, use Contain mode (but understand this changes what input means).

Q: Can I switch modes for an existing document?

A: Yes, but dimensions change

If you switch from Expand → Contain with same input:

Frame stays same size
TrimBox moves (becomes smaller)
Not recommended mid-project

Best practice: Choose mode at project start and stick with it.

Q: What if I don't need bleed?

Set bleed to 0mm in both modes:

Expand mode: Frame = Input (no expansion)
Contain mode: Frame = Input, TrimBox = Input
Both work identically with 0mm bleed

Bleed is always extra space beyond your final product size
Both modes export identical PDFs with bleed
The difference is input interpretation:
- Expand: "I'm giving you trim size" (like InDesign)
- Contain: "I'm giving you full size" (like Illustrator pre-sized artboards)
95% of users should use Expand mode (default)
Frame size ≠ final product size when bleed is involved (this is normal!)