Edge Bleed (Edge Printing) FAQs

One of the most talked-about design upgrades in the indie publishing world right now is printed edges. They can greatly enhance a book’s market appeal and perceived value, specifically in genres where visual and collectible aesthetics matter. The most common and print-friendly design is a solid-color printed on the page edges, but designs run the gamut from gradient edges to those featuring full illustrations.

While the terms edge bleed, edge printing, printed edges, and sprayed edges are sometimes used interchangeably, they mean different things from a manufacturing perspective. To produce this design aesthetic through a print-on-demand provider such as IngramSpark, you should treat it as edge bleed.

Here's an example of what it looks like when a file is designed with edge bleed:

Why consider edge bleed?

• Indicates Exclusivity: Printed edges signal a special edition or collector's item, for which readers are more willing to pay a premium.

  • Ideal for genres such as Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy, and Thrillers
• Makes Books Highly Photogenic: Readers on social media tend to prioritize visual appeal, and this can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) on something that's not only nice to look at, but also exclusive.
  • This is especially true of book series that feature printed edges—consistent edge designs across a series create visual continuity and a strong shelf presence.
• Giftability: Decorated edges help titles stand out online and in stores, and they can easily elevate a book into a desirable gift item.
  • Genres such as poetry, self-help, and cookbooks are ideal for such an enhancement.

What is edge bleed?

Edge bleed is a feature applied directly to the bleed area of a book’s interior pages (the bookblock) before the trimming and binding process. This method allows for visually a engaging design that appears on the edge of the pages when the book is closed. Note, edge bleed is created as a result of the file design and is not something unique to the manufacturing process.

When should I add this design?

Edge bleed is ideal for special editions, collector’s items, or limited releases. It enhances visual appeal and helps your book stand out both online and in stores, adding a unique, premium-quality touch.

Is there an additional fee for edge bleed?

Edge bleed is included in the per-page print cost of your book. However, if your edge design requires color, your book must be printed using a color printing option, which has a higher cost than black-and-white printing.

How is this different from sprayed edges?

Edge bleed utilizes the trimming of a book to expose a design and/or color that has been designed into the bleed component of a file. This process is managed in the same way as the rest of the book block printing and the image is revealed when the book is trimmed. In contrast, sprayed edges are done after the bookblock is printed and trimmed. Sprayed edges require a separate workflow, set of equipment, and raw material. IngramSpark does not offer sprayed edges.

What products support this option?

Any print book can be designed to contain edge bleed. We generally  recommend considering books with edge bleed as a special edition feature, meaning the list price can reflect a higher demand cost.

Does IngramSpark assist with creating these files?

Currently, we do not offer file creation or design services for edge bleed, but you can find a list of experts here. 

Shown below is one example of how a file can be designed to produce edge bleed. It's important to ensure that the image/color design includes a ¼-inch margin and a ⅛-inch bleed on the top, bottom, and outside edge, as illustrated in the example.