Cover · C-BLEED

Missing bleed or artwork does not reach bleed edge

Bleed is required for your paperback settings, but the artwork or background does not extend to the full bleed boundary.

Error: Missing bleed or artwork does not reach bleed edge
Category: Cover
Severity: error
Auto Repair: Not automatic
Rule ID: C-BLEED
Affected: KDP=reject, Apple=unknown, Google=unknown, Kobo=unknown

Why this happens

• Export used trim size without the extra bleed margin.
• Background stopped at the trim guide instead of the outer bleed guide.
• White or empty margins left around a full-bleed image.
• Design tool bleed setting disabled when packaging for KDP.

How platforms treat it

How Cermify detects it

1. Confirm bleed is enabled in the cover configuration.
2. Check whether upload metadata indicates artwork extends to bleed.
3. Compare canvas size to trim+bleed expectations.
4. Flag missing bleed extension as C-BLEED.

Automatic repair

Guided only. Automatic edge cloning can smear or repeat pixels; extend backgrounds in the source design tool and re-export.

Manual fix

1. Turn on bleed guides for the KDP template (typically 0.125 in per outer edge).
2. Extend backgrounds and edge imagery past trim to the bleed line.
3. Keep critical text inside the safe zone (see C-SAFE).
4. Export the full wrap including bleed and revalidate.

Examples

Bleed artwork must reach the outer bleed boundary.

Incorrect

Canvas = trim only; background stops at trim
extendsToBleed = false

Correct

Background fills to outer bleed edge
Full wrap includes 0.125 in bleed on outer sides

FAQ

Is bleed required for every KDP paperback?

If you choose a bleed-required workflow or full-bleed art, yes. Follow the template KDP provides for your trim.

Can I add bleed by scaling the whole cover up?

Scaling can distort spine width and safe zones. Prefer extending edges on a correctly sized wrap template.

Does C-BLEED apply to ebook covers?

This rule targets print full-wrap covers. Ebook front covers use a different asset path.

Related errors

• Full wrap size does not match trim + spine + bleed
• Text or critical art outside the safe zone
• Front-only cover uploaded where full wrap is required

References

• KDP paperback bleed requirements
• Cermify cover engine — C-BLEED