safe zone
Also known as: safe area · margin
The safe zone is the 0.125-inch buffer inside the trim line where text and important graphics should live, so cutter drift doesn't slice off anything readable.
Cutter drift can shift up to 1/16″ either direction. If you place text or logos within 0.125″ of the trim line, that drift can chop the top of a letter or shave a logo edge. The safe zone is a visual reminder: anything inside this margin survives the cut every time. Decorative backgrounds and bleed-out elements live OUTSIDE the safe zone (in the bleed); essential elements live INSIDE.