Are bleeds and margins still relevant to online comics?

[akitsukino]

You remember those fancy blue line comic art boards?

I used to love drawing on those because I felt like a “real” comic artist. But now that I’m trying to do digital stuff, I’m not sure if I should worry about these. When I make pages on paper I’ll add a 1/2 inch margin on the edges of the page just out of habit, but not real practicality. The only software I know of that even does this is Clip Studio Paint.

But since I’m not really printing, should I even worry about this part?

[SleepingPoppy]

I think many creators like to have things set up for print just in case, even if they have no real intention to print anything. But yeah, if you're only interested in things being digital, there's no obligation.

[Kura]

I know I would use them when I started out, cause when I got to the edge of the canvas my brushes would fk up. (pressure sensitivity would stop working and for whatever reason it would hug the edge of the canvas making big thick lines, cleaning that up was a pain in the ass)

That's probably something that doesn't happen anymore due to program updates and all that, but at this point it's become a habit so I still use them.

Habit and I guess 'just in case' since a lot of my readers keep asking if/when I'm going to print my comics. I don't have the finds for that or the skills for a kickstarter though but you know... maybe one day the fans will get their printed copies.

[hjfsdh2222]

Well infinite canvas(“the preferred format”) is all about not being constrained so:3

[orchidesyl]

Considering many webcomic creators care about keeping comics online and in digital format strictly, i doubt something like that is used.

Originally, templates like that were used for traditional comics/manga pages that were going into print, and required sections for trim, bleeds, and safe areas.

Personally, I don't use that specifically, but I always reserve space for trim, bleed, and whatever I want to be protected if or when I put my comic into print.

In reference to your quote saying it makes you feel like a real comic artist, I think that's great of you! It's good into getting into the technical aspects of things that are fun for you. Have a nice day!

[monotone_ink]

When regarding the typical webtoon format of vertical scrolling and very separate panels, I don't imagine many artists would be using such a template.

However, those that are doing the regular page by page format will find benefit from using such a template - it leaves the option for printing much more open.

[silverraven0]

When I draw with the traditional format (per pages), I still considering the margins although its not making any difference if you uploaded it online.

[zigmenthotep]

No, bleed, trim, and safe/live area (and ppi technically) are not relevant to online comics. However, they become relevant if you ever want to print them, in which case I guess you really only have a problem if you have full bleed elements. Of course this really only pertains to full-page formats.
Personally, I always do my full-page comics to print specifications just to be on the safe side. basically comes down to an issue of trimming is easier than expanding.