What are crop marks?

Crop marks, also known as trim marks or registration marks, are thin lines printed in the corners of a document to indicate where it should be trimmed after printing. They help ensure accurate and precise trimming, especially for designs that extend to the edge of the page.

Crop marks are essential for guiding the cutting process and ensuring that the final printed piece matches the intended design. They provide a visual reference for the printer or finisher to accurately trim the document to its finished size.

When preparing files for printing, it’s important to include crop marks along with bleed to ensure that the design extends beyond the trim edge and there are no white borders after trimming. This helps achieve a professional and polished look for the final printed piece.

In summary, crop marks are a critical element in the printing process, facilitating accurate trimming and ensuring that the printed material matches the intended design.