Crop marks are a small but important part of preparing artwork for print. While they’re often overlooked by people new to printing, they play a key role in ensuring your printed items are trimmed accurately and consistently.
Understanding what crop marks are — and when they’re needed — helps avoid uneven edges and unexpected results.
What are crop marks?
Crop marks are thin lines placed just outside the edges of your artwork. They show the printer exactly where the printed sheet should be trimmed to reach the final finished size.
They do not appear on the finished printed item — they are only used as a guide during the cutting process.
Crop marks are especially important when printing multiple items on a larger sheet, which is then cut down to size.
Why are crop marks important?
During printing, items are often produced on larger sheets of paper and then trimmed down. Crop marks provide a clear reference point so the trimming is accurate and consistent.
Without crop marks, trimming becomes guesswork, which can result in:
- Uneven borders
- Inconsistent sizing
- White edges appearing on some copies
- A less professional finish
Crop marks help ensure that every copy is cut in the same place.
When do I need crop marks?
You should include crop marks if:
- Your artwork includes bleed
- Colour or images run to the edge of the page
- The item needs trimming to a specific finished size
- You are supplying a print-ready PDF
In most professional print jobs, crop marks are recommended.
When crop marks may not be necessary
Crop marks are not always required if:
- The artwork already includes a white border
- Nothing runs to the edge of the page
- The document is not being trimmed
However, including crop marks when they’re not needed won’t cause problems — it’s usually better to include them than leave them out.
Crop marks and bleed work together
Crop marks and bleed are closely linked:
- Bleed provides extra artwork beyond the trim edge
- Crop marks show where the trim edge should be
Using one without the other can cause issues. For best results, always include both when colour runs to the edge.
How do I add crop marks?
Most design software, including InDesign, Illustrator and Canva, allows crop marks to be added automatically when exporting a PDF for print. Simply select:
- PDF for print
- Include bleed
- Include crop marks
Not sure if your file includes crop marks?
If you’re unsure, just send us your artwork. We’ll check whether crop marks and bleed are set up correctly before printing, helping to ensure your finished items look clean and professional.
