Crop marks generator
Enter the finished size and bleed, preview the trim area, and download an SVG with crop marks. Then send the artwork to a prepress check if the file itself needs work.
Artwork and bleed
The download contains crop marks only. The preview also shows the trim box. Always check your printer's bleed and mark requirements before sending the file.
What crop marks do
Crop marks (also called trim marks) tell the finishing team where to cut a printed sheet. They sit outside the trim area, with a small gap so they do not bleed into the artwork. The bleed area extends beyond the trim so small cutting differences do not leave a white edge.
For background reading, see the Wikipedia entry on crop marks and the article on bleed in printing.
Check the printer's specification first
There is no universal bleed value. Many printers ask for 3 mm or 0.125 in per side, but large-format, packaging and booklet jobs can differ. Use the number from the shop that will run the job, not a generic default.
When the tool is not enough
The generator gives you marks, not a production-ready file. If the artwork itself has low resolution, missing fonts, open paths or colour issues, the marks will not fix it. Send the file to our print-ready artwork service and we will check the whole file.
Common questions
What are crop marks?+
Crop marks are short lines outside the trim area that show the printer where to cut. They are not printed on the finished piece; they are guides for trimming after printing.
How much bleed should I add?+
A common starting point is 3 mm or 0.125 in on each side, but the printer's spec always wins. If your printer asks for a different bleed, use their number.
Can I send this SVG straight to a printer?+
The SVG is a clean starting point for marks, but a production file may also need the printer's page size, bleed setting, colour profile and output settings. If you are not sure, upload the artwork and we will check it.
Why are the marks outside the trim box?+
The trim box is the finished size. Marks must sit outside it so they are visible before trimming and disappear after the cut. The preview shows the trim box in red so you can see the difference.
Need the whole file checked?
Upload the artwork with its print size and printer requirements. We return a checked file and a delivery note.