What are registration marks used for in printing?

Registration marks are essential in the printing process as they ensure that different layers of colors align accurately during printing. They are small crosshair or target-like symbols placed outside the edges of a design. As each color is printed separately, these marks help to coordinate and align the overlapping colors precisely, avoiding any misregistration that could lead to blurry or uneven prints.

By having these marks, printers can visually check alignment and make necessary adjustments during the print run, resulting in high-quality printed materials where colors are crisp and details are well-defined. The purpose of registration marks is not to create textures or patterns, serve as a logo, or determine sizes, but specifically to maintain color fidelity and accuracy in overlapping designs.