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5.8 Marks

The Marks module generates cut marks aligned to the Layout grid slots of the main template (first dataset column). Use it when output is intended for physical cutting and alignment consistency matters.

Marks are defined in the first header cell (same place as Page{} and Layout{}), for example:

{A4}.L{p=3x3 g=2}.M{ mk_style len=[3 2] d=2 }

5.8.1 Slot-Based Behavior

This behavior explains why marks remain correct even when pages, gaps, or offsets change.

Marks are generated per slot (per placed instance in the grid), using the transformed bounding box of the main template for that slot.

This means:

  • Marks follow the real grid placement (including gaps, offsets, page breaks, rotations, etc.).
  • Marks are not tied to a specific template column; they follow the main layout slots.

5.8.2 Syntax

The syntax is short, but each parameter controls a different geometric aspect of cut lines.

Marks{ style len distance border layer }

Shorthand:

M{ ... }

Elements inside {} are space-separated. Lists are written in [] and are space-separated.

5.8.3 Default Parameter (Style)

Style controls visual appearance, not mark geometry. It is resolved from existing SVG elements.

The default parameter of Marks{} is the style id. This means style= can be omitted:

.M{ mk_style len=3 d=2 }

is equivalent to:

.M{ s=mk_style len=3 d=2 }

Style Sources

A style id (s=) references an SVG element by ID:

  • If the ID refers to a single element (path/shape), its stroke-related style is copied to the generated mark paths.
  • If the ID refers to a group (<g>) containing multiple child paths, it is treated as a style stack. The mark geometry is generated multiple times, each copy receives the style of one child, and the result is layered.

If no s is provided, a default style from preferences is used.

5.8.4 Length (len=)

Length controls how far marks extend outside and inside slot edges.

len= defines the length of the mark segments.

Rules:

  • Scalar: len=3 means external length = 3, internal length = 0.
  • Two-value list: len=[out in].

If the layout uses offsets (staggered grids), a scalar len=3 is treated as [3 3] to keep internal marks visible.

5.8.5 Distance to Card (d=)

Distance is the gap between the card edge and the start of the external mark segment.

d= sets the distance between the card edge and the external mark origin.

Default: d=2.

d follows the same list grammar as border in Fit/Page:

d=[2 3 4 5] -> top, right, bottom, left

5.8.6 Border Pattern (b=)

Border offsets let you fine-tune mark placement against bleed/margin strategies.

b= defines the cut-mark border offsets using the same conventions as borders in Fit/Page.

Default: b=0.

5.8.7 Output Layer (layer=)

Separating marks into a dedicated layer helps review, export, and printer handoff.

layer= defines the target Inkscape layer where marks will be inserted.

Default: layer=marks.

If the layer does not exist, it is created.

Example:

.M{ layer=cutmarks }

5.8.8 Scope

This section documents current implementation limits to avoid false expectations.

The scope= parameter is documented but not implemented in the current engine. Marks are always generated on the front pass.

5.8.9 Examples

Basic cut marks with default style

{A4}.L{p=3x3 g=2}.M{}

Using a style element

{A4}.L{p=3x3}.M{ mk_cut }

Overlay style using a group

{A4}.L{p=3x3}.M{ mk_cut_stack len=[3 2] }