Illustrator Script: Create Trim Marks with Any Bleed Width

👤 Who this is for:
Anyone who sometimes creates object-based trim marks

When you want to place trim marks as objects inside an artboard, Illustrator’s built-in feature only creates them with a fixed 3 mm bleed.
If you need a different width, you end up adjusting them by hand, which is tedious.

So,
I built a script that creates trim marks with any bleed width you want.
It also comes with a few handy extra features.

✅ Features

• Generate trim marks with any bleed width you specify
• Also generates guides at the same time (can be toggled on/off)
  • Bleed
  • Trim (finished size)
  • Safe area (offset value can also be specified)

✅ More details

Mask support

When you select an object with a clipping mask applied, the trim marks are generated based on the bounds of the clipping mask.

Layer management

If layers named “Trim Marks” or “Guides” already exist, the script reuses them to prevent layer clutter. If those layers are locked, a new layer is created automatically.

Other

• Stroke width is 0.3 pt
• Registration color is applied automatically (falls back to 100% of each CMYK channel)
• Line caps are set to butt and corners to miter

▶️ How to use

1. Select the object you want to add trim marks to
2. Run the script
3. Enter settings such as bleed width
4. Trim marks / guides are generated

💻 Requirements

Illustrator CC 2020 or later (verified on 2025)