drawmark

Drawmark is a generic term used to describe marks created by drawing on a surface, or marks produced by drawing in digital media. The meaning of drawmark is not standardized and its precise sense varies by field.

In traditional arts and crafts, a drawmark refers to a light guideline laid down with pencil or chalk to plan composition, pattern placement, or seam allowances. Such marks are often removable and are used to help align components during work.

In printing and publishing, drawmarks may denote editor or designer annotations drawn on proofs to indicate changes. These marks are typically temporary and are erased or overwritten in the final production stage.

In digital graphics and image processing, drawmark can describe a drawn or overlaid mark used to identify ownership or authenticity, similar to a watermark, or an annotation added for review or collaboration.

Other uses occur in surveying, cartography, and crafts where drawmarks serve as guides or reference points during drafting, and may be removed in the final output.

The term draws from the general idea of marks produced by drawing, and its applicability depends on the context, the medium, and the intended permanence of the mark.

See also: watermark, annotation, guideline, crop mark.