In some examples, a print control strip includes at least one control patch configured as an element for color management. The element for color management may be configured to measure a color density and/or at least one spectral value and/or an area of coverage of individual printed printing colors. The print control strip further includes at least one control patch configured as a printing mark. The printing mark is configured for aligning a substrate in a transport direction and/or in a transverse direction. Additionally, the print control strip includes at least one control patch configured as a plate recognition patch. The plate recognition patch is configured to assign at least one printing color used to a printing plate and/or to an application mechanism and/or is configured for such assignment.