The invention relates to a method for detecting the transverse position of at least one sealing section (1, 2) on a packaging material (4), in particular a film wrapping, and/or the transverse position of the packaging material (4), wherein the packaging material (4) is displaced along a running direction (L), wherein the transverse position of the at least one sealing section (1, 2) or the packaging material (4) relative to the running direction (L) is detected by means of at least one sensor unit (5). The packaging material (4) comprises at least one cursor (7) by means of which the transverse position of the at least one sealing section (1, 2) or the packaging material (4) transverse to the running direction (L) is detected, wherein the shape of the cursor (7) changes with respect to a direction running in particular transverse to or at an angle to the running direction (L), wherein said change is detected by the sensor unit (5) and the transverse position of the packaging material (4) or the at least one sealing section (1, 2) is determined by means of the change.