The “CR” (Content Credentials) pin appears in the corner of your exported image because Photoshop is configured to burn a visible indicator badge directly into the image canvas upon export. Unlike the invisible C2PA cryptographic container embedded in your file headers, the visible “CR” mark is a visual watermark designed to signal to viewers that the image contains verifiable provenance, authorship data, and edit history on Adobe Verify.
Fast Fix
To remove the visible “CR” pin from future exports without losing your cryptographic provenance, open Window > Content Credentials in Photoshop, click the Settings gear icon, locate Visual Mark / Pin, and set the toggle to Off. Then re-export your image using File > Export > Export As.
Contrast: Visible Pin vs. Cryptographic Metadata
Understanding the difference between the visible watermark and the underlying manifest prevents accidental stripping of essential authentication data:
[Your Exported Image]
│
┌────────────────────┴────────────────────┐
▼ ▼
[Visible "CR" Pin] [C2PA JUMBF Manifest]
• Canvas-level graphic pixels • Encrypted binary file header
• Optional visual signal for viewers • Cryptographic digital signature
• Can be turned off freely • Contains real provenance data
• Has no cryptographic value • Survives without the visible pin
The visible pin itself does not contain authentication data; it is merely an icon indicating that metadata exists. Removing the pin does not harm your digital signature or alter your C2PA compliance.
Diagnostic Snapshot
| Attribute | Visible “CR” Pin | Invisible Content Credential |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Small “CR” icon in image corner | Completely invisible to human eyes |
| Location | Burned into the pixel array | Injected into binary metadata headers |
| Customization | Corner placement, size, opacity | Standardized C2PA assertion tree |
| Removal Method | Toggle off in panel settings | Disable Content Credentials globally |
| Impact on File Size | Negligible (<1 KB) | Tens of KBs to several MBs (see Why Content Credentials Increase Your File Size) |
Why Did the Pin Turn On Automatically?
The visible badge typically activates under specific conditions:
- Default Setting in Recent Photoshop Releases: When Content Credentials was updated from early beta to standard release, certain installation presets enabled the visible pin by default to promote content transparency.
- Enterprise Administration Templates: If you are working on an organization-managed computer, your enterprise administrator may have enabled visual watermarking policies to ensure all commercial assets carry brand authenticity markers.
- Web Widget vs. Burned-in Graphic: If you see the “CR” pin while viewing an image inside a web browser, it may not be burned into the pixels at all. Platforms that support the Content Authenticity Initiative dynamically overlay an interactive “CR” button on top of images when they detect an embedded C2PA manifest.
If the pin is absent when you actually want it displayed, review Why Your Export is Missing the “CR” Content Credential Pin.
How to Remove or Customize the “CR” Pin
Step 1: Disable the Pin in the Content Credentials Panel
- Open your project in Photoshop.
- Go to the top application menu and choose Window > Content Credentials.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner of the panel.
- Scroll down to the Visual Mark or Pin section.
- Set the toggle switch to Disabled (or uncheck Apply visual mark on export).
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Content Credentials Settings |
| |
| Visual Mark (CR Pin): |
| [ ] Apply visual mark on canvas <-- TOGGLE TO OFF |
| |
| If enabled: |
| Placement: [ Bottom Right v ] |
| Opacity: [ 50% v ] |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
Step 2: Confirm Settings in the Export Dialog
- Select File > Export > Export As…
- In the right-hand panel under Content Credentials, check the summary.
- Verify that Content Credentials: On is displayed, but Visual Mark: None is indicated.
- Click Export.
The resulting JPEG or PNG will have clean, unblemished edges while retaining its full cryptographic signature.
Step 3: Customizing the Pin for Agency Work
If you are required by a client or publication to keep the visible pin active, you can adjust its placement so it does not interfere with critical visual elements:
- In the Content Credentials settings menu, leave the visual mark toggle On.
- Change the Placement dropdown to your preferred corner:
- Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, or Bottom Right.
- Set the Opacity slider to a subtle level (e.g., 30% to 50%) to ensure it remains legible without distracting from the artwork.
Inspecting Assets After Pin Removal
After exporting your file without the visible pin, confirm that your cryptographic provenance remains intact:
- Go to How to Verify an Image Using the Adobe Verify Website.
- Upload the exported file.
- The platform should return a green confirmation status confirming valid digital signatures, author attribution, and edit history, verifying that the invisible manifest functions independently of the visible pin.
- For details on future watermarking standards, see The Future of Watermarking: Invisible vs. Visible Credentials.