A method for correcting an alignment of a cutting layer made up of stacked, sheet-format product in the form of sheets in relation to a cutting plane of a cutting blade of a cutting machine, and a cutting machine. The cutting machine has a feed saddle for displacing the cutting layer in the direction of the cutting plane of the cutting blade, wherein the feed saddle is adjustable in its alignment in relation to the cutting plane to change the alignment of the cutting layer pressing against the feed saddle in relation to the cutting plane. The respective sheet is provided with at least one cutting test mark, wherein the respective cutting test mark has a coloration changing in the feed direction of the feed saddle.